Euro 2008: Ten Players to Watch Out For

So, the leagues are over for another season and with Euro 2008 just around the corner, we will all be predicting who is likely to win the tournament.

Clubs from around the world will be sending scouts to seek new talent, while managers can either bolster their reputation with victory or tarnish it with defeat.

Either way, it promises to be a great tournament with some of the Europe's finest talent on show. Here are some of the players who are sure to impress.

10. Luca Modric—Croatia

The midfielder, who can also double as a second striker, is regarded as one of the finest and promising young talents in the world at the moment.

In 2007 he was voted Player of the Year in the Croatian League for Dynamo Zagreb. Despite this, the playmaker was still relatively unknown until he played against England in a friendly and proceeded to dazzle us with silky passing.

If you still don't know him, you most likely will by the end of the tournament and realise why Spurs fans are so excited over their new signing.

9. Fabio Cannavaro—Italy

The 34 year-old World Cup-winner is still seen as one of the finest defenders in the game.

He proved this in the 2006 World Cup when he was probably the best player of the whole tournament.

Cannavaro, who stands only 5'9" tall, was named FIFA World Player of the Year thanks to his performances for Juventus and Italy that year. The feisty Italian played every minute of the World Cup and, as a result of his displays, the team only conceded two goals during the whole competition.

He also showed great experience and discipline, not once receiving a yellow or red card. Now with partner Alessandro Nesta retired, will Cannavaro be able to continue the form that earned him a move to Real Madrid and lead Italy to glory?

8. Luca Toni—Italy

The 31 year-old Italian seems to be in the form of his life, both for club and country.

First, he fired Bayern Munich to a league and cup double, scoring 24 goals in 31 appearances to finish as the league's top scorer and another 10 goals in nine appearances in the cup.

Although not prolific in the 2006 World Cup, he has hit a rich vein of goal scoring form in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, most memorably scoring both goals against Scotland in a 2-0 win in addition to scoring in the first minute of the second game at Hampden Park.

He will look to continue that form for the rest of the competition and fire Italy to glory.

7. Cesc Fabregas—Spain

The silky Spaniard received all the plaudits at the beginning of the season, cutting through defences effortlessly with smooth and effective passing.

As the key provider for frontman Emmanuel Adebayor, the Togolese striker proceeded to bang in goals from left, right, and centre for Arsenal.

Fabregas also added something new to his repertoire, scoring fantastic match-winning goals. 

Although he went off the boil after Christmas, Luis Aragones will no doubt know how important Fabregas can be to the national side. At only 20 years of age, this wont be Fabregas' last tournament, but this is his chance to step up and put in some performances to cement his place as a world-class midfielder.

6. Karim Benzema—France

Recently voted the best player in France, the 20 year-old Lyon striker has turned heads this season, and all the top clubs from around the world will be keeping an eye on the youngster.

This season he has been prolific in front of goal, scoring 20 times in 32 appearances, in turn leading Lyon to a league and cup double. He also celebrated his first International call-up by scoring two goals in the qualifiers. 

Benzema seemingly has it all: power, speed, positioning, and as most Manchester United fans will remember, the ability to score goals from out of nowhere.

Raymond Domenech will no doubt use Benzema a lot, especially as the striker is adept at playing as a central striker as well as on the wings. Like Fabregas, this won't be his last tournament, but it's his chance to showcase his skills and earn a transfer to one of Europe's elite.

5. Klass-Jan Huntelaar—Netherlands

Think of Huntelaar and one word should spring to mind: prolific.

The Ajax hitman scored 33 goals in 34 games for Ajax this season, and comparsions have inevitably been made to Manchester United legend and fellow countryman Ruud Van Nistlerooy.

The Dutchman made his debut against the Republic of Ireland in August 2006 and instantly repaid Marco Van Basten with two goals and two assists. A lot of clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid - who are both strongly linked with him, will be keeping an eye on him during this tournament.

Although not blessed with pace, he is a natural poacher and has good heading ability. At only 24 years of age, he admits he wants to impress and move on from Ajax.

"It's a nice tournament to show yourself," he's said. And with his natural talent, he promises to be a big hit.

4. Michael Ballack—Germany

No need for introductions with this player. A lot of people had thought when he went through a bad patch with Chelsea last year, with injuries, lack of form, and absence from the team, that Ballack had only moved to Chelsea from Bayern to raise his bank balance instead of his reputation.

How he has proved everyone wrong this season. No more injuries, in some of the best form of his life as well as one of the first names on the Chelsea team sheet, he has overshadowed Frank Lampard and bossed the midfield in almost every game he played.

Germany's hopes will be boosted by his experience, physical presence and knack for scoring goals. If anyone will lead Germany to the trophy, Ballack will.

3. Franck Ribery—France

Perhaps going unnoticed to a certain extent, Ribery is regarded by many as one of the top-five midfielders in the world. Many say he goes un-noticed because of the lack of coverage and commercialism of the Bundesliga, but one thing is for sure: Ribery is quality.

The French winger, who joined Bayern Munich at the start of last season, drove them to a league and cup double through dazzling displays of speed, passing, and goal scoring.

In 26 appearances for the club he has notched 11 goals and also a glut of assists to his name.

With one goal and six assists already in the the qualifiers, he promises to light up the tournament. Named Player of The Year in the Bundesliga, don't be surprised to see his name in the team of the tournament, whether or not France find glory in Euro 2008.

2. Fernando Torres—Spain

Torres, although a world class talent with Athletico Madrid, never proved prolific in front of goal with a scoring average of only 15 goals per season.

That was until Rafa Benitez took him to Liverpool, where has become arguably the best striker in the world.

Pace, power, skill, and absolutely fearless, every defence should worry about this man. He can score goals from anywhere, and can leave you standing in awe at the same time.

His partnership with David Villa for Spain is one of the most lethal in the world, and service to the strikers will no doubt be top notch due to the presence of Fabregas and Xavi in midfield amongst others.

With 32 goals in 40 appearances for Liverpool and 15 in 46 for the national side, even Italy's defensive rock Cannavaro should be afraid of "El Nino".

1. Cristiano Ronaldo—Portugal

What to say about this man? Few can dispute that the title "Best Player in the World" is going to waste on Ronny.

The Manchester United starlet is improving year by year, game by game, adding something new to his array of talents all the time.

He is blessed with it all: Blinding pace, strong upper body, capable of shooting with both feet, a unique free kick, and, as proven in the Champions League final, fantastic in the air too.

Some say he doesn't turn up in big games; well, this is Ronaldo's chance to prove all the critics wrong once again.

After 42 goals this season, no one can argue that all eyes are on him to continue his fantastic club form into Euro 2008 and cement his place among the greats.

With 20 goals in 54 appearances for Portugal, expect him to be a firm favourite for the Golden Boot to add to every other award he has swept in this season. At least Rooney won't be about for any more "winking" incidents...