The UEFA Euro 2016 which starts on June 10th has given football fans around the world a whole new reason to rejoice and celebrate. Started back in 1960 to crown the best European footballing nation, the Euro Cup has steadily gained popularity to become one of the most watched sporting events around the globe. This is the 15th edition of the Euro Cup and France hosts it for the third time.
There are plenty of stars to look out for throughout the tournament. As we near closer to the European Cup, here is a list of 10 players who would most likely create the biggest impact on the tournament.
1. Harry Kane
Country: England
Position: Forward
Jersey Number: #19
Time and again Harry Kane has proved that he is one of the best strikers in the world. After having had a fantastic two seasons with Tottenham Hotspur which culminated in a Golden Boot win, Kane is one of England’s leading spearheads for Euro Cup 2016. No longer will England have to rely on Wayne Rooney’s magic as Kane could be the saviour for the English side this summer.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Country: Portugal
Position: Forward
Jersey Number: #7
No wonders here. Could there be a list of players to watch out for without Cristiano Ronaldo? The goal-scoring machine has had an incredible season with Real Madrid, leading them to a thrilling UEFA Champions League win over Atletico Madrid. He is one striker who can score goals from anywhere and out of anything. He will be surely terrorising the opposition all through the competition while leading Portugal from the front.
3. Gareth Bale
Country: Wales
Position: Forward
Jersey Number: #11
He is the one striker who no defender can catch. The lighting fast Bale has single-handedly carried Wales into the European Cup, their first major tournament after 58 years. His scintillating pace and goal scoring ability has made him a one man army for his country. If left unchecked, Bale can tear through any opposition. He is one of the exciting prospects to look out for in the tournament.
4. Thomas Muller
Country: Germany
Position: Attacking Midfielder, Forward
Jersey Number: #13
Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Thomas Muller has mastered the art of being the right man at the right moment. He is someone who is always there, more or less invisibly to score that ‘one’ goal that matters. Muller has pulled it off time and again for Germany and his exploits are expected to come handy for his country in the European Cup as well.
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5. Eden Hazard
Country: Belgium
Position: Midfielder
Jersey Number: #10
Eden Hazard might not have been in the best of forms lately. But having said that, towards the end of the EPL season he was playing like a star player again. Hazard captains Belgium which is the highest ranked team in the tournament (according to FIFA rankings) and if his recent form sustains, the young midfielder will have bundles of surprises for the opposition.
6. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Country: Sweden
Position: Forward
Jersey Number: #10
The tall Swedish striker is one person which no team would take for granted. Given his ability to strike the ball with power and precision both inside and outside the penalty area, Sweden would bank on him to progress far in the tournament. Ibrahimovic’s agility and acrobatic skills makes him perfect as a striker and as someone who can provide assists.
7. Jamie Vardy
Country: England
Position: Forward
Jersey Number: #10
He is one of the main reasons why underdogs Leicester City won the English Premier League title this season. Once again, all eyes will be on Jamie Vardy as he sports the England jersey for Euro 2016. He has been one of the lethal strikers to have come out of nowhere to establish a name for himself. Having scored an incredible 24 goals in the recently concluded EPL season, it is now time for Vardy to make it count on the international stage.
8. Robert Lewandowski
Country: Poland
Position: Forward
Jersey Number: #9
Poland’s chances of progressing far in the European cup rest in the feet of Robert Lewandowski. The Bayern Munich striker is pure class with his ability to score goals from anywhere in the field. His perfect form would be a true delight to watch throughout the tournament.
9. Paul Pogba
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