Ahead of the Euro’s here’s a list of 10 players you may not have heard off, or know too much about, that could set the Euro’s alight. Hope you enjoy the first 5. Second 5 now here (https://ludicrousdisplay.wordpress.com/2012/06/05/euro-2012-ones-to-watch-group-two/)

Marco Reus– Germany

Having signed for Bundesliga champions Borrusia Dortmund in January, it would appear Marco has quite the future; considering he now has to be trusted to fill the shoes of the Manchester United bound Kawaga. That and with manager Löw wanting Reus ready to play both up front and midfield, he is likely to get some game time. However, sticking with Mönchengladbach during the Rückrunde (the half of the season after the winter break) will he be able to adjust to not being centre stage? Time will tell, but his form of 8 goals, post break, would suggest he is ready. Also watch out for André Schürrle, who, had he played more down the middle than the wing for Bayer Leverkusen, could have been as prolific as Reus this season.

Kevin Strootman-Holland

Kevin Strootman’s break through tournament could come in the same year as his breakthrough at club level. After shining at first Sparta Rotterdam, and then Utrecht, he earned his move to where all the Dutch players; well apart from the Ajax ones get noticed- PSV. Heralded by The Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk, stating his “vision” as one of his best assets, was as early as March linked with Manchester United. Perhaps he does have the vision, to finally replace Paul Scholes in the United line up, and to finally lead the Dutch to Glory for the first time since Euro 88.

Andriy Yarmolenko -Ukraine

Just an obligatory co-host player? He is more than a player I felt obliged to include. Aside from the fact he is near unplayable on Football Manager 2012, and the comparisons to Andriy Shevchenko, who has reportedly recommended him to AC Milan; his form backs up his status as one to watch. He hit 12 goals in his 20 league games, which, considering he is playing left of the centre is a more than decent total. Yet his lack of goals in Europe, none in 10, suggests he may not be up to the task of playing at such a high level. If he and other young talent Yevhen Konoplyanka can play to their optimum, perhaps the co-hosts can reach the knockout phase.

Oliver Giroud –France

This is yet another man linked with a premier league move, this time to Arsenal. After an incredible season, in which his club side Montpellier won the league title, only two seasons after gaining promotion, with Giroud himself ending as joint top scorer, with 21 goals. With him scoring in the French’s comeback of Iceland only a few days past, will he tempt a top club to pay the € 50 million the club owner Louis Nicollin says he is worth? With his current form, and the support that would come from Nasri, Ribery and Malouda, you wouldn’t bet against it.

James Mclean– Ireland

Giovanni Trapattoni isn’t one to change his squad, having largely stuck with the same players for his whole reign. Yet, James Mclean bucked the trend, even managing to start in the the game against Bosnia prior to the Euros. Having made the remarkable leap from Irish football to Premier League in only a year shows his quality, scoring 5 goals in 23 appearances this season, including one against Arsenal. With this kind of form, and considering that the Republic of Ireland play a formation well suited to wingers, this youngster could be the real wildcard of the tournament, come its start in five days’ time.