PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR EURO 2008

So ,the time has arrived and everybody's wait is over .After another 4 years EURO is back and hence it will be an exciting month for all football lovers across the globe. Its a platform for all those young players knocking their door at the international level and to come in the limelight of all the viewers by showing their talent .Many stars are born in each edition of EURO and so many are expected this time also .

Following are some of the players to watch out for in EURO 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
What to say about this man? Few can dispute that the title "Best Player in the World" is going to waste on Ronny.
The Manchester United starlet is improving year by year, game by game, adding something new to his array of talents all the time.
He is blessed with it all: Blinding pace, strong upper body, capable of shooting with both feet, a unique free kick, and, as proven in the Champions League final, fantastic in the air too.
Some say he doesn't turn up in big games; well, this is Ronaldo's chance to prove all the critics wrong once again.
After 42 goals this season, no one can argue that all eyes are on him to continue his fantastic club form into Euro 2008 and cement his place among the greats.
With 20 goals in 54 appearances for Portugal, expect him to be a firm favourite for the Golden Boot to add to every other award he has swept in this season. At least Rooney won't be about for any more "winking" incidents...








Karim Benzema (France)
French football star of Algerian descent is always going to be compared to the legendary Zidane. However, Benzema is hewn from different stock. A tall and agile striker, the Lyon youngster has burst onto the international scene over the past year with a series of impressive performances for club and country.
The top scorer in Ligue 1 this season, Benzema has been attracting attention from across Europe, although has repeatedly pledged his future to Les Gones. Fast, and with a great eye for goal, he can also play on the wings, which is a versatility that Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka and Djibril Cisse also possess.
The new generation of French striker, Benzema will surely get his chance to impress alongside the likes of Henry after his goal-filled season with Lyon. If he can learn from the experience, then he will have the world at his feet after the tournament is over.








Cesc Fabregas (Spain)
The Arsenal playmaker is now regarded as one of the best players in the world and has been put in amongst the band of players with a world-class tag on their heads despite being only 21 years old. He is now so in demand and so high profile that he has even been given his own television show! There is one stage however where Fabregas hasn't proved himself yet and that is at a major International Tournament. This summers tournament could be where Cesc Fabregas puts the remaining critics to rest so watch out for the Arsenal starlet as he will be determined to prove just how good he really is.

Fernando Torres (Spain)

Torres will arguably be the most-watched striker at this years competition by both the fans, and defenders. El Nino has had a fantastic debut season in a Liverpool jersey bagging 33 goals including 24 Premier League goals, a new Premier League record for most goals scored in a debut season. His lightning pace, movement and incredible finishing are the traits of all great strikers and he will be a threat against any team. Defenders beware!











Luka Modric (Croatia)
The Croatian wonderkid signed for Tottenham at the tale end of 2007/2008 Barclays Premier League season so Spurs will be looking forward to seeing the Croat in action at this summers Championship. Having previously played for Dynamo Zagreb, Modric hasn't really featured on the big stage up until now but during Croatia's Euro 2008 qualifying he really proved how good he is. He is a similar player to Cesc Fabregas, he has great vision, equally good in attack and defence and can thread the ball through to the attack with a blindfold on. He will be Croatia's playmaker in the middle of the park.













Samir Nasri (France)
Arsenal are extremely keen on the Marseille attacking midfielder and who can blame them. Nasri, aged just 20, has been often referred to as the "New Zinedine Zidane" and this season has broken onto the global scene. The quick and flamboyant France midfielder is sure to light up the tournament with his dribbling skills this year so Arsenal fans keep an eye on him! He may be heading to the Emirates.









Franck Ribery(France)
Perhaps going unnoticed to a certain extent, Ribery is regarded by many as one of the top-five midfielders in the world. Many say he goes un-noticed because of the lack of coverage and commercialism of the Bundesliga, but one thing is for sure: Ribery is quality.
The French winger, who joined Bayern Munich at the start of last season, drove them to a league and cup double through dazzling displays of speed, passing, and goal scoring. In 26 appearances for the club he has notched 11 goals and also a glut of assists to his name.
With one goal and six assists already in the the qualifiers, he promises to light up the tournament. Named Player of The Year in the Bundesliga, don't be surprised to see his name in the team of the tournament, whether or not France find glory in Euro 2008.