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5 best players from the UEFA U-21 European Championship

Germany were crowned the champions of the U-21 Euros

 

Poland hosted a successful U-21 Euro competition where the continent's next generation of stars fought for the coveted title. The tournament went Germany's way as a Mitchell Weiser header sealed the title for Die Mannschaft for the first time since 2009.

Spain were the favourites going into the final but the young side could not find a way past a solid German defence. 

The tournament turned out to be a roaring success with many emerging youngsters making their name on the world stage, meaning they are now on course to securing big money moves. England and Italy made it to the semifinals while Portugal scored the most goals in their group but failed to make it to the top four.

Also read: 5 world class players who first impressed at the U-21 European Championship

In this piece, we pick out the five best performers from the UEFA U-21 Euros conducted in Poland: 


#5 Julian Pollersbeck - Germany 

TYCHY, POLAND - JUNE 27: Julian Pollersbeck of Germany during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Semi Final match between England and Germany at Tychy Stadium on June 27, 2017 in Tychy, Poland.  (Photo by Lukasz Szelag/Getty Images)
The 22-year-old saved two penalties against England

 

The Hamburg custodian is considered one of the brightest talents to emerge from Germany in recent years and he proved that in the Euros with some stellar showings. Pollersbeck was brilliant with his feet in the entire competition and made some fine saves in Germany's run to the title. 

His best performance came against England in the penalty shootout where he saved two decisive spot-kicks to take his side home. Interestingly, Pollersbeck had hidden notes in his socks during the penalty shootout which he later revealed helped him make the saves.

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