Instant Impact: The Standout Performers of Euro 2020

With Euro 2020 in full swing and teams jostling for ascendancy from around Europe, players honing their craft for their club has never been more prominent. The European Championship took an unscheduled hiatus after the devastating pandemic swept the globe, and teams and fans were left in the lurch after a rescheduling of the summer of 2021.

After all the confusion there’s been some truly tantalising football being showcased on the main stage after the group stages have come to an end. Let’s explore the standout performers of the Euros so far and how their teams have fared in the competition.

Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands)

The PSV Eindhoven wing-back has been sensational in the opening three matches, scoring the winning goal against Ukraine and rounding off a comfortable victory over Austria. The 25-year-old put in another solid performance against North Macedonia to assure his side a maximum 9 points from the group.

The 25-year-old’s explosive energy down the right has opened Frank de Boer’s side up to an extra dimension that has cemented the Dutch a place in the next round.

Mikkel Damsgarrd (Denmark)

Denmark found themselves in a precarious position before the final group game after losing their first two opening matches, but a herculean performance against a resilient Russia sent them through to the last 16. After Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest, Denmark seemed to be looking down the barrel of defeat. Mikkel Damsgarrd rallied the side and put in a galvanising performance against Belgium to give supporters the hope they needed.

Damsgarrd got himself on the scoresheet against Russia in the second half sending fans into a state of euphoria after realising they had secured a spot in the next round.

Patrik Schick (Czech Republic)

Despite the collapse of Schick’s move to Juventus after he failed two medicals before joining Roma, the 25-year-old is finally fulfilling his potential he showed as a youth player at Sparta Prague’s academy. His mesmerising and audacious long-distance strike against Scotland propelled him into a Czech Republic cult hero. The young Czech has recorded four goals in his past five appearances and has made a huge splash this year at the Euros.

Kalvin Phillips (England)

Leeds United Calvin Phillips raised some eyebrows after getting the nod twice in both of England’s games. The intrepid greenhorn plied his trade almost effortlessly after impressing the nation, the Leeds’ midfielder put in a herculean performance against Croatia securing a well-deserved assist. England remain the favourites in the fixed odds betting and has a plethora of English talent to utilise in the competition.

Manuel Locatelli (Italy)

From an emphatic and galvanising celebration to joining Cristiano Ronaldo’s Coca-Cola boycott, the 23-year-old from Lecco in Lombardy has had a sensational tournament so far. The Azzurri footballer has already chalked up two goals against Switzerland and looks hungry for more. If Roberto Mancini’s side look well-equipped to go deep into this tournament it is due to the plethora of experience in the side and the ability in their midfield.

Andriy Yarmolenko (Ukraine)

Yarmolenko failed to score in 15 Premier League appearances last season for West Ham but appears to have saved his best for the international stage under his former teammate Andriy Shevchenko. The 31-year-old is clearly relishing the spotlight after scoring twice and adding an assist to his Euro campaign.

Raphael Varane (France)

It has been nearly a decade since Jose Mourinho described Varane as the world’s best defender and his commanding display against a venerable Germany made a good case why that is still the case. The Frenchman is still only 28 and has already won the Champions League four times, adding a European Championship winners’ medal to his World Cup title would be very fitting.

France is  awash with attacking talent but their bullet in the chamber is the watchful guidance of Didier Deschamps. Manchester United are long admirers and would love to entice Verane to Old Trafford after the Euros. 

Raheem Sterling (England)

Sterling opened his account for England in an emphatic fashion after scoring a brilliant goal in England’s opener against Croatia. Sterling, a Southgate favourite, has scored two in three for England and looks to have his scoring boots on for this tournament.

The Man City winger has been an integral cog in Guardiola’s machine over the years and takes his fine Premier League winning form into the England camp. With England topping group D, after dispatching the battle-hardened Czech Republic, the nation looks to be divided over the Three Lion’s chances. Germany awaits in the last 16 and England will have to dig deep and utilise every last drop of talent to overcome the European powerhouse.