Footballers of African descent are some of the most promising talents that will be showcased at the Euro 2016 taking place in France from June 10.
Here is a glance at some of the stars to watch out for in a tournament that parade the best in the game of football.
Paul Pogba star player and France midfielder
France the host nation and the favourite to win the tournament has the most diverse team. Players like Paul Pogba and N’Golo N’Kanté are some of the best and most dynamic midfield players in Europe.
Pogba, Juventus midfielder is expected to be France’s team most versatile. Born to Senegalese parents and raised in Southern part of France. He grew up watching the likes of Zinedine Zidane and was inspired into professional football while he watched France conquer the football world in 2004 as a child.
N’Golo N’Kanté, France’s central midfielder
The central defender plays for Leicester City. He is Leicester Player of the Season. The 25-year-old was born in Paris to Malian parents.
N’Golo is a highly valuable player known for his consistently impressive displays for Leicester City. He is one of four Leicester players named in the PTA Team of the Year. In that same season, Leicester City won the Premier League Title.
Jérôme Boateng, Germany defender
The reigning World Cup champion, Germany, is the next strong contender after France, with a strong and versatile defender like Jérôme Boateng, opponents will find it difficult to penetrate the defence.
Jerome is Bayern Munich defender born to a German mother and Ghanaian father. An experienced member of the Germany team, he was part of the team that lifted the World Cup for the country in 2014.
Jerome, playing alongside Ozil and Muller, will present a huge threat to the rest of the football teams in Euro 2016 tournament.
Dele Alli, young and talented, England midfielder
This tournament presents the best opportunity for England to come up tops, with the crop of talented young players who displayed sterling performances during the qualifying matches.
Alli is one of the latest Premiership discoveries. The 20-year old defender has revered skills that can make any team great. Born to a Nigerian dad and a British mother in Milton Keynes, he is poised to display his rare talents in Euro 2016.
Alli is expected to pair excellently well with the new and vibrant assembly of players from the best premiership leagues in the world, EPL.
David Alaba, Austria
David Alaba is the star of the Austrian team. David holds Austria’s record as the youngest player to play for their senior national team. He currently plays professional football in Bayern Munich.
David Olatokunbo Alaba whose father is Nigerian and mother Filipino, played a successful role in the qualification campaign for the Austria national team in the continental championship.
Romelu Lukaku, Belgium
After a stunning performance at the 2014 World Cup, Belgians will undoubtedly surprise pundits with a crop of determined and rugged players like Romelu Lukaku.
Romelu Lukaku is a highly rated player with good qualities that will raise Belgium’s chances in this tournament. He has displayed extraordinary form for Everton FC this season.
