Euro 2020: Ranking the top 5 performers from Matchday 1

Paul Pogba battles for the ball during the match against Germany
Paul Pogba battles for the ball during the match against Germany

#3 Milan Skriniar (Slovakia)

Milan Skriniar celebrates after scoring against Poland
Milan Skriniar celebrates after scoring against Poland

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 continued his rich vein of form by netting twice for Belgium against Russia
Romelu Lukaku continued his rich vein of form by netting twice for Belgium against Russia

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)

Paul Pogba will be vital for France's Euro 2020 hope
Paul Pogba will be vital for France's Euro 2020 hope

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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Edited by Anantaajith Raghuraman
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