Ones to watch at the women's U19s
Monday, May 30, 2011
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As the finalists set their sights on the trophy we focus on eight players who have already made a telling contribution, from an Italian with an eye for the spectacular to Russia's Zidane.
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As the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship finalists set their sights on the trophy we focus on eight players who have already made a telling contribution to their teams during the competition so far.
Jana Coryn, Belgium
Half of a potent partnership with Dames Zulte Waregem club-mate Tessa Wullaert that produced five goals apiece in qualifying, Coryn's scoring prowess is matched by her fitness, commitment, passion and never-say-die attitude.
Ramona Petzelberger, Germany
The SC 07 Bad Neuenahr playmaker, part of Germany's 2009 UEFA European Women's U17 Championship winning side, is not the tallest but her pace and eye for goal poses more than enough threat to opponents.
Martina Rosucci, Italy
A veteran of Italy's victorious 2008 squad, Azzurrine captain Rosucci is a composed midfielder who has developed a reputation for spectacular long-range goals at club side Torino Calcio Femminile.
Lieke Martens, Netherlands
Joint top scorer at last season's finals, VVV-Venlo forward Martens has versatility, aerial ability and a nose for the back of the net. Still only 18, she scored eight goals in six qualifiers this time around.
Melissa Bjånesøy, Norway
Great things are expected of the IL Sandviken striker and many believe it will not be long before she is gracing the senior national team. Quick, strong and fearless, she contributed seven goals in 2011 qualifying.
Nadezhda Koltakova, Russia
Ever-present in qualifying, WFC Mordovochka youngster Koltakova is the virtuoso conductor of Russia's midfield, a player whose quality and technical ability has even earned comparisons with the maestro himself, Zinédine Zidane.
Naiara Beristain, Spain
A creative midfield player with a keen eye for goal, Beristain scored three and set up three in qualifying. She is firmly established in the Athletic Club side having made her senior debut a month after her 17th birthday.
Cora Canetta, Switzerland
Fast, composed and competitive, Canetta accepted the challenge of filling Ramona Bachmann's sizeable shoes with the Switzerland U19 side with admirable determination, displaying the sort of form that encouraged FC Zürich Frauen to snap her up last summer.
