Euro 2016 : Players Who Excelled In The Group Stage

The first round of matches of the 2016 edition of the European Championship concluded yesterday after a period of 12 days since the competition began on the 10th of June. Barring a few matches, the first round hasn’t exactly been scintillating for the spectators due  to scarcity in the number of goals being scored by the various national teams. However, as in any major tournament, there are certain players who have been fabulous for their teams in the group stages. Going in to the Round-of-16, here’s a look at the players who could continue to make headlines in further rounds and keep the hopes of their respective nations for European glory alive:

Gareth Bale, Wales:

Gareth Bale has been the chief architect in sending Wales, who are featuring in a major tournament for only the 2nd time in their history, to the top of what had been labelled as ‘the group of death’ in Euro 2016. The Real Madrid attacker has carried his fine club form in to the Euros, scoring in each of the three matches that Wales has played in the first round. The most expensive footballer on the planet has showed once again that he is single-handedly capable of destroying any opposition defense, which was evident in the match against Russia. If Wales’ odds of making it to the semi-finals prior to the start of the tournament were deemed respectable, Bale’s performance so far has certainly increased hem further.

Dmitri Payet, France:

Dmitri Payet has given the likes of Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann a run for their money in terms of being the most valuable player for France. The West Ham United midfielder was sensational for the Les Blues in the second half of their opening two fixtures. He snatched a victory for France on the opening night of Euro 2016 by scoring an unstoppable rocket in the 89th minute after having assisted Olivier Giroud in the 57th minute. He scored another one in the 90th minute against Albania and has made 8 key passes-the most by any player so far- thus establishing himself as the most valuable attacking asset in the final third for the host nation.

Toni Kroos, Germany:

Toni Kroos has, in the group stage, undoubtedly been the best player in a team which has a plethora of match-winners. The Real Madrid midfielder has been unrivaled in the center of the park, completing an incredible 93.6% of his 109 passes, which includes 12 accurate long balls. Apart from this, Kroos has also made 5 key passes and is among the elite few who have created atleast 2 clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities in the first round of the Euro 2016.

Zolton Gera, Hungary:

In what would surely go down as one of the most surprising outcomes in Euro 2016, Hungary topped Group F, which consisted of Portugal, Austria and Iceland. Zolton Gera has been pivotal for Hungary’s unexpected rich run of form so far in Euro 2016. The 37-year-old former West Bromvich Albion player has made 7 succesful tackles-the most by any player in the tournament so far- and netted an exquisite  volley to open the scoring against Portugal.

Hannes Halldorsson, Iceland:

Iceland were one of the most under-rated teams before the start of the competition, primarily because of the lack of big names in their lineup and Euro 2016 being their first-ever appearance in a major international tournament. They have exceeded expectations by finishing 2nd in their group, ahead of Portugal and Austria. Halldorsson has been Iceland’s best player so far, displaying laudable composure and skill between the sticks, especially against Portugal. Halldorsson ensured Iceland secured a crucial point in what was their toughest fixture in the first round by denying the Portueguese attackers a chance to celebrate 8 times,which is the most by any goal-keeper in  a Euro game.

Fabian Schar, Switzerland:

Fabian Schar has been one of the best defenders so far in the tournament. The 24-year-old Hoffenheim defender has provided stability to the Swiss defense, thus ensuring that Switzerland can maintain their patient pressing approach. The young center-back has completed 91% of his 79 attempted passes, made 8 clearances and won 5 of his 7 aerial duels, apart from scoring the opener against Albania.

Giorgio Chiellini, Italy:

The defense of Italy has been the best among all the teams in the group stage of Euro 2016. The co-ordination and communication between the three center-backs of the 3-5-2 Italian formation has been unparalleled. Chiellini has been the commander-in-chief for the Azurri, dictating the proceedings of the game from the heart of the defense. The Juventus defender has made 3 crucial blocks,the most by any player in the tournament so far, and was instrumental in ensuring that Italy kept clean sheets against the Belgian and Swedish attackers.

Luka Modric, Croatia:

Luka Modric produced what was termed by Croatia’s coach Ante Cacic as ‘Modric’s best performance in Croatian colors’ in Croatia’s opening encounter against Turkey. The 30-year-old Real Madrid magician scored a stunning volley in that game apart from doing his defensive duties splendidly. Modric has made 5 interceptions and 3 successful tackles in his Euro campaign so far. Though Modric did not feature in the Croatia’s unanticipated win against Spain, he had done enough, with his unmatched skill of reading the game, to ensure Croatia edged Spain to occupy the first position in Group D.