Youth stars take big steps at UEFA Under-19 EURO

Visualisation is a technique common to many footballers. Form a clear picture in your mind of where you want to put the ball and you increase the chance that good things will follow. Spain striker Iker Bravo took this to a whole new level at last season’s UEFA European Under-19 Championship – imagining himself as the tournament’s most valuable player then making it happen as he fired his team to victory.

“When I was called up, I already knew I was going to be the tournament MVP,” says Bravo, looking back at last summer’s triumph. “I have audios on my phone from May when I told my friends and family. I was very clear about that goal. And when something is stuck in my mind, it’s impossible to get it out. Every day I got up and told myself: ‘I’m going to be the MVP.’ Thankfully, the tournament went well for me and that’s how it turned out.”

Putting on a show

It was the combination of Bravo’s instinctive eye for goal and his strength in holding up the ball and bringing team-mates into play that most impressed UEFA’s Technical Observers when it came to making their choice. Bravo, whose favourite striker Fernando Torres also won this competition in 2002, scored the winner in their opening game against Denmark and followed that up by breaking the deadlock in their 2-0 final victory against France. Both were poacher’s goals from inside the box.

“After the tournament, I felt relief that all I had worked for ended well, and I felt happiness for myself and my colleagues,” Bravo says, before underlining that success in such tournaments is down to the collective. “It’s about the team working together, not individuals. It’s an honour to put on the national team shirt at that level. But my team-mates and I were calm because we knew we were going to do things right. As the tournament progressed, we knew we would be champions.”

Iker Bravo led Spain to victory at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2024UEFA via Getty Images

Making the step up

Now 20, the Catalan forward began his career in Barcelona’s youth academy before spells with Bayer Leverkusen and on loan at Real Madrid Castilla, the capital giants’ reserve team. He is currently plying his trade in Italy, the U19 finals having proved to be an important springboard as he signed for Udinese shortly after the final in Belfast.

Following a successful first campaign in Serie A, in which he scored two goals in 29 appearances, Bravo’s confidence remains sky high. “Before the [U19] EURO, I was already clear that I wanted to come to Udinese. It’s a place where youngsters can flourish, and I want to make the most of all of the support during my journey.”

Having already enjoyed a taste of international success, Bravo is also nurturing big ambitions with La Roja. “Going to the World Cup with Spain, next to Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams – I have that dream stuck in my head now and I’m not going to let it go. Time will tell what happens next, but great success is certain, if that’s what God wishes.” Keep an eye out for this young striker. He has a habit of making his dreams come true.