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UEFA Euro 2024 lived up to the billing and then some. From the opening night where the hosting Germans thumped Scotland 5-1 right through to the Berlin showpiece on July 14th between England and Spain, the action was the thriller that fans always wanted it to be. However, heading into the competition this summer, there were plenty of players with question marks over their current form and perhaps their future at the elite level.
While superstars from heavy hitters such as France and Portugal may have faltered, others most certainly did not. Here are four players who have proved their doubters wrong at Euro 2024.
Kai Havertz
Coming into Euro 2024, Kai Havertz faced a mountain of criticism. His performances for Chelsea following his Champions League winning goal in 2021 meant the critics were out in force. The Blues faithful felt like they’d robbed Arsenal when the Gunners forked out £60m for his services last summer, but the former Bayer Leverkusen man did plenty to reward the faith Mikel Arteta showed in him, with 14 goals in his maiden campaign at the Emirates.
Despite that, questions still lingered as to whether he was the right man to lead Germany at Euro 2024, especially with an out-and-out striker waiting in the wings in the form of Niclas Füllkrug. However, in familiar territories with the German crowd behind him on home soil, Havertz delivered some impressive performances throughout the course of the tournament.
Havertz played a pivotal role in Germany’s journey to the quarterfinals, contributing with crucial goals and assists. He twice netted from the penalty spot, once in the tournament opener against Scotland and once more in a crunch second-round clash against the Netherlands. However, it was his ability to find space and link up play with the dynamic young duo of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz that was crucial to the German charge.
Now, Havertz returns to Arsenal looking for silverware. The Gunners have finished second in the Premier League in the last two seasons, and online sports betting odds providers now make them a +175 contender to end their 21-year title drought. Their German Gunner will be key to their challenge should they live up to the billing.
Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka has long been a polarizing figure, especially during his tenure at Arsenal. The Swiss captain often finds himself at the centre of criticism due to occasional lapses in discipline and consistency, famously throwing his shirt on the floor after being substituted back in 2019, despite being the club’s captain. Since then, he has managed to endear himself to the Gunners’ faithful once more, before moving on to Bayer Leverkusen and helping them to a first-ever Bundesliga crown last term.
However, despite his impressive performances for the newly crowned German champions, question marks remained as to whether he was an elite central midfielder. Those doubts were put to bed at Euro 2024.
Xhaka’s leadership was instrumental in Switzerland’s surprise run to the quarter-finals. He was the anchor in midfield, distributing the ball efficiently and breaking up opposition attacks. His playmaking abilities were also on full display. In his standout performance against Italy in the Round of 16, the former FC Basel youngster controlled the entire match, akin to the way that a Xavi or an Andrea Pirlo would have done in years gone by. His footballing brain was on full display as he helped his side claim a comfortable 2-0 victory, successfully nullifying the Azzurri at every turn.
Unfortunately, Xhaka’s tournament came to an end with a quarterfinal penalty defeat at the hands of England, but not before the Swiss captain had proven once and for all that he belonged in the discussion when it came to the planet’s best central midfielders.
Related: Spain Defeats England To Land Record European Championship Title
Fabian Ruiz
Fabian Ruiz arrived at Euro 2024 under a cloud of doubt. Despite his potential, his form at Paris Saint-Germain had been underwhelming, and many questioned his inclusion in Spain’s starting eleven. Everyone knows the player he can be as he frequently displayed in his Napoli. But his two years in the French capital had been somewhat disappointing, even considering the cut price that the Parisians paid for him two years ago.
Yet, Ruiz used the tournament as his platform to remind everyone of just how good he can be. His creativity and composure were vital to Spain’s run to the final. His ability to control the tempo of the game and deliver precise passes helped La Roja dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. They had arguably as tough a tournament as anyone, facing and defeating Croatia, Italy, Germany, and France on their way to Berlin, with Ruiz starting all of the crunch games, providing two goals and two assists in the process.
Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford has been a contentious figure for England, with questions often raised about his consistency and decision-making. Although he had moments of brilliance, his club performances for Everton were marked by inconsistency. He headed to Euro 2024 this summer on the back of the Player of the Year winning campaign at Goodison Park, winning over the Toffees faithful, and he headed to Germany intent on winning over Three Lions supporters as well.
As ever, Pickford rose to the occasion admirably, delivering a series of outstanding performances that were key to England’s defensive solidity. His shot-stopping ability was on full display as his heroics helped his side progress in the quarterfinals with a penalty shootout victory against Switzerland. His performances earned widespread acclaim, silencing his critics and cementing his status as a top goalkeeper on the international stage.
