With the Euros well and truly up and running, already a handful of players have really impressed so far. The competition has seen some impressive team and individual performers.
Already Romelu Lukaku and Patrik Schick have set the early pace in the race for the Golden Boot. The Bayern Leverkusen striker was in clinical form for the Czech Republic in their win over Scotland and again against Croatia. He has already scored possibly the goal of the tournament after curling the ball over David Marshall from the halfway line.
Schick an early runner for the Golden Boot award
Earlier in the game he opened the scoring with a header just before half-time. The 25-year-old isn’t normally a prolific goalscorer, having hit the net just nine times for Leverkusen last season.
Lukaku, who has had such a wonderful season at club level in Italy with Milan, struck twice for Belgium on Saturday. The big striker scored 30 goals for his club in 2020-21 and looks in fine fettle.
Ronaldo as always no matter how well he’s performing has the knack of scoring goals and he’s the very reason that Portugal have a chance.
Phillips stars in England’s opener
England look to have unearthed a gem in Kalvin Phillips. The Leeds midfielder certainly didn’t look out of his depth with a man of the match award against Croatia.
Playing further forward than he does for the Yorkshire side, constantly stifled the Croatia midfielder. He also was key to setting up a number of England attacks. His work rate from first minute to last was exceptional. It was also his driving run and inch perfect pass that set up Raheem Stirling for the winner.
Robin Olsen of Sweden starred in his sides opening game against Spain. Olsen had a very encouraging 2018 World Cup and is certainly improving as a keeper. The Everton stopper proved once again why he is his countries number one keeper, by making several important saves.
Isak impresses the world
Another Swedish player that impressed in the opening round of matches was Alexander Isak. The Real Sociedad striker was unlucky not to open the scoring after being denied by some Spanish last ditch defending.
There are a lot of people already who are comparing Isak with the Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Certainly, no pressure on him and very big boots to fill.
Dutch captain Georginio Wijnaldum recently joined PSG and showed the world why the French club side rate him so highly. He turned in a superb performance in Holland’s 3-2 victory over Ukraine. Certainly a player you can rate as a true leader.
Italian’s looking a class act
In the early stages of the competition Italy have looked a class act. A well organised side in every department. One player that has been very impressive has been 28-year-old Leonardo Spinazzola. A left sided midfielder who can double up as a wing back has looked class. One of Roma’s better players who never stops running and has an amazing workrate.
France’s N’Golo Kante has continued where he left of with Chelsea last season with an outstanding performance against Germany. The midfielder was his usual self, covering every inch of grass and breaking up play. His ability to protect the back four allowing Paul Pogba to venture forward is key to France’s hopes of winning Euro 2020.