Euro Cup 2012: Danny Welbeck and Other Important Young Players to Watch

One of the best parts of watching international competition is seeing young players take the next step to greatness. At this year's Euro Cup, you'll get a chance to do just that. 

Sure, stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Silva and Robin van Persie will take center stage, but the real intrigue lies within the young players who will simply serve as the perfect role player and help his country win games. 

Below is a look at what young players will fill that role in Poland and Ukraine. 

Danny Welbeck, England

Wayne Rooney, England's goal-scoring master, has been suspended for the first two games of group play against France and Sweden.

That means if England, which also has to deal with host nation Ukraine in Group D, has any chance of making it to the quarterfinals, someone up front will have to step up and score some goals. 

Just like at Manchester United, the person to step up in Rooney's absence will be 21-year-old forward Danny Welbeck. But that's a little easier said than done.

Welbeck has appeared in just four games for England's main squad, and he's started just one of those. Additionally, he's yet to score and has only take one shot, which wasn't on target.

When it comes to international competition, Welbeck is raw in every sense of the word. Nonetheless, it's hard to argue against Welbeck's talents.

The young forward not only can score goals, but he's an effective passer who can play short passes in small quarters and even dump off nice through balls. He's going to be very important without Rooney, but he'll continue to serve a purpose even when the suspended star comes back. 

Yann M'Vila, France

Since finishing second in the 2006 World Cup, the French have been awful, as they have been eliminated in the group stages at both the 2008 Euros and 2010 World Cup.

If they want to make it past the group stage this year, some of the young players will have to step up. One such player is Yann M'Vila.

The Rennes midfielder has been making noise this spring because of the supposed interest (although it may not be true) from Arsenal.

Whether he's making a move to the EPL or not, M'Vila is still a very talented midfielder. He won't be scoring a ton of goals for France, but the 21-year-old is a terrific passer (completed 83 percent of his passes this season) and is great at dropping back, making tackles, and just being in the right position.

He will be an important cog in the middle for France.

Mario Balotelli, Italy

Balotelli is a wonderfully talented striker, but he's just as much of a headcase as he is talented. Example No. 1 of 42,000:

But if the 21-year-old controls himself for this Italian squad, he will provide an important punch up front for a team that could use more goal-scorers.

Whatever happens, you at least know he'll be entertaining to watch, so there's that. 

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