Euro 2020 played out to a conclusion last night with Italy winning the competition by defeating England on penalties. After one of the best tournaments in recent memory, here are the best players in each position.
GK: Gigio Donnarumma (Italy)
The Italian shot-stopper was named the player of the competition following the Azzurri’s win. He conceded no goals in the group stages and saves two crucial penalties from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka to help his team win the coveted trophy.
RB: Joakim Maehle (Denmark)
While Maelhe does ideally operate on the left flank, he impressed heavily in Denmark’s fairytale run into the semi-finals of the competition. His best moment for the national team was his assist for Kasper Dolberg against the Czech Republic.
CB: Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)
The Juventus centre-back managed to show the world that he still has the quality to compete with the best in the Euros. He was dominant both off and on the ball, and scored the equaliser for Italy in the finals of the tournament and was named the man of the match as well.
CB: Harry Maguire (England)
Despite missing out on the first few matches of the Euros, Maguire impressed heavily after returning from injury. Irrespective of whether or not you like the player, he does get the job done and he helped the Three Lions get to the finals of the competition through his contributions.
LB: Leonardo Spinazzola (Italy)
Although the player’s campaign in the Euros ended with him getting stretchered off against Belgium, he was crucial to Italy’s win. He edges out Luke Shaw and Robin Gosens to make it to the XI.
CM: Jorginho (Italy)
The Italian midfield maestro had fans clamouring for him to run for the Ballon d’Or award after his performances in the Euros. He became the 10th player in history to lift both the Champions League and Euros in the same year with Italy’s win.
CM: Pedri (Spain)
Pedri’s outstanding performances were the best part of Spain’s Euro campaign. He finished the tournament with 92% and almost played every single minute under Luis Enrique. The Barcelona academy graduate finished the tournament as the young player of the tournament.
CAM: Emil Forsberg (Sweden)
Forsberg was the best player for Sweden as they progressed into the quarter-finals of the tournament to bow out against Ukraine. He scored 4 goals in the competition in five games.
LW: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
CR7 finished the tournament as the joint-highest scorer with five goals and also equalled Iranian legend Ali Daei’s record of scoring 109 international goals. Although Portugal didn’t go as deep into the tournament as they would’ve liked, the Juventus star did enough to silence his doubters yet again.
RW: Raheem Sterling (England)
Although England didn’t win the competition, Sterling had a brilliant individual European Championship. He scored the first goal of the Three Lions’ campaign and was a menace to opposing defences throughout.
ST: Patrik Schick (Czech Republic)
Schick was the other half of the top-scoring duo along with Ronaldo and was at times the only offensive spark for the Czech Republic in their campaign. He scored a stunner in the group stages and was outstanding overall.
