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TOP 10 | Biggest Names Coming to Denbigh for UEFA EURO U19
- Barcelona, Real Madrid & More
As the UEFA European Under-19 Championship arrives in Denbigh this summer, local supporters will have a unique opportunity to watch some of the brightest young talents in world football before they become household names.
The tournament has a proven track record of showcasing future stars, with former participants including Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Rodri, Jamal Musiala and Antoine Griezmann.
This year's competition is no different. Players from the academies and first teams of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, FC Copenhagen and clubs across Europe's top leagues will take to the pitch at Central Park, with several already boasting senior appearances in La Liga, the Bundesliga and even the UEFA Champions League.
Tickets: Click Here
Here are 10 players to keep an eye on when the stars of tomorrow arrive in Denbigh.
Xavi Espart (Spain / Barcelona)
Among the most high-profile players heading to Denbigh is Barcelona defender Xavi Espart, who has already played in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League this season. The La Masia graduate made his European debut in a last-16 tie against Newcastle United before earning his first league appearance days later, underlining the faith Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has placed in the teenager.
Diego Aguado (Spain / Real Madrid)
Real Madrid defender Diego Aguado arrives in Wales having already made his senior debut for the Spanish giants. The highly-rated centre-back featured for Carlo Ancelotti's side in the Copa del Rey and is widely regarded as one of the brightest defensive prospects to emerge from the club's academy in recent years.
Antonio Cordero (Spain / Málaga)
Winger Antonio Cordero is one of the tournament's most experienced players, having already made more than 50 senior appearances for Málaga. The exciting attacker played a key role in the club's recent promotion campaign and is linked with Premier League side Newcastle United this summer.
Francis Onyeka (Germany / Bayer Leverkusen / VfL Bochum)
Germany captain Francis Onyeka has already gained valuable senior experience in the Bundesliga. The midfielder has featured for Bayer Leverkusen and spent last season on loan at VfL Bochum, helping establish his reputation as one of Germany's leading young talents.
William Martin (Denmark / OB)
Denmark forward William Martin is his country's standout name heading into the tournament. The teenager has already become a regular in senior football with Danish side OB, helping the club secure promotion to the Superliga while earning a reputation as one of Denmark's most promising goalscorers.
Jan Virgili (Spain / Mallorca)
After progressing through Barcelona's famous La Masia academy, winger Jan Virgili has already made his breakthrough into La Liga with Mallorca. Known for his pace and direct style, Virgili is regarded as one of Spain's most exciting attacking prospects.
Otto Stange (Germany / Hamburger SV)
Hamburger SV striker Otto Stange has already made senior appearances in Germany's highly competitive 2. Bundesliga. The powerful forward is considered one of the country's brightest young attackers and arrives in Wales with growing expectations.
Oliver Højer (Denmark / FC Copenhagen)
Denmark midfielder Oliver Højer is another player to watch closely. The FC Copenhagen prospect is regarded as one of the brightest talents to emerge from a club whose academy has produced stars including Andreas Christensen, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Viktor Fischer and Mohammed Daramy. The teenager has already trained regularly with FC Copenhagen's first team and is widely tipped for a senior breakthrough in the near future.
Jesús Fortea (Spain / Real Madrid)
Full-back Jesús Fortea is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Real Madrid's academy system. The former Atlético Madrid youngster has impressed throughout the youth ranks and has already trained regularly with Real Madrid Castilla, putting him firmly on the pathway towards a first-team breakthrough at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Montrell Culbreath (Germany / Bayer Leverkusen)
Forward Montrell Culbreath is one of the standout talents emerging from Bayer Leverkusen's academy. The pacey attacker has progressed rapidly through the Bundesliga champions' youth system and has already trained with the first team under then-manager Xabi Alonso. Highly rated within German football, Culbreath is viewed as a player capable of making the step up to senior football in the near future.
Tickets
The UEFA European Under-19 Championship comes to Central Park on Sunday, 28 June, when Germany face Denmark at 8pm, before Denmark take on Spain on Wednesday, 1 July at 6pm and Spain meet Germany on Saturday, 4 July at 2pm. Central Park will also host one of the tournament's semi-finals on Wednesday, 8 July.
Tickets are available now via the Football Association of Wales at FAW U19 EURO ticket portal, click the fixtures below to grab yours.