5 lesser-known players who have impressed at Euro 2016

International tournaments have always been a stage for lesser known players to make a name for themselves. The pride of representing your nation at such a big stage can always get the best out of any player.

With teams having battled to get through to the round of 16, there were a few, like the Umbro supported Republic of Ireland, who made it at the last minute, while others like Spain and Italy had clinched their spots in the first two matches itself.

These matches saw some great performances from players who were expected to shine, but there were also a few who impressed everyone despite not being thought of as standouts.

We take a look at the top 5 lesser-known players who've impressed at Euro 2016 so far -

Jeff Hendrick

Republic of Ireland made history on Wednesday night after their 1-0 win over Italy, as they progressed to the knock-out stages of the tournament for the first time ever. Robbie Brady scored the winner for the Irish, but Jeff Hendrick’s endeavour and invention have taken everyone by surprise.

The 24-year-old has played every minute of the tounament so far, and has been a vital player for Martin O’Neill’s team. He has been a leader in the middle of the park, and is always seen demanding the ball. Against Belgium, when they were suffering, Hendrick was often seen fighting for the ball, and urging his teammates not to give up.

The Republic of Ireland fans have been the loudest at the Euros, cheering their team on, sporting the team’s royal green jersey designed by Umbro and they created an intimidating atmosphere that helped their team soldier on and defeat Italy.

Manager O’Neill brought in a new central defensive pairing of Shane Duffy and Richard Keogh for the match against Italy, and they didn’t disappoint. Keogh, who sports the Umbro Medusae, a shoe that helps aid mobility and is yet lightweight, was very good on the night and helped shutout Italy.

Ireland face France in the Round of 16, and the hopes of several Irish fans are once again on the shoulders of the Derby County midfielder. They’ve surpassed all expectations, and anything from now will be icing on the cake.

Kamil Glik

Poland haven’t conceded a single goal in the group stages of the tournament, and a lot of the credit for that goes to Torino skipper, Kamil Glik. The 28-year-old has stood like a wall, and hasn’t allowed anything to pass him so far in the tournament. More than anything, Glik has been a leader at the back, and is always seen organising his defense.

He has delivered a couple of stellar performances so far, and was especially brilliant against Ukraine and Germany. It’s worth mentioning that against Ukraine, Glik made 10 clearances, more than anyone else on the pitch, and three interceptions.

Even against Northern Ireland, he was in fine form and was very strong in the air, as he won eight aerial defensive duels, the highest of any player on the field.

At times, Glik has single-handedly carried his team’s backline in the tournament, and the Polish fans will be hoping he continues his fine form in the knock-out stages too.

Jón Daði Böðvarsson

Iceland have set up a knock-out date against England, after heroic performances from most of their players. It’s quite difficult to pick out a single player from their team, but one of the few who stood out is Jón Daði Böðvarsson.

The 24-year-old winger plays for German second division club 1.FC Kaiserslautern, and is making a name for himself in the tournament. Coming from an island of just 330,000 people, Böðvarsson has stood out and took his team across the finishing line in the group stages of the tournament.

Böðvarsson opened the scoring in his team’s dramatic 2-1 win over Austria, and was a constant threat to the defenders. Though he’s scored just once, his tireless work ethic and ability to deliver under pressure are very endearing qualities.

Iceland have every reason to dream after coming so far in the tournament, and Böðvarsson & co won’t be resting on their laurels.

Ivan Perisic

The Inter Milan winger has played some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Perisic was a part of Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund side who surprised many, but the Croatian star was never the star of the show in Germany and went on to join Inter in the Serie A.

Perisic, however, has taken matters in his own hand during the group stages of Euro 2016, and surprised many with his brilliant performances. Croatia finished at the top of their group, ahead of Spain, and if there was one man who was the star of the show, it was Ivan Perisic. The 27-year-old has two goals and an assist to his name, and has consistently produced good performances.

His pace and power have been very useful assets to the Croatian side and he has been their biggest threat on the counter-attack. It’s important he continues his form in the knock-out stages, so Croatia have enough firepower to surprise the others in the tournament.

Michael McGovern

Michael McGovern is currently without a club, but several clubs will soon line up for him, if continues his impressive perfromances for Northern Ireland.

The 31-year-old’s heroics helped his team qualify for the round of 16, and helped them come out of a tough group, with the most staggering result being their 2-0 win over Ukraine. They now face Wales in the next round.

Northern Ireland impressed everyone even in their 1-0 loss against Germany, and McGovern was the star of the show. He had nothing to lose coming into the tournament, but is now making headlines.

Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill revealed the players gave McGovern a round of applause after the game against Germany, and that’s probably the best way to sum up his outstanding performances.