Euro 2024 begins in Germany with the host country facing Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Munich on June 14, Friday.

The month-long Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) championship will feature both high-profile athletes and emerging talents from the world's premier leagues.

Here are the top 10 players to keep an eye on during the tournament:

⚽ Jude Bellingham (England)

Jude Bellingham has had a phenomenal debut season at Real Madrid, rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after attacking midfielders in European football.

With 18 goals in the 2023-24 La Liga season, he has helped Madrid secure the league title and reach the Champions League final. The 20-year-old's leadership and winning mindset have endeared him to Real Madrid fans.

Bellingham intends to replicate his club success with the England team in Euro 2024, where he could be a crucial factor in winning their first European nations’ title.

⚽ Florian Wirtz (Germany)

Named the Bundesliga’s Player of the Year, Florian Wirtz played a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen’s title-winning season by contributing 11 assists and the same number of goals.

Wirtz has established himself as a unique talent in the German football scene, controlling and dominating the midfield in ways few others can.

Germany's hopes of winning the trophy on home soil heavily rely on Wirtz's performance.

⚽ Xavi Simons (Netherlands)

Xavi Simons, a graduate of Barcelona’s La Masia Academy, is known for his impressive versatility, a hallmark of the 'Total Football' philosophy prevalent in Dutch and Spanish football.

Playing for RB Leipzig, he has excelled in multiple positions and has been a key player in maximizing possession and creating opportunities.

Given enough playing time and freedom by manager Ronald Koeman, Simons can help the Netherlands challenge the top contenders at Euro 2024.

⚽ Rasmus Hojlund (Denmark)

Manchester United’s most expensive signing in 2023, Rasmus Hojlund, has justified his price tag by scoring 10 Premier League goals, becoming the youngest player to hit double figures in the 2023-24 EPL season.

Overcoming injuries and a form slump, Hojlund has shown promise and will bring this form into Euro 2024 for Denmark, where he led the qualifying campaign with seven goals.

⚽ Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Kevin De Bruyne was the mastermind behind Manchester City’s 2023-24 EPL title run, contributing significantly in the second half of the season.

Belgium will look to capitalize on De Bruyne's form and experience as they aim to surpass their quarterfinal finishes from Euro 2016 and Euro 2020.

⚽ Kenan Yildiz (Turkey)

Kenan Yildiz has been a revelation for Juventus in Serie A, facilitating greater offensive output and improving overall team performance.

The 18-year-old will look to bring his transformative play to the Turkish national team at Euro 2024, aiming to lift Turkey past previous group-stage exits to at least the quarterfinals.

⚽ Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Sixteen-year-old Lamine Yamal already holds several records, including being the youngest scorer for Barcelona, La Liga, and the Spanish national team.

His explosive playing style and knack for scoring will be instrumental for Spain as they seek their fourth European championship.

⚽ Phil Foden (England)

Phil Foden, with 19 goals and eight assists for Manchester City, was awarded Player of the Season as his team secured their fourth consecutive EPL title.

Playing in his optimal position, Foden could be a crucial weapon for England as they aim to overcome past near-wins and finally secure a Euro title.

⚽ Kylian Mbappe (France)

Kylian Mbappe, known for his dribbling, speed, and finishing, leads France into Euro 2024 on the back of an extraordinary final season with Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored 44 goals.

A fantastic Euro performance would solidify his position as potentially the world's best player, with France seeking their first European Championship since 2000.

⚽ Josko Gvardiol (Croatia)

Initially a central defender, Josko Gvardiol transformed into a goal-scoring left back at Manchester City, making him a versatile threat on the field.

For Croatia, Gvardiol's unique ability allows for strategic flexibility, enhancing their chances of making a significant impact at Euro 2024.

You can keep up with all the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated Euro 2024 tournament page, including match build-up, live text commentary, group standings, and real-time match results and schedules.