EURO 2024 Highlights: Top Five Standout Players from Round I

Time flies, doesn’t it?  It feels like just yesterday Germany kicked off the tournament against Scotland, and yet the first round has already concluded. With that in mind, here are our Top Five standout performances from the opening round.

5. Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos had retired, but Julian Nagelsmann managed to convince him to rejoin the German national team. After some contemplation, the German maestro accepted the offer. 

Since his departure, not much has changed for Die Mannschaft: He remains their best midfielder, unmatched by any peers. Although his teammate Ilkay Gündogan had a valuable performance, Kroos is simply in a league of his own. 

He embodies everything Germany missed during his absence – a player with character, patience, and the ability to control the rhythm of the game. 

Kroos’ return is a key reason Germany is considered one of the tournament favourites, given the threat he poses. Toni Kroos completed 101 out of 102 passes, with a total of 108 touches. 

This performance, akin to his Champions League displays, left the world questioning why he ever considered retiring while still at the pinnacle of his game.

A major reason behind his stellar performance is the environment Nagelsmann has created for him. Andrich handles the gritty tasks, allowing ballers like Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz to flourish ahead of him. 

Kroos’ status is already legendary, and it seems poised to reach even greater heights in this tournament.

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4. Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal might be new to the competition, but his name is far from unfamiliar. The young Spaniard has been making waves in La Liga throughout the season despite his youth. At just 16, he has already racked up 50 appearances, an impressive feat for anyone, let alone someone his age. His talent is undeniable.

Against Croatia, Yamal was the main source of Spain’s creativity, and he faced off against one of the world’s best defenders, Joško Gvardiol of Manchester City. Where many players his age might have been intimidated, Yamal treated it like any other day on the pitch.

Although Yamal didn’t find the back of the net, it didn’t matter. For years, La Roja lacked a provocative 1v1 winger willing to take risks. For Yamal, it is about forcing the clash, and he often wins it. 

His physical development is ongoing, but his current condition is already formidable. Croatia’s defence struggled to contain him. They often needed at least two players to keep him in check – a clear sign of his qualities. 

Yamal’s presence was a significant factor in Spain’s victory over Croatia and why the Croats struggled to mount a comeback.

His ability to pose a constant threat whenever he had the ball was invaluable. Spain can count themselves fortunate to have Yamal in their ranks – it is already written in the stars that he will be the team’s best performer until the last game. 

3. N’Golo Kanté

This isn’t a name many would have expected to see in the Top Five Players of the first round of EURO 2024. However, N’Golo Kanté’s magic hasn’t faded, even after his move to Al-Attihad. Kanté commanded the midfield, proving once again why he’s so highly regarded. 

Sure, he might not have the legs he used to, but his energy and ability to cover every inch of the pitch remain as impressive as ever.

Most players would have struggled to fulfil Kanté’s role in the game against Austria. Kanté faced a physically demanding game that required elite athleticism, especially with players like Mbappé, Thuram, and Dembélé needing someone to clean up behind them. Many players would have struggled, but not Kanté. His engine and spirit were indomitable, showcasing what makes him so special. 

Despite his age and change in club, Kanté’s performance was a reminder of his enduring quality. While he might not feature in the next games with Eduardo Camavinga waiting on the bench, there’s no doubt that his display against Austria left fans in awe, rediscovering the brilliance of N’Golo Kanté.

2. Dennis Man

One of the surprises that even the most fanatic fans didn’t see coming was Romania’s stunning performance against Ukraine (3-0). Romania missed qualification in the last few editions of the EURO, and without many players in elite clubs, Romania’s display was a revelation. 

Dennis Man broke records for the most goal contributions in a match for Romania, leaving the world watching in awe. With a name like ‘Man,’ he made sure everyone would remember it, setting up two goals in a commanding 3-0 victory.

Traditionally, Romania isn’t known for a high-scoring style, but Dennis Man, often hailed as “the full package” by his youth coaches, proved his worth. The best dark horses in tournaments usually have a standout player in the attack, and Dennis Man seems destined to be that man. 

At twenty-five years old, this performance marks a significant breakthrough in his career. 

1.Unai Simon

It is not often that goalkeepers are highlighted in rankings – but we’re making an exception. Aside from Lamine Yamal, Spain’s guardian angel against Croatia was Unai Simon. Five of his saves were crucial as Croatia attempted to claw back from a 3-0 deficit. 

On any other day, the Croats would have likely scored, reigniting the contest. This isn’t the first time that Unai Simon has risen to the occasion for La Roja, and it appears his brilliance will once again be pivotal in Spain’s journey through the tournament.

La Roja will be particularly thankful for Simon’s heroics, especially given the team’s shaky defensive performance. Cucurella was lost, and the center backs lacked coordination. Amidst the chaos, one man stood tall – Unai Simon.