ESHLIN EURO SOCCER Five exciting football players to watch in the Olympics

THE Olympic Games football tournament may not be the most prestigious event but it is a good developmental platform for up and coming players.

All participating teams are made up of U-23 division players and can field three overage players.

The following are five exciting players to watch in the Tokyo Olympics.

DANI ALVES (BRAZIL)

The 38-year-old was included as an overage player by Brazil. The former Barcelona star remains in good shape and capable of causing trouble against opposition defences in the Olympics with his runs.

It could be Alves’ last ever major tournament for his country so he may be keen to go out with a bang.

ANDRE PIERRE-GIGNAC (FRANCE)

The 35-year-old was a surprise inclusion by France.

Not only has he not represented Les Bleus at senior international level since 2016 but he has also been playing his football in Mexico for Tigres UANL since 2015.

The former Marseille striker has been scoring regularly in Mexico and will likely lead the line for France due to his experience.

PEDRI (SPAIN)

The teenager played every minute of Spain’s Euro 2020 campaign, helping his nation to a semi-final finish.

He has proven that he could be the next Andres Iniesta.

One would have thought that Spain would give him a rest after he worked hard in the Euros but he will instead play at the Olympics.

Pedri will be key for Spain if they are to win the gold medal in the tournament.

AMAD DIALLO (IVORY COAST)

The Ivorian joined Manchester United in January from Atalanta for a fee that could rise to as much as €40 million (R694.7 million). While United fans have not seen much action from the winger so far, the United hierarchy rate him highly.

It is rare that a club will be willing to cough up such a huge amount for a young player, let alone one who has little experience and who remains untested at Premier League level.

Diallo has been tipped to play a big role for United next season and the Olympics will allow him an opportunity to justify why United paid so much for him.

CHRIS WOOD (NEW ZEALAND)

Wood is not the most gifted striker in the Premier League, nor is he the most prolific scorer, but if there’s one thing, it is that he’s respected.

The 29-year-old hails from New Zealand, a nation hardly renowned for football, and will likely lead the line for his nation at the Olympics. Wood has been key to the Burnley side which has impressively fended off relegation for the last several years under the management of Sean Dyche.

He is now nearing 50 Premier League goals for the Clarets.

New Zealand are also an interesting football team to watch. Remember, they were the only undefeated team in the 2010 World Cup after drawing all their games and exiting in the group stage.