Euro 2012, Europe’s most elite competition, has not disappointed us in any way so far. The excitement is mainly due to the amazing toughness and the stiff competition displayed in the tournament. The smaller nations have made some huge statements and some players without any credible fame have grabbed the spotlight. We look at five players who have hit the headlines in the Euros so far.
1. Vaclav Pilar( Czech Republic)
The “Czech Messi” has been instrumental in Czech Republic’s turnaround after a demolishing loss to Russia in their first match. Pilar is a winger who can operate on both sides of the field. After impressing in the Champions League with Viktoria Plzen, Pilar has taken the European championships by storm. He has scored two goals in the competition. Reported to be moving to VFL Wolfsburg, Pilar will have a host of big clubs at his doorstep in a year or so.
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2. Alan Dzagoev( Russia)
Considered Russia’s finest player since Lev Yashin’s exploits for the Soviet Union, Dzagoev has truly made it into the annuls of Russian football history. CSKA Moscow’s breathtaking attacking midfielder took centre stage in Russia’s walloping 4-1 victory against Czech Republic. Though he would be disappointed that his efforts went futile for the Russians, Dzagoev is tipped to be a superstar. Three goals in Europe’s elite tournament clearly sets him for a move to a top club.
3. Yevhen Konoplyanka( Ukraine)
The FC Dnipro player already has a habit of grabbing the spotlight. For the first time in Ukraine, a player not originating from Shakhtar Donetsk or Dynamo Kiev is being hailed as the next best thing. Linked to Arsenal before the commencement of Euro 2012, Konoplyanka’s amazing close control has earnt him several plaudits. Konoplayanka is a left winger who continuously cuts in and has a simple game plan. His work ethic and excellent creative instincts have made him a bigger silver lining than the prodigal son Andriy Yarmolenko.
4. Mario Mandzukic( Croatia)
Mario Mandzukic is a well known figure in Wolfsburg but was never tipped to be the Croatian powerhouse that he is now. Nikica Jelavic was considered to be the Croatia’s potent weapon. But Mario had other plans. He stole the limelight and made the big stage his own. His hard work has earnt him a potential move to the bigger clubs with Liverpool already knocking on his door.
5. Mats Hummels( Germany)
Jurgen Klopp, the man who is behind Dortmund’s revolution claimed that Hummels is one of the best centre backs in the world. It would have seemed baffling to call a player who has not played in the big stages of either the Champions League or the World Cup as one of the best. Hummels is on this list for that very reason. This was, in all fairness, his first chance to shine on centre stage. Many would have predicted the likes of Robin Van Persie and Cristiano Ronaldo to give Germany a run for their money. But Hummels clearly had other ideas. Hummels is arguably the best centre back in the tournament so far. He is a rock at the back and is certainly world class to say the least.
Other candidates who made it big are Jakub Blaszczykowski, Michael Kron-Daehli, Andriy Yarmolenko , Robert Lewandowski and Nikica Jelavic.
