Euro 2008 : Super Six!

Euro 2008, one of the most awaited sporting events of the year, is finally here, and will provide for an entertaining summer of football.

As part of the countdown to the mega event, I decided to look at the real challengers, six hidden talents from the European Continent to keep an eye on.

Bastian Schweinstegier, Age: 23, Country: Germany

At the age of 22, Schweinsteiger had already played 41 matches for the German national team, a record for any German player. Schweinsteiger is a much underrated player and an important member of the Bayern Munich setup.

Schweinsteiger has 13 goals from 50 appearances for the Germans. A lad who is equally capable of firing in a wonder goal from distance and putting in a neat finish in the box, Schweinsteiger is certainly one to keep an eye on.

João Filipe Moutinho, Age: 21, Country: Portugal

Joao Moutinho is part of the star-studded Portuguese side which features the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and Ricardo Quaresma. Despite this, Moutinho is certainly one to watch out for.

His club, Sporting Lisbon, is fighting tooth and nail to keep him in Portugal, despite interest from the likes of Manchester United.

He is really no surprise—he is exceptionally talented, because he can dominate the midfield and is tipped as a long-term replacement for Deco. Keep an eye out for Moutinho, and you will not regret it.

David Silva, Age: 22, Country: Spain

David Silva plays for Valencia and is a very prominent member of their squad. Silva has appeared 11 times for Spain, and scored a couple of goals in the process.

David Silva was earlier wanted by London giants Chelsea, but Valencia managed to hold on to him. David Silva possesses a lot of pace doing the flanks, and is a constant threat to the opposition on the counter attack, cutting in from the left flank to fire a strike towards goal.

Karim Benzema, Age: 20, Country: France

Karim Benzema is one of the most wanted players in the world, and Lyon is very fortunate to have kept hold of him, despite interest from Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Benzema has scored twice and played 10 games for France. Add Benzema to Henry in the French attack and opposing team's defenders will have a nightmare waiting for them.

Samir Nasri, Age: 20, Country: France

Samir Nasri plays for Marseille. Tipped to be the next "Zidane," Nasri is one of those hot properties in the world of football. There is uncertainty about his future, as some are speculating that he will sign for Arsenal, but France will hope to have him at his brutal best.

Nasri has scored twice in seven games for France.

Luca Modric, Age : 23  Country : Croatia

Luca Modric was earlier signed by Tottenham Hotspurs for a staggering 16 million pounds!

Modric is one of the best midfielders in the world and Croatia is fortunate to have him in their squad.

Modric has scored three goals in 26 appearances for Croatia, and used to win games for Dinamo Zagreb single-handedly. Modric will have the likes of Niko Kranjcar and Niko Kovac as support during Euro 2008.

Besides these, there will be Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Quagriella, Fernando Torres, Andres Iniesta, Lucas Podolski, and Co. to look out for.