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#3 Jorginho | Italy, Chelsea
Jorginho has been in stunning form since the turn of the year and played a pivotal role in Chelsea's UEFA Champions League triumph under Thomas Tuchel. At Euro 2020, he carried on from where he left-off for the Blues and ran the show from the center of the park, as Italy progressively grew in stature throughout the tournament to get their hands on the trophy.
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Hailed as Roberto Mancini's midfield metronome, the elegant midfielder is one of the best passers of the ball, as he pulled strings expertly as a #6 for Italy. Jorginho has been criticized over the years for his lack of athleticism and strength, but the 29-year-old has silenced his doubters in style in 2021 and is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world at the moment.
Italy's midfield is arguably their strongest asset, with players like Nicolo Barella, Marco Verratti and Manuel Locatelli playing their parts in their Euro 2020 triumph. However, not only was Jorginho Italy's best midfielder but also their standout player throughout the competition, as he became only the 10th player in history to win the European Championships and the UEFA Champions League in the same season.
#2 Pedri | Spain, Barcelona
Pedri's emergence at Barcelona has been an impressive story in itself, but the young midfielder quickly became the first name on the team sheet for Luis Enrique despite only making his international debut in March. The 18-year-old started every game for La Roja at Euro 2020 and delivered a string of magnificent displays in midfield, as he kept his spot ahead of more experienced players like Thiago Alcantara and Fabian Ruiz.
Spain started Euro 2020 slowly, but they scored five goals against Slovakia in their last group stage game and topped it off with an impressive comeback victory against Croatia, with Pedri playing a starring role in both those wins. His backpass to Unai Simon against Croatia led to one of the most unbelievable own goals in football history, but he dominated the likes of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic in midfield to announce himself on the grandest stage.
Pedri is incredibly calm on the ball and his maturity belied his age at Euro 2020, as Luis Enrique showered the highest of praise on the youngster after Spain's defeat to Italy in the semi-final.
"Did you see how Pedri played in this tournament? I've never seen an 18 year old like him before, not even Don Andrés Iniesta. It’s a crazy thing. We have to take care of him.”
Pedri was undoubtedly one of the most consistent players at Euro 2020 and was named Young Player of the Tournament ahead of some decorated names. Spain and Barcelona are in good hands, with the diminutive midfielder set to play a key role for club and country in the years ahead.
#1 Raheem Sterling | England, Manchester City
Ahead of Euro 2020, a lot was said about Raheem Sterling, as he endured a rather disappointing season with Manchester City on a personal level. He didn't look confident in the final third and seemed to lack invention, as rumors emerged that he could be part of a swap deal that could see Harry Kane move to the Etihad Stadium.
However, Gareth Southgate opted to start Sterling for England's Euro 2020 opener against Croatia, as he partnered Harry Kane and Phil Foden in attack. The former Liverpool winger immediately justified his manager's faith in him, as he scored the solitary goal of the game to give his side all three points. Sterling once again emerged as England's match-winner against Czech Republic, as he once again scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory.
The knockout stages saw England come up against arch-rivals Germany in arguably their first big test of Euro 2020. Sterling stepped up to the plate once again and scored the opening goal, as the Three Lions recorded a 2-0 victory after a late strike from Harry Kane sealed the deal for them at the Wembley Stadium. He didn't score again in the tournament, but he bailed England out in the group stages and carried a misfiring attack on his shoulders through Kane's bad run of form.
Sterling is an experienced campaigner now, but he finally showed his class in a major tournament for England and was undoubtedly their best player. In the semi-final against Denmark, he never stopped running and was an absolute menace to deal with, as he won an extra-time penalty which was eventually converted by Kane.
On the grandest stage, the 26-year-old stepped up when it mattered most and produced a string of stunning displays to vindicate Southgate's faith in him.
Honorable mentions: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Paul Pogba (France), Harry Kane (England), Luke Shaw (England), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Denmark)
Also Read: Jim Beglin column - 5 players who have surprised everyone with their performances at Euro 2020
