#4 Wes Hoolahan (Republic of Ireland)
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Ireland have amassed a tidy little collection of fond memories over the years that showcase their ability to get going when the obstacles start coming thick and fast, and while they have never been the best team in Europe (or indeed the world) by any stretch of the imagination, the Green Army have nonetheless produced some tremendous examples of how to punch above your weight.
Their inspiring performances at the 2002 World Cup, their surge to the quarter finals of the 1990 edition of the biggest competition in international football – and now their qualification to the last 16 of Euro 2016, thanks in no small part to their tricky playmaker Wes Hoolahan, have all proven their worth.
The Norwich City midfielder smashed a glorious right-footed effort past Sweden to earn his country a point in their opener, and although there was little for any Irish fan to cheer about as they lost 3-0 against Belgium, it was the player dubbed “Wessi” by his admirers who conjured the magic to assist Robbie Brady with a wonderfully flighted cross for Ireland’s shock 1-0 win over Italy as the group stage came to a close.
For years, Hoolahan was deemed too small by many clubs and languished in League of Ireland football and with British minnows before eventually getting a run of regular minutes with the Canaries as his late 20s approached – to see him shining now on one of the biggest stages around has been one of the most romantic happenings of this competition and it has given veterans all across the continent hope that it’s never too late to seize your chances. He’s genuinely been one of the most technically gifted stars to emerge from the Emerald Isle.
If your heart isn't melting just a little bit, then shame on you.
