SPAIN – Álvaro Odriozola
The most notable aspect of Julen Loptegui’s time in charge of Spain is his willingness to give chances to unfamiliar players, particularly those who progressed through his Under-21 squad. Odriozola was Dani Carvajal’s back-up, and it was his Champions League final injury that gave the youngster a chance to impress against Switzerland. He only went and scored the opening goal.
PORTUGAL – Gonçalo Guedes
Portugal’s Euro 2016 young stars have almost as one failed to kick on, with Renato Sanches the poster boy for that decline. The same looked to be true of Guedes, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in January 2017 for a fee of close to £30m and then barely got a game. He then signed on loan for Valencia last summer, and promptly demonstrated why PSG was so keen. Made his senior international debut in 2015, but he still has only nine caps and is still only 21.
MOROCCO – Achraf Hakimi
Hakim Ziyech is Morocco’s best player, but he’s got 17 caps and is now 25, so does not qualify. Hakimi has been at Real Madrid since the age of eight and finally progressed to the first-team squad this season. Played nine times in La Liga, twice in the Champions League and made his senior international debut last October. Doesn’t turn 20 until November.
IRAN – Saman Ghoddos
Only seven caps by the age of 24, but Ghoddos gained notoriety this season after providing both assists in Ostersunds’ 2-1 second leg victory over Arsenal in the Europa League. Want another fun Saman Ghoddos fact? He’s also scored a senior international goal for Sweden. Let’s face it, he is unlikely to face them in this tournament.