Wenger tipping trio to shine

Arsenal boss hails Benzema, Modric and Gomez

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 6th June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wenger tipping trio to shine

Benzema: Wenger backing

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Arsene Wenger has identified Mario Gomez, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric as the possible stars of Euro 2008.

The Arsenal manager admits that he has come to the tournament 'with his chequebook' but feels that it has been increasingly difficult to unearth hidden gems.

Wenger is not expecting to be surprised by many unfamiliar names but thinks exciting youngsters who are already on their way to establishing themselves could be the ones to watch.

He is backing Germany striker Gomez, France forward Benzema and Croatia playmaker Modric to take the competition by storm.

"What has changed in these major tournaments is that you don't really discover players any more," Wenger told reporters.

"You expect (Cristiano) Ronaldo and Thierry Henry to be up there but I am now looking at younger players like Gomez, Benzema and Modric.

"Apart from all the stars we know, these could be the three players who will be interesting to watch and maybe see overall if they can perform physically and stand out."

France hope

Wenger is anticipating an open tournament but would like to see his native France challenge for glory.

He believes Raymond Domenech's side have the quality to triumph but concedes they will miss the inspirational Zinedine Zidane.

"If you look at the relative strengths, you have some teams that are better equipped, like France," said Wenger.

"With France, every single player plays for a big club in Europe. So, quality-wise, France are best equipped.

"They look strong counter-attacking. But when they are dominating a game, they will miss a player like Zidane who can make a key pass to open a defence up.

"When they win the ball back, they need three seconds to score a goal, otherwise it becomes difficult for them."