4 European Under-21 Stars Who Should Be on Manchester City's Radar

This summer’s European U21 Championship in the Czech Republic provided scouts across the globe with an opportunity to take a closer look at some of the best youngsters in the game during a competitive competition.

It was the unfancied Swedish team that won it, beating Portugal on penalties in the final. It was their mix of organisation and determination, rather than flair and skill, which secured them an unlikely title.

There’s often a flurry of interest from Europe’s top clubs in the tournament’s best players. These are potentially the stars of tomorrow. With Manchester City’s clear strategy of trying to buy the best young players from all corners of the world, it’s certain they will have kept a close eye on proceedings, so which players are most likely to have caught their eye?

Here are four potential targets for the Etihad club.

1. Bernardo Silva

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The star of the tournament was Portuguese playmaker Bernardo Silva, a player with a wonderful touch and an ability to drift into spaces in between the midfield and defence and cause damage with his passing.

His display against Germany was breathtaking. The Monaco midfielder was withdrawn at half-time, with his side having established an unassailable lead, and he was named Man of the Match after scoring a superb goal and creating a raft of chances for his teammates.

He continually showed throughout the competition he could drift across the pitch and occupy different roles, providing balls into the box from wide areas and causing damage from a central No. 10 position. He was near-impossible to pick up effectively.

Silva, 20, looks a class act. Justifiably named Player of the Tournament, Monaco have a star of the future in their midst . He already has Champions League experience and is seen as the man most likely to spearhead Portugal's future. 

2. William Carvalho

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At 23, William Carvalho was older than the majority of players in the competition, but the quality of his performances should not be underestimated.

He missed the decisive penalty in Portugal’s final defeat to Sweden, but he won the Man of the Match award in two other games, dominating midfield proceedings with his power and defensive capabilities. There are few defensive midfielders his age in world football who look quite as accomplished.

He is likely to be the subject of interest from a host of top clubs who will look to test Sporting Lisbon’s resolve. He certainly looks ready to test himself at the very highest level.

3. Jose Sa

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Another Portuguese player to make the list is goalkeeper Jose Sa, who conceded just one goal in the whole tournament and looked composed throughout.

He made a string of fine saves and provided assuredness and confidence on which his outfield players could express themselves, confident they had a goalkeeper capable of producing when needed.

The CS Maritimo man certainly raised his profile during the tournament and could attract attention from some of world football's top clubs.

4. Oscar Lewicki

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Portugal undoubtedly demonstrated their star quality more regularly than any other side, but Sweden’s well-organised, disciplined approach won them the tournament against all the odds.

And much of that was down to Oscar Lewicki, their 22-year-old defensive midfielder who provided the Swedish back four with excellent protection in every game he played.

He has decent feet and passing ability, and he looks comfortable in possession, but it’s his diligent defensive work that caught the eye, particularly in keeping Silva quiet in the final—that is xsomething no other player managed during the tournament.