The Euro 2024 finally met the most highly anticipated end, as Spain lifted their fourth title in the UEFA Euro competition. They are now the most successful team with 4 titles leaving behind Germany who have three titles.
With several teams, from Spain to Germany having played some exceptional football, several young heroes have risen to stardom while the world’s most legendary players, like Kroos and Modric, marked an end to their careers.
From the Spanish wing duo of Yamal and Nico Williams to German talents Musiala and Wirtz, disappointment for Kane, Mbappe and Bellingham, to the outgoing Modric, Kroos and maybe the last played Euro for the greats of European footballers like French star Griezmann to Belgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne.
With the Spanish fever yet in the air, let’s take a look at the Euro’s best combined XI
Goal Keeper
Jordan Pickford – The England goalkeeper is probably the only player who would come to one’s mind for the role of a player in front of goal. Pickford is Euros’ new Martinez, as he was one of the very reasons that England could make it to the Euro finals.
English hero in the Quarter-finals saved Akanji’s goal to give England the lead ahead while he was also their star throughout different knockouts of the tournament, the way he kept denying the Dutch forwards in the semis was exceptional.
Defenders
Maximilian Mittelstadt – The German star from the Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart, has been a star in the Euro defensive line. The left-back has produced wonders down the left flank, as he has been creative with forward moves and firm in the defensive half denying players the forward run.
William Saliba – The French centre-back is one of the finest players in the middle of the defensive area, as the Arsenal star has kept Pickford’s goal safe throughout the tournament. Saliba has been often regarded as one of the finest central defenders currently in Europe.
Merih Demiral – This name might not be from among the top European clubs, but Turkey’s central defender has been what a perfect defender is called. Demiral also has two goals to his name, as he led Turkey to the Quarter-finals. He has been firm in the defensive line alongside the Turkish defender.
Bukayo Saka – Another Arsenal man in our list of Euro stars, Saka has been often deployed in the role of a wing-back by Southgate and even the Arsenal star has left everyone behind in the position. Having players like Walker, Dumfries and Kimmich, Saka yet went on to be one of the finest playmakers in the position. He has also shown a great defensive work rate and has won balls in the defensive half.
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Mid-fielders
Jamal Musiala – The German Attacking mid-fielder has been unstoppable in the competition, as he has often been of great concern for the opponent teams. Musiala’s speed and skills on the ball to go across players have been a regular effort for the Bayern Munich star.
Germany’s future seems exciting with the likes of Musiala playing alongside the others who can be reviving or recreating another excellent generation of German football.
Rodri – The Manchester City central midfielder has been the key player in Spain being one of the best European sides who hold the play in the mid-field, he is one of the finest pressers in the area, Rodri is also known for his defensive wall like nature, as he denies players to move forward. He is considered one of the finest and it is not far to be declared, as Rodri is most likely to deny Bellingham the Ballon d’Or.
Dani Olmo – The RB Leipzig star deserves much more than he got in his career so far. The Spanish attacker is often seen bringing in electrifying effort on the field, as he did when he came against Germany from the Bench in place of an injured Pedri and went on to score Spain’s first goal against the hosts before setting up a perfect cross for Moreno’s header that led to the Spanish winner. With several big clubs targeting the Spanish attacker, he is a must-include player in the lineup.
Forwards
Nico Williams – The most talked-off player since the Euro group stages, the Athletic star has been in the buzz during the transfer season. Williams’ speed and work rate have often been praised by several greats and his skills on the ball are admirable.
Though Williams might not have won any individual awards, no one would be able to deny his immense contribution to La Roja’s success.
Cody Gakpo – Gakpo is the only Dutch player on the list. He has been the Netherlands’s best on the field and has shared the Golden Boot with 6 other players, two of them being on this list with Musiala and Olmo.
Gakpo has been the star, as his cutbacks, agility and shooting prowess have been commendable. Gakpo unlike other strikers has not failed to keep his shots on goal and has been one of the finest forwards in the competition.
Lamine Yamal – The most obvious name and a common for every predicted team, the FCB star is the greatest in making down the Right flank. Yamal has won the golden ball, as he has made the most assists for the Spanish side and has often contributed to crucial Spanish goals and almost every first Spanish goal in knockouts.
Benched Reserves:
Fabian Ruiz – Spain’s surprise package, the PSG midfielder has been the best with 2 goals and 2 assists in the competition as he remains another star among the Spanish mid-field dominators.
Joshua Kimmich – Germany’s long-praised star has been always included down the right flank for all these years. Kimmich who can also be deployed in the role of a defensive midfielder is a most hyped European substitute option.
Arda Guler – ‘Turkish Messi’, this is what the Real Madrid star is often known as. The Turkish winger has been the star of Turkey’s Euro campaign.
Xavi Simons – Simons has been a great player for the Oranje, though he has had some weak ends in some of their outings yet the star who is supposed to make a move to Bayern is one of the most commendable players.
