Completesportsnigeria.com's JAMES AGBEREBI has followed the ongoing European Championship in France keenly, and as the tournament reaches the quarter-final stage, he lists the best five players of the group stages and the round of 16…
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN (FRANCE)
Following a disappointing opening game against Romania, Antoine Griezmann has not looked back as he has continued to impress for hosts France in the on-going Euros.
The Atletico Madrid forward has featured in all of France's four games, scoring three goals.
Coming off the bench, he scored the opener against a resolute Albanian side as France went on to win 2-0 to qualify for the first knockout stage.
And in the round of 16 clash against Republic of Ireland, Griezmann was the hero as his two goals secured a 2-1 comeback win.
DIMITRI PAYET (FRANCE)
Dimitri Payet has been one of the stars of the 2016 European Championship with his Man-of-the-Match performances.
The West Ham midfielder has not missed a game for France since the commencement of the tournament, only coming on as a second half substitute in the inconsequential draw against Switzerland.
He provided the assist for France's first goal of the tournament before scoring the winner with a stunner in a 2-1 win against Romania in the opening game.
And in the second game against Albania, he scored the winner to guarantee France's progress into the round of 16.
JEROME BOATENG (GERMANY)
Ever present in Germany's backline, Jerome Boateng has continued to show why he remains indispensable in the reigning world champions' quest to win the European Championship.
The Bayern Munich defensive stalwart proved his worth for his team when he made a goal-line clearance which was the turning point as Germany went on to beat Ukraine 2-0.
Yet to miss a game for Germany, Boateng has shown that he can also get amongt the goals as he fired his side into the lead in their 3-0 whitewash against Slovakia in the round of 16.
GIORGIO CHIELLINI (ITALY)
Italy have made everyone realise that they've not lost the defensive solidity that they are known for. And one player who has made that fact crystal clear is no other person than Giorgio Chiellini.
Chiellini has led the Italian defence so well that they've only conceded one goal in the tournament, which was in Italy's 1-0 loss to Ireland in which he was rested.
And in the game against Spain, Chiellini displayed his attacking instincts as he pounced on a loose ball to give Italy the lead.
Despite torrents of attacks by the Spaniards, the Chiellini led defence were able to hold out before Graziano Pelle settled the contest with Italy's second goal.
GARETH BALE (WALES)
Gareth Bale has been instrumental in a Wales side that has thrilled not a few with their performances at the Euros.
The Real Madrid forward has scored three of Wales' seven goals so far in the tournament, scoring in three consecutive group games.
He opened his account with a superb free-kick in Wales' 2-1 win against Slovakia in their first game.
Despite a 2-1 loss to England, Bale repeated the feat, beating Joe Hart to his near post to give his side the lead.
In the crucial game against Russia, Bale got on the score sheet again as they triumphed 3-0 to progress into the round of 16.
And in the round of 16, it was his cross that led to an own-goal by Gareth McAuley in a 1-0 win against Northern Ireland.
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