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With France's 1-0 victory over Germany last night, all the participating nations have completed their first game at the UEFA Euro 2020. The tournament has just begun, but there have already been some incredible individual performances so far.
From having fans back in the stadium to stunning goals from the halfway line, Euro 2020 has already delivered a lot of excitement and served up some memorable moments. Some players have made their presence felt while others still continue to get into their groove. But the bar has been set for the remainder of the tournament and it is quite high.
There are a lot of games to be played yet, and it is clear that no team will have it easy. The likes of Hungary, North Macedonia and Finland have all put in spirited displays and have made their intentions extremely clear.
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Without further ado, we rank the top 5 performers from Matchday 1 of Euro 2020.
#5 Patrik Schick (Czech Republic)
Euro 2020 was Scotland's first major tournament since 1998, and their first game in the group stage did not go according to plan.
Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick scored a brace to ensure that the Czech Republic beat Scotland 2-0. Schick's second goal is already many fans' choice for Goal of the Tournament; the 25-year old scored a stunning goal from 49.7 meters out. The goal was later revealed to be the longest-recorded goal at the Euros since 1980.
Schick enjoyed a fairly good season in the Bundesliga, making 20 starts for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring nine goals and providing an assist. He has established himself as a star for the Czech Republic national team and will be keen to replicate the form against Scotland when his nation takes on England and Croatia.
Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020
#4 Kalvin Phillips (England)
Eyebrows were raised when England manager Gareth Southgate decided to start Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips alongside Declan Rice in midfield for their Euro 2020 opening game against Croatia.
It proved to be a tactically adept decision in the end as Phillips ran the show. He was the best player on the field, constantly alert and performing all his tasks in midfield with utmost perfection. He capped it all off by providing the assist for the sole goal of the game.
Many assumed Jordan Henderson would partner Rice in midfield, but Phillips' excellent performance means he is very likely to start England's next game as well. The 25-year old could very well become one of the best players at Euro 2020.
#3 Milan Skriniar (Slovakia)
Milan Skriniar's Inter Milan career may have stagnated a little in recent years. But the defender provided a glimpse of his immense quality during Slovakia's 2-1 win over Poland at Euro 2020.
The 26-year old was masterful in defence as he kept Robert Lewandowski on a leash throughout. Skriniar marshalled his troops to perfection to keep the Bayern Munich forward quiet. He ultimately scored the match-winning goal as well, ensuring that Slovakia took three well-deserved points from their opening match.
#2 Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
Romelu Lukaku is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in world football right now, and he was once again in fine form as Belgium comfortably beat Russia 3-0.
Lukaku scored a brace and looked threatening for the entirety of the game. The 28-year old was Belgium's best attacker that night, single-handedly creating problems for the Russian defence and not giving them a moment's rest throughout. It is frightening to imagine what the Belgium attack will be capable of once Kevin de Bruyne also returns to the first XI.
Lukaku was arguably Serie A's best player in the 2020-21 season as well. He made 32 league starts for Inter Milan, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists as the Nerazzurri won Serie A. Belgium's all-time top scorer will look to add more goals to his tally and try to take his nation as far as possible in Euro 2020.
#1 Paul Pogba (France)
The Group of Death lived up to its billing, providing two excellent encounters yesterday.
The France-Germany fixture was one of the most anticipated games of Euro 2020, and it did not disappoint. Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba stole the headlines with his dominant display. The 28-year old was the best player among two star-studded line-ups.
A delicious pass from Pogba to Lucas Hernandez resulted in the sole goal of the game, with Hernandez's cross deflected in by German centre-back Mats Hummels. Pogba clearly benefitted from having N'Golo Kante as his midfield partner, and his attacking qualities were in full flow. The Frenchman seems to consistently flourish when representing his national team and will be crucial as France seek to win Euro 2020.
Honourable Mentions: Denzel Dumfries (The Netherlands), Lukas Hradecky (Finland), Leonardo Spinazzola (Italy), Robin Olsen (Sweden), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Breel Embolo (Switzerland)
Also Read: Jim Beglin's column - 5 players who could impress in unfamiliar positions
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