With the Women’s Euro fast approaching, which up-and-coming stars could make a name for themselves?
England will welcome some of the biggest names in women’s football to the European Championship this summer.
Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, Ada Hegerberg, Vivianne Miedema and Wendie Renard are just some of the stars who will grace stadiums across the country.
But who are some of the younger, up and coming talents who could be making a name for themselves this summer? sports post take a look…
Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas (left) and Ada Hegerberg (right) are just two of the stars who will grace stadiums across England for July’s UEFA European Championship tournament
But there are several younger newcomers who could shine on the continental stage – so sports post looks at the promising talents that can make a name for themselves this summer
Jule Brand – Germany
Position: midfielder
Age: 19
Club: Wolfsburg
The young midfielder scored and assisted within five minutes on her international debut last year and is already making a big impression. She is calm and controlled on the ball and has excellent sight and eye for goal.
Brand was the standout player for Hoffenheim last season and her performance earned her a move to Bundesliga champion Wolfsburg.
Germany is missing experienced midfielders Melanie Leupolz and Dzsenifer Marozsan for this tournament, which could give Brand a chance.
Jule Brand (above) could shine in Germany’s midfield this summer with some key players gone
Julie Blakstad – Norway
Position: winger
Age: 20
Club: Manchester City
The troublesome winger came to Manchester City in January after impressing in Norway’s top flight, scoring 17 goals in 35 appearances for Rosenborg.
Blakstad was mainly used as an impact player in the second half of City’s season, but showed a glimpse of the promise she has, with a stunning first goal against Leicester.
The Norwegian front three of Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen and Guro Reiten means she will likely be used off the bench at the European Championship, but there is a good chance she could make an impression this summer.
Sandy Baltimore – France
Position: Forward
Age: 22
Club: PSG
The attacker was named ‘best prospect’ after eight goals and ten assists in the 2020-2021 season.
Last year she endured a tougher campaign, but perhaps that was to be expected as PSG’s problems off the pitch hit the squad and the team adopted a new system.
The 22-year-old is part of a terrifying French attack alongside her PSG teammate Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Delphine Cascarino of Lyon. Baltimore is quick, direct, a brilliant dribbler and has an excellent throw.
Paris Saint-Germain’s French striker Sandy Baltimore (pictured above, right) was named as the ‘best prospect’ after scoring eight goals and 10 assists in the 2020-2021 season
Sveindis Jane Jonsdottir – Iceland
Position: winger
Age: 21
Club: Wolfsburg
The winger stood out in Wolfsburg’s run-up to the Champions League semi-finals and gave the Arsenal defense a stellar time in their quarter-final victory.
In addition to being fast, Jonsdottir’s strength makes it difficult for her to knock the ball off and she also has a few tricks up her sleeve. This will be her first international tournament and there is a good chance she can make a huge impact.
Wolfsburg couple Lena Oberdorf (left) and Sveindis Jonsdottir enjoyed breakout tournaments
Claudia Pina – Spain
Position: Forward
Age: 20
Club: Barcelona
The striker became Barcelona’s youngest ever player when she made her debut at the age of 16 and has stood her ground in one of the best teams in the world.
Pina, who can play in both midfield and attacking, scored 14 goals last season and provided 11 assists in 24 games.
She found it difficult to break into a competitive Spain team, with just four caps, but the absence of the injured Jenni Hermoso may offer Pina a chance to shine.
Spanish prodigy Claudia Pina could shine in Spain without the injured Jenni Hermoso
Kathrine Kuhl – Denmark
Position: midfielder
Age: 18
Club: Nordsjaelland
The central midfielder has already landed a starting spot for Denmark after making her international debut at just 17 years old. She also won the Danish Women’s Cup and was named player of the match in the final when she was still 16.
Kuhl is tipped for big things and this could be her breakthrough tournament. A strong performance could earn her a move to one of Europe’s top clubs.
Hanna Bennison – Sweden
Position: midfielder
Age: 19
Club: Everton
Her six-figure transfer to Everton last summer made her one of the most expensive players in the women’s game, but Bennison’s first campaign in England was disappointing.
However, this was mainly due to the Toffees making two managerial changes during the season and Bennison did show a glimpse of her talent with a sensational strike against Birmingham.
In a much better organized Swedish team and one of the favorites for the tournament, Bennison can show the potential she possesses.
Swedish midfielder Hanna Bennison’s six-figure transfer to Everton last summer made her one of the most expensive players in women’s football, but her first season was disappointing
Lauren Hemp – England
Position: winger
Age: 21
Club: Manchester City
The Norwich-born winger was by far Man City’s best player last season and her performance earned her a fourth PFA Young Player of the Year award. Hemp has pace to burn and scares fullbacks with her dribbling.
There is still room for improvement when it comes to crossing and finishing, but the youngster is one of the most exciting players at this tournament. She will be key if England are to make it to the final stages of the tournament.
Manchester City winger Lauren Hemp (right) has speed to burn and scares fullbacks with her dribbling – she will be key if England are to make it through the final stages of their home league
Lena Oberdorf – Germany
Position: midfielder
Age: 20
Club: Wolfsburg
Oberdorf became the youngest ever German player to play in a World Cup when she came off the bench at the age of 17 against China in 2019.
Three years later, she is a fixture for Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg and one of the best defensive midfielders in European football.
She will be tasked with breaking down Spain’s attacks in Germany’s final group stage match, but she will also strive to get her side higher up the field.
Melvine Malard – France
Position: Forward
Age: 21
Club: Lyon
Malard has already won the Champions League three times at the age of 21 and has two French titles to her name. With 16 goals and five assists, the attacker was one of Lyon’s best players last season and is entering this tournament in fantastic form.
There is plenty of competition in the attack from France, but Malard can certainly impress from the bench, if not in the starting line-up.
There is a lot of competition in the French attack, but Lyon star Melvine Malard (pictured above) can certainly impress from the bench this summer, if not in the starting line-up.