3 EPL Prospects Who Wowed Us with Their Performances at Euro U-21s

With the Under-21 European Championship drawing to a close later Tuesday, we take a moment to look back on some of the better individual performances. In a tournament overflowing with the next generation of stars, a select few have stood out above the others.

What this article will do is highlight some of these players who are plying their trades in England's Premier League. One quick note: None of the players featured come from England's own squad. This does leave only a handful of players to choose from, but there are still standout players in the bunch.

And by calling these players "prospects," we are merely considering the age of the players—each one is 22. They all have plenty of top-level experience, but have tons of room to make a name for themselves in coming years.

Lewis Holtby

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lewis Holtby took Israel by storm in the opener against the Netherlands. Germany would go on to lose the match 3-2, but the former Schalke youngster should not shoulder any of the blame.

The pick of the bunch from his highlight reel was his wonderful goal that completed his side's comeback from two goals down. He started wide left, then cut inside all the way to the middle of the pitch, about 20 yards out, and lashed a sensational running shot past goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet.

He was also handed the honor of captaining his side in their run at this competition. This comes on top of solid form after his January transfer, as he looks a shrewd signing for the reported £1.5 million he cost Spurs.

David De Gea

David De Gea continues to grow into one of the world's better goalkeepers. He put in an outstanding Premier League campaign with Manchester United, and has picked up where he left off with his Under-21 national squad.

Spain are the only side to have not allowed a goal so far in this tournament. Part of this comes from their outfield players bossing the show, but De Gea has been unbeatable when called upon.

In the team's match against the Netherlands, which Spain won 3-0, the 22-year-old was called upon to make a number of stops. This includes a spectacular one-on-one effort to deny Mike van der Hoorn after the Rojita defense failed to defend a free kick.

Fabio Borini

Fabio Borini was somewhat of a forgotten man at Liverpool last year. After a much-hyped transfer from Roma, his reunion with Brendan Rodgers—his manager during a loan spell at Swansea—saw him score a solitary league goal.

His run in Israel this month has been a nice resurgence for a promising talent. He played an important role in his side's victory over England, providing a source of danger partnering with goalscorer Lorenzo Insigne.

Borini then put his side in Tuesday's final with a well-taken strike in Italy's win over the Netherlands. He latched onto Insigne's pass, giving himself room to open up his body and place his shot past Zoet.