U21 Euros ones to watch: From Madueke to Tonali, five talents to keep an eye on in group stage

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While Gareth Southgate and the England senior side continue to gear up for this summer's European Championships, the Under-21s are wasting no time.

With the re-jigged tournament being separated across two international breaks, the group stages for the tournament begin this week.

England and Aidy Boothroyd take a strong squad to Slovenia, but there are plenty of players to be keeping an eye on.

Here are a few to watch over the coming fortnight...

Noni Madueke, 19, England

AZ Alkmaar v PSV Eindhoven - Dutch Eredivisie
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Already mentioned in the same breath as Phil Foden by England boss Aidy Boothroyd, there is plenty of excitement around the young forward from PSV.

Madueke, who made the decision to leave Tottenham's academy for Eindhoven at the age of just 16, can play anywhere across the front three and is flourishing in the Eredivisie.

Europe's biggest clubs, including Bayern Munich and some back home in England, are interested in the forward and an impressive tournament would only add to that.

Amine Gouiri, 21, France

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Having struggled to break through at Lyon last season, Gouiri has this term found his feet at Nice and, despite the club’s inconsistent form, has 16 goals and six assists across all competitions.

The forward, who offers plenty of pace and flair cutting in from the left, has been the silver lining in a difficult season for Nice and is a crucial part of their side at such a young age.

Brahim Diaz, 21, Spain

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Spain, holders and early favourites for the tournament, will be looking to Diaz to provide plenty of their creative spark.

The midfielder, who has already featured for Manchester City and Real Madrid in his fledgling career, is currently enjoying life on loan at AC Milan, scoring his second Serie A goal for the club in Sunday's win over Fiorentina.

Diaz has also this season impressed in the Europa League and, while often most comfortable creating from a central position, can be used on either flank.

Fedor Chalov, 22, Russia

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

A vastly experienced striker for his age, Chalov made his CSKA Moscow debut back in 2016 and has made more than 150 appearances for the Russian side.

A number of Premier League sides - including Chelsea - have registered interest in recent years and Chalov will be keen to make an impact and push his way into the Russian senior side too.

Sandro Tonali, 20, Italy

Serie A - AS Roma v AC Milan
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Being dubbed the next Andrea Pirlo is always going to bring a certain amount of pressure.

Tonali joined his boyhood club AC Milan from Brescia last summer, turning down Inter Milan in the process, and has slotted in well at the San Siro.

With four senior Italy caps to his name already, many will be looking to Tonali to be one of the key men for the Italians this month.

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