Under-19 names to note

By Andrew Haslam

One of the most enjoyable activities at any youth tournament is trying to pick out those players who will go on to become world stars, and the UEFA European Under-19 Championship offered a number of candidates. uefa.com selects eleven players who shone in Switzerland and whose futures look bright indeed.

Andrea Alberti (Italy)
Nominated as one to watch by Italy coach Paolo Berettini, the Brescia Calcio forward put Italy in front against Switzerland and scored twice in the 4-0 win against Belgium, including a fine free-kick - but could not prevent the holders' early elimination.

Oleksandr Aliyev (Ukraine)
Scorer of seven goals in qualifying, the FC Dynamo Kyiv midfield player found the net in the semi-final against Spain. A constant threat with his perfectly-timed runs, ceaseless probings and powerful shot.

Michael Delura (Germany)
Already a regular at FC Schalke 04, Delura - pushed into a more advanced role in Dieter Eilts's side - showed the full range of his talents as his vision, dribbling and leadership made him his country's standout performer.

Johan Djourou (Switzerland)
The Arsenal FC midfield player strongly resembles club-mate Patrick Vieira in stature and style. A substitute in Switzerland's first three matches, he produced a fine display after coming on against Ukraine and was his country's best player in the semi-final defeat by Turkey.

Juanfran (Spain)
A cool, confident and cultured midfield player who is never afraid to take on defenders and produce the unexpected. Plays in Luís Figo's position at Real Madrid CF, and has the skills and tricks to invoke comparisons with the Portuguese winger. Scored a great goal in the Group B match against Turkey after a superb one-two with Victor, another who impressed.

Ali Öztürk (Turkey)
Best operating as a floating playmaker, Öztürk was devastating against Poland, scoring a hat-trick. A hard-working midfield player who loves to run at defences, he is a constant menace with his well-timed darts from deep.

Sezer Öztürk (Turkey)
Surprisingly fast for a solid midfield player, his game is based around strong tackles and fine distribution. Offers regular support to the forwards and registered Turkey's first two goals in the semi-final against Switzerland with long-range free-kicks.

Lukasz Piszczek (Poland)
The striker added to his four goals in qualifying with another four in the finals, scoring twice against Turkey and also finding the net against Spain and Germany. A lively, intelligent forward who stood out as Poland's best player.

Veroljub Salatic (Switzerland)
Formed a formidable partnership with Henri Siqueira-Barras at the heart of the Swiss defence and struck the hosts' equaliser against Italy. Already a strong contender for a regular first-team place at Grasshopper-Club.

Silva (Spain)
The Valencia CF midfield player stood out even in a fine Spanish side with his willingness to run at defenders and powerful shot. He prefers to cut inside from the left to threaten, and has made the step up from the U17 team with no problems.

Thomas Vermaelen (Belgium)
Never afraid to bring the ball forward from the back, the AFC Ajax defender is comfortable in possession and is eager to start attacks with his long raking passes in addition to his strong tackling and fine positioning at the other end.