Manuel Neuer
Germany’s keeper kept a clean sheet up until the quarter-finals and from then on only conceded a late equaliser from the spot against Italy that took the game into penalties – where he turned hero by making two saves to help his side win 6-5. The ultimate modern goalkeeper.
Alternative choice: Rui Patricio (Portugal)
Joshua Kimmich
The question surrounding Germany heading into Euro 2016 was whether they could find a replacement to Philipp Lahm at right back after he retired following their World Cup win in 2014. Joshua Kimmich, 21, more than made up for Lahm’s absence – especially given that he tends to be more of a defensive midfielder at Bayern Munich. Solid in defence and good going forward,
Alternative choice: Darijo Srna (Croatia)
Jerome Boateng
He may have received criticism for the manner in which he handballed for the penalty against Italy in the quarter-final, but up until that point Germany had kept a clean sheet throughout the tournament. And a great deal of that was thanks to Boateng’s efforts in the heart of defence. He also got the opener in the Last 16 clash against Slovakia. Alternative choice: Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)
Pepe
Led a solid defensive performance in the heart of defence for Portugal especially in the final against France where they successfully cut out the link play to dangerman Antoine Griezmann – which was so key to their victory. Refreshingly for Pepe, he also cut out his usual antics like headbutting opponents and diving and rolling around on the floor. It underlined that when he’s not playing up, he actually is one of Europe’s finest defenders. Alternative choice: Ashley Williams (Wales).
Raphael Guerreiro
Along with the much more experienced Pepe at centre back, 22-year-old Raphael Guerreiro was also pivotal to Portugal’s defensive masterclass in the final against France, and was nominated as the Young Player of the Tournament. He missed out on that honour in the end to his teammate Renato Sanches but still wins praise for his performances. Looked assured throughout.
Alternative choice: Jonas Hector (Germany).
Joe Allan
As well as Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allan’s spirited contributions in the heart of the Welsh midfield deserve huge recognition, especially when he set up Ramsey for the first in a 3-0 win over Russia, which saw them top the group. The Welsh Pirlo? Perhaps not quite but there were certainly moments of the great man’s touch about him.
Alternative choice: Grzegorz Krychowiak (Poland).
Toni Kroos
In a tournament where many big names failed to shine – perhaps especially his countryman Thomas Mueller – the Real Madrid and Germany midfielder was one of the few who did. He commanded the centre of the field and continued to prove his creative worth.
Alternative choice: Andres Iniesta (Spain).
Gareth Bale
A shock exclusion from the Uefa team of the tournament, Gulf News has no qualms about selecting the Welsh Dragon in ours. A gifted footballer who was the attacking fulcrum for Wales, Bale also showed true class throughout the tournament – constantly reiterating that he was part of a team. He can be very proud of his efforts.
Alternative choice: Dimitri Payet (France)
Aaron Ramsey
An untiring workhorse in midfield for Wales, Ramsey’s efforts and precision passing came to symbolise the Welsh spirit and tenacity as they went on a stunning and unprecedented run to the semi-finals. Ramsey’s suspension for the semi-final against Portugal was arguably their undoing. They missed his drive and creative intervention terribly in their 2-0 exit to the eventual champions and will forever be left with thoughts of what might have been if he had played.
Alternative choice: Birkir Bjarnason (Iceland)
Antoine Griezmann
The tournament top scorer with six goals whose only shortfall was perhaps his performance in the 1-0 final defeat – thanks in part though to Portugal’s defending. Two goals in the semi-final win over Germany, the fifth in the 5-2 quarter-final win over Iceland, two crucial strikes in the Last 16 2-1 win over Ireland – and one in the 2-0 group stage win are only part of what the Atletico Madrid forward provided. Rightly player of the tournament.
Alternative choice: Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
Will Grigg
Did Cristiano Ronaldo really have that good a tournament? The Opta stats say not. Grigg didn’t play a minute for Northern Ireland at Euro 2016, but according to the chant that cements his legend, the Wigan Athletic striker was “on fire” and “terrified” defences. And in a tournament where centre-forwards failed to shine, though ironically settled by one, Eder, we’re happy to give the no 9 shirt to someone who, indirectly, contributed a huge amount to what Euro 2016 was all about. Fans and teams.
