So, we are down to the final eight at Euro 2024 and naturally some players have stood out more than others.
However, in terms of Premier League talent – those who ply their trade in the English top flight – a handful stand out.
It would be easy to select England players given the nucleus are based at home with their club careers.
Yet I have decided not to do that as the EPL players who have caught the eye for me at the tournament to date are Swiss, Danish and Portuguese.
Let me begin with someone who has played a key role in Manchester City’s success over the past two seasons and appears to be a clear leader for his national team.
While many of the plaudits were being reserved for Granit Xhaka after Switzerland defeated very lacklustre holders Italy in the last 16, I felt the real class act in their ranks was at the back as Federico Chiesa and company were not given a sniff.
The game looked beyond the defending champions from the minute they fell 2-0 behind at the start of the second half and Manuel Akanji was a key reason for that.
He oozed composure in possession, as well as strength, ensuring their rearguard remained unbreachable, all the while making important interceptions and blocks.
One such instance denied Chiesa a possible goal in the first half and with the game still goalless.
Within a few moments, the Swiss scored the opener and never looked back.
So, while Xhaka and Fabian Schar – Premier League past and present – deserve credit, the real consistent class act in that team is definitely Akanji.
Granted, the Italians did not offer much, but that does not detract from the fact Akanji delivered a defensive masterclass.
A Swiss ‘army knife’ who continues to enhance his reputation, Akanji rarely lets City down when he is called upon and that trait has been on full display for Switzerland at Euro 24.
Another Premier League defender who gets my nod and has been similarly impressive for the Danes is Joachim Andersen.
A player who deserved far better than the injustice (or two) he and his compatriots encountered as they bowed out at the hands of the hosts, Andersen thought he had opened the scoring only for VAR to intervene.
Almost immediately he was then on the receiving end of a ridiculous ruling against the spirit of the game, not to mention harsh, which led to Germany being awarded a penalty.
It was two minutes which completely changed the contest and naturally led to Danish anger from so many at full-time.
Speaking to a Danish broadcaster afterwards, Andersen said: “It was crazy and not a penalty at all. I can’t run around with my arms behind my back and play football. He’s half a metre away from me and hits the ball on my hand, so I can’t see what I could do to prevent it.”
And of course he is right.
Instead of getting angry though, Andersen look bewildered and laughed at it all. It was a laugh which spoke volumes and was how the majority of onlookers must have felt.
A really talented player for club (Crystal Palace) and country at the heart of the defence, he would get into most of the remaining nations competing at this tournament.
Other Premier League-based players who have enjoyed Euro 2024 highlights and are deserving of a mention are Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, his Portuguese team-mate Bernardo Silva and his City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne.
For now though my third and final selection is going to be Kai Havertz – a player who may, in an attacking sense, be a ‘Jack of all trades and master of none’ but certainly has the capabilities to provide decisive moments.
Scorer of the winning goal for Chelsea in the 2021 Champions League final, and a much improved figure for Arsenal during the second half of the recent campaign, helping the Gunners claim the runners-up spot, he now has two goals in four Euro 2024 matches.
It’s fair to say he is not an out-and-out striker but is leading the line well for the hosts and continues to represent their best chance of a goal.
Despite the clamour for goal-getter Niclas Fulkrug to start, there is a reason why Julian Nagelsmann is keeping faith with his number seven and it is proving a wise choice as the SBOTOP Euro 2024 betting odds on German success this summer shorten by the day.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
