Rahul SahaAll eyes will turn to Germany this summer as Europe’s finest footballing nations go head-to-head in a bid to determine the continent’s best in this summer’s UEFA Euro 2024.
With 24 countries qualifying for the main draw, there is huge anticipation and excitement in the lead-up to the tournament. In this article, I present to you my top 10 players who can make a difference for their national team this summer.
Also read: Top 5 Dark Horses For Euro 2024
Jude Bellingham
The 20-year-old midfielder is arguably already one of the best players on the planet right now. The Englishman has been operating on a different level since making his move to Real Madrid CF last summer.
With 17 goals and 4 assists in 25 LaLiga appearances, as well as helping his team reach another Champions League semi-final in his debut season, it is very difficult to look past Jude Bellingham as the player to watch out for at Euro 2024.
With England being ranked as one of the early tournament favourites alongside France, Bellingham will be relied upon a fair bit by the Three Lions.
Jamal Musiala
As Die Mannschaft and FC Bayern Munich look to get back to their previous ways, the 21-year-old has been a constant bright spark for both of them.
Given Julien Nagelsmann’s ultra-offensive, high-pressing approach, the technical quality and vision that Musiala brings will be key to Germany unlocking low blocks.
With Germany hosting the Euros, a lot will be expected of them, and Musiala will be key to anything the Germans throw offensively this summer.
Also read: UEFA Euro 2024 Sponsors
Cristiano Ronaldo
With age not on his side, this Euro Championship can potentially be Cristiano Ronaldo’s international swansong. The 39-year-old has been plying his trade in the Middle East for the last couple of seasons with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr FC. Given he’s still got that clinical edge in front of goal, head coach Roberto Martínez will look to make the best out of the star-studded forward line at his disposal.
Despite the likes of Diogo Jota and Gonçalo Ramos being the preferred and more athletic options up front, the big-game mentality Ronaldo brings to the table can’t be overlooked. Moreover, from goalkeepers to centre forwards, Portugal have a deep inventory of talented players in their squad who are capable of repeating the success from the 2016 edition.
Rasmus Højlund
The Danes were the surprise of the tournament during the last Euro Championship as they narrowly lost out to England in the semi-final. One of the slight criticisms faced by that team was the lack of a clinical edge up front.
This time, though, Denmark have a young and ruthless finisher in Rasmus Højlund. The 21-year-old Manchester United forward has had a decent season despite the unrest at Old Trafford.
Moreover, during Denmark’s Euro 2024 Qualifying campaign, Højlund finished as the leading Danish goalscorer. If the Danes are to make another deep run this tournament, their new No. 9 will be the centrepiece of that feat.
Kenan Y?ld?z
A right-footed attacking midfielder who prefers to operate in the left half-space, Kenan Y?ld?z is another gem in the making who’s making waves in his breakthrough season at Juventus.
Still only 18, Y?ld?z operates primarily between the half-spaces in the opposition area. He also has an affinity for drifting wide into a left-wing position where he can use his direct ball-carrying and dribbling abilities along with his deceptive quickness to progress the ball and take on defenders.
Whilst he’s not as pacey as a traditional winger, Y?ld?z does have a burst of acceleration that allows him to beat his man and carry the ball forward powerfully, something that is invaluable in the international circuit given how cagey these matches can get. Although his passing isn’t yet refined to an elite standard, the progress Y?ld?z has thus far shown indicates he’s one for the future.
Lamine Yamal
The Barcelona academy is known for its steady production line of youth and talented players. In recent years, however, the club have unearthed what could be a generational talent in Lamine Yamal.
The Spain international made his Barcelona debut in April 2023 at the age of just 15, while in September of that year he became the youngest player to both make a debut and score a goal for the Spanish national side at the age of just 16 years and 50 days.
Predominantly a right-winger for both club and country, Yamal’s technical ability, directness, and decision-making stand out as his most impressive traits. Given La Roja are yet to assert their dominance on the global stage in over a decade, the exuberance of youth and experienced level heads should hold them in good stead this summer.
Rodri
The 27-year-old is currently touted as the best defensive midfielder in the world. Since making his move to the Premier League, Rodri has been one of the most integral parts of Manchester City, having also helped them win a historic continental treble last season.
Known for his no-nonsense approach to defending along with his excellent technical abilities, Rodri is the benchmark for modern-day defensive midfielders.
Moreover, in a Spanish side looking to reclaim their place as one of the most feared teams in the continent with a mix of both young and experienced players, the likes of Rodri will play a key role if Spain are to challenge the likes of England and France for the title.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
The man that won Italy their first major title since 2006 Gianluigi Donnarumma will be back in the summer to retain his crown. A generational talent in many people’s eyes, legends of the game have lauded Donnarumma as a potentially world-class goalkeeper, applauding him for his discipline, intelligence, concentration, and professionalism despite his young age.
Donnarumma is an excellent shot-stopper with agility and decision-making almost second to none.
Italy, having lost to the likes of England (twice) and Spain over the last six months, must be suffering with a lack of confidence. But if we know anything about the Italians, it is that Gli Azzurri are a completely different outfit when it comes to knockout football and should not be counted out for Euro 2024.
Luka Modric
Arguably the greatest midfielder of this generation, Luka Modric will most likely be playing his last international tournament this summer.
If we look at the bigger picture, Croatia and Modric have achieved a lot over the past six years. A World Cup final in 2018 followed by a bronze medal at the 2022 WC in Qatar as well as a Nation’s League final in 2023 means the Croatians are consistently punching above their weight.
Although the veteran midfielder will soon be turning 39, he has been sensational for Los Blancos again this 2023/24 season as they eye their second league and Champions League double in three seasons. Pairing with a holding midfielder in Marcelo Brozovic will be key to Croatia making another deep run, especially given they have to contend with both Italy and Spain in the group stage.
Virgil van Dijk
Known for his strength, leadership, speed, and aerial ability, Virgil van Dijk is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation. At 32, the Netherlands skipper might play one more Euros after this one if his body holds up. A stalwart for both club and country, there are few defenders operating at a higher standard than Van Dijk.
Part of a Netherlands side amidst a rebuild and on their way up, anything less than a quarter-final berth will be regarded as a major failure for Van Dijk and Co, especially after getting knocked out by Czechia in the Round of 16 in the last edition.
With a backline that is arguably one of the best in Europe on paper, expectation will be on Van Dijk to marshall his troops better and bring a sense of calmness to their play.
