Euro 2020 Key Players
Whenever major international tournaments are in motion, fans can often be captivated by moments of individual brilliance from players. Euro 2020 is no different in that regard, with many of the leading stars already shining brightly. But which player is most likely to perform consistently at the highest level, standing head and shoulders above the rest?
Cristiano Ronaldo
? Cristiano Ronaldo takes the plaudits after a record-breaking two-goal display ⚽️⚽️
? Did you see that coming?@Heineken | #EUROSOTM | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/EnQvuTFwv5
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 15, 2021
36-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo may be reaching the twilight of his amazing career, yet the Portugal captain can still produce moments of brilliance that can win matches. After setting a new record as the highest scorer in European Championship history, Ronaldo is amongst the leading player of the tournament betting favourites, thanks to the consistently high quality of his performances.
Having made the difference when Portugal won Euro 2016, there’s no doubt that Ronaldo can continue being just as influential at the current tournament. Having already scored three goals in his first two games, living legend CR7 is also chasing the Euro 2020 Golden Boot award.
Romelu Lukaku
2/2 Star of the Match awards for Romelu Lukaku ?? pic.twitter.com/UTK9XCxONt
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 17, 2021
Following a spectacular season with Inter Milan, the power and precision of Romelu Lukaku helped his club to win their first Serie A title since 2010. Now the 28-year-old is eager to help Belgium achieve international glory at Euro 2020, after they came agonisingly close to going all the way at the 2018 World Cup, before being eliminated by France in the semi-finals.
Lukaku is the tip of the lance for a Belgian side that could be potential champions, part of a side that is blessed with creative talent that can keep him well-supplied with scoring chances. Star of the Match in the first two games, his current level of performance is amazing.
N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante is built different ? pic.twitter.com/55HyMjpV5v
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 15, 2021
This has already been a spectacular year for N’Golo Kante, winning the Champions League with Chelsea, who benefitted greatly from his tireless efforts in midfield. Whilst attacking players usually grab the headlines, Kante has earned plenty of praise for his relentless energy and excellent ball-winning ability, underpinned by dynamism and exceptional discipline.
Few players can match the exemplary work ethic of the 30-year-old, which was a key ingredient when France won the 2018 World Cup. Thanks to the continued presence of Kante, they are also Euro 2020 favourites for good reason.
Kevin De Bruyne
Such an influential player for Manchester City, with his craft and vision helping them to win the 2020-21 Premier League title, Kevin De Bruyne was also voted as PFA Players’ Player of the Year for a second consecutive season. In his first cameo appearance for Belgium at Euro 2020, the 29-year-old left the bench to single-handedly turn the game against Denmark.
With Belgium 1-0 down at half-time against the Danes, De Bruyne was introduced after the break. He assisted the equaliser and scored the winner, helping Belgium secure a priceless 1-2 victory. Such an influence inevitably makes him a leading candidate for player of the tournament.
The Three Lions’ contenders
Amongst the three home nations featuring at Euro 2020, the best chance of reaching the latter stages rests with England. Performances by striker Harry Kane have been well below par, even though he was widely tipped as a player of the tournament candidate. Instead, the trio to watch are Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount, if the Three Lions are to triumph.
