My Euro 2020 Team of the Tournament
With the international tournaments coming to a close, I have assessed all the Barcelona players and how they have fared at the Euros and Copa America. If you haven’t checked that out already, why not do so right now? Now its time for some Non-Barcelona content. I will be drafting Euro 2020 Team of the Tournament.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Player of the tournament? Maybe not. But my goalkeeper of the tournament. This Euros has yielded quite a few outstanding goalkeepers, from Danny Ward and Hradecky in the group stage, to Yan Sommer and Kasper Schmeichel keeping their teams alive in the knockouts, to the battle of goalkeepers between Pickford and Donnarumma in the final. He kept 3 clean sheets as well and has the second highest post-shot xG among the goalkeepers I have mentioned, behind only Hradecky. He has the 3rd highest save percentage as well, only behind Pickford and Hradecky this time. Donnarumma did win the Euros and his penalty heroics was one of the main reasons why Italy could win it. This really does separate him from the rest. For me, it was quite close between Pickford and Donnurumma. England were the more defensive team, often playing a three at the back, and this is a huge advantage for him. In the end, it does matter who wins the tournament, Donnarumma did win the Euros and it cannot be denied that he was one of the main reasons for Italy’s success.
Right Back: Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker was the outstanding candidate in this position. Denzel Dumfries would have probably taken the spot if not for the Dutch crashing out in the Round of 16. Coufal was another contender with him being a driving force in the Czech Republic team. Kyle Walker was rock solid at the back, not being dribbled passed even once in the entire tournament. He was the trusted cog in the English machine and showed his versatile as well. He played as a right back, as well as a right centre back in a back three. He was quite limited going forward owing to the defensive approach that England followed. Overall, Kyle Walker was solid at the back and the best right back at the tournament for me.
Centre Back: G. Chiellini
Chiellini’s leadership at the back was impeccable. Missing most of the season with Juventus, Chiellini has come back with a bang. He was the heart of the defence alongside Leonardo Bonnuci, who has also exceptional throughout the tournament, but barely missed out. He cleared the ball a mighty 4 times a game, despite playing for an Italian side dominating possession. With zero errors leading to a shot and just 1 foul per game, Chiellini was almost faultless and was the cool head that the Italians needed.
Centre Back: Harry Maguire
England’s defence was impenetrable and huge credit does go to Gareth Southgate, but what’s a team of the tournament without an English centre back. Despite missing the first 2 games, Maguire was immense at the back for England. He was solid at the back with 4 clearances and 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game. But it was his ball playing ability that really stood out. Among defenders, he was 4th for passes into the final third and progressive carrying distance. He was brilliant in the air as well, winning 87.5% of his ariel duels and scoring a header as well in the quarter final. Maguire has painted a good picture of himself at the Euros.
Left Back: Jordi Alba
The left back position for me was the toughest to pick, with a plethora of options to chose from, including Spinazzola, Luke Shaw, Maehle and Robin Gosens. It might just be the bias in me that separated Alba from the others. Jordi Alba was phenomenal throughout the tournament and was Spain's most dangerous attacking outlet. He ranked top 6 in several passing metrics including progressive passing distance, passes into the final third, passes and crosses into penalty area, progressive passes, crosses and key passes. Alba was exceptional throughout the tournament and deserves the left back spot.
Central Defensive Midfield: Jorginho
The metronome of the Italian midfield, Jorginho was ever present. His ball circulation and passing was pinpoint and he was the most progressive passer amongst the Italians with 35 progressive passes. Defensively he was sound, with 5.5 tackles and interceptions per game. He set a new record for most interceptions (25) at a single European Championship tournament. He played the second most minutes at the tournament, covered the most distance of any player and completed the third most touches among players at this Euros. Coming off a stellar Champions League winning season with Chelsea, Jorginho has guided the Azzurri to European Championship Glory.
Central Midfield: Pedri
The Best Young Player of the Tournament, Pedri González has announced himself to the world of football. Coming of a bright season with Barcelona where he impressed all Blaugrana fans, Pedri has taken his footballing ability to a whole new level. The maturity and elegance with which he plays is simple sensational. Pedri lead in several advanced metrics at the Euros including passes into final third, carries into the final third, through balls, shot creating actions and goal creating actions. Brilliant throughout the tournament, Pedri deserves a spot in the Euro Team of the Tournament.
Central Midfield: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
The leader in the Danish midfield, Højbjerg deserves a spot in this team. The Danes were the true heroes of the tournament, as they made their way to the Semi-Finals despite the horrific incident that took place early on. Kasper Schmeichel and Simon Kjaer just missed out, while Mæhle and Damsgaard were probably the breakout stars of the tournament. Højbjerg did play on the right of a midfield two and would perfectly complement Pedri who did play in the left interior spot. Højbjerg was excellent throughout the tournament, ranking top 7 for several metrics including interceptions, shot creating actions, progressive passes and passes into the penalty area. He contributed with 3 assists as well. He kept the Danish midfield ticking and was instrumental for success.
Left Winger: Raheem Sterling
Coming of a sluggish season with Manchester City, England fans were not counting on Sterling despite Gareth Southgate’s huge trust in him. Southgate’s faith did pay off with Sterling being in my opinion, England’s most important player. He scored crucial goals against Croatia, Czech Repubic and Germany. He took the second most shots and most shots on target in the England squad. He completed the most dribbles at the tournament as well. Sterling deserves huge credit for England’s achievements at the Euros.
Centre Forward: Patrik Schick
Let me get it clarified, I’m not hating on Ronaldo. I really do appreciate him, and he was impressive at the Euros, carrying Portugal throughout. Patrik Schick was an unlikely star and he drove Czech Republic to the Quarterfinals. He scored that absolute screamer as well, which was the longest ever goal at the Euros. He was on absolute fire, outperforming his xG by 2.6. He also ranked higher than Ronaldo in total shots, shots per 90, total shots on target and shots on target per 90. Schick has enjoyed quite a renaissance at the Euros and despite the debate makes my team of the tournament.
Right Winger: Federico Chiesa
Coming up clutch in several important moments, Chiesa was excellent for the Azzurri. He was a constant threat down the right-hand side. He provided the Italians with an option to counter with his exhilarating speed. He dribbled past defenders with ease and provided cutting edge as well. He ranked top 7 at the Euros for several metrics including shots on targets, shots, dribbles and carries into the penalty area. The young Italian has showcased his talent at the Euros and does have a very bright future awaiting him.
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