Euro 2016: Team of the Round of 16

With the conclusion of the Round of 16 now upon us, it is only now that we can say that Euro 2016 has truly picked up momentum. Yes, there have been a few surprises in store but the overall performance has generally improved, and with it a few particular standouts.

Below my team for the round of 16 with a few honorable mentions.

Goalkeeper:

Lukasz Fabianski (Poland): The Polish shot-stopper was at his atypical best as he continuously thwarted whatever the Swiss players threw at him. His save from Schar’s header, his agility for Rodriguez’s swerving free-kick and another block on a free header in extra-time ultimately kept the Poles in the game. Not a question could be asked of him, however, as Shaqiri’s beauty took centre stage.

Honorable mentions: David De Gea (Spain), Gabor Kiraly (Hungary)

Defenders:

Pepe (Portugal): The Real Madrid defender was a beast at the heart of the Portuguese defense in a game that will be awfully consigned to the history books. The much-maligned player was typically robust and his aerial attacking presence was equally dangerous with his bullet of a header in the 24th minute being the first attempt on goal from both teams. The Portuguese have now reached the quarter-finals of the Euros for the sixth time, more than any other team in the continent’s history.

Jerome Boateng (Germany): The Bayern Munich man’s glorious volley to break the deadlock was his first ever goal for Germany after 63 caps and set his nation on course for a masterclass of a performance. Read the game brilliantly to help the Germans earn their fourth clean sheet of the tournament (the highest they’ve recorded in any Euro edition).

Ragnar Sigurdsson (Iceland): A monstrous performance by the Icelandic defender as his un-fancied nation recorded, arguably, the biggest upset in European competition history. Scored the equalizing goal in predatory fashion and his inch-perfect tackle on Vardy in the 70th minute embodied his team’s collective spirit. A performance for the history books.

Honorable mentions: Mats Hummels (Germany), Michal Pazdan (Poland), Birkir Mar Saevarsson (Iceland), Mattia De Sciglio (Italy), Jose Fonte (Portugal)

Midfielders:

Toni Kroos (Germany): Completely dominated proceedings as the Germans ran rampant against a hard-working Slovakian outfit. His pin-point passes and deliveries were a beauty to behold, and he continued his rich vein of form as the Germans eased to their 13th win in their last 16 games at major competitions.

Radja Nainggolan (Belgium): A tenacious box-to-box performance by the tireless midfield destroyer whose assist for Carrasco capped off a memorable night. Built a solid platform on which the Belgians fired their attacks and was the unheralded player as his nation recorded their biggest ever win in European competition.

Emanuele Giaccherini (Italy): An absolute tireless performance which ran the Spanish ragged. Had an overhead kick that hit the post and another swerving shot denied by De Gea, but was the first to the rebound after Eder’s free-kick. Was a key performer as the Italians beat the Spanish for the first time in a major tournament since 1994.

Eden Hazard (Belgium): Player of the round without a shadow of doubt. His cross for Batshuayi’s goal was sublime and his goal was as emphatic as they come, but his 90% pass completion rate tells of a superb and complete performance. Completed his 10 take-ons with success and created a further 4 goal-scoring chances. Came off to a deserved standing ovation. Absolutely world class.

Honorable mentions: Jakub Blaszczykowski (Poland), Ricardo Quaresma (Portugal), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium), Kingsley Coman (France)

Forwards:

Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland): His exquisite overhead kick was his first goal in a major tournament since his hatrick versus Honduras exactly two years ago. Became his nation’s second highest scorer in major competition (4 goals) and was a constant nuisance to the Polish defense. Couldn’t salvage his nation’s exit, but his goal is a definite goal of the tournament.

Antoine Griezmann (France): There were 225 seconds only between the Atletico Madrid front-man’s equalizer and the goal that gave his nation the lead. Put in a tireless shift for his country and spared their blushes in a typical imperious performance. Became the first French player to score 3 goals in a European tournament since Zinedine Zidane in 2004.

Julian Draxler (Germany): Was his country’s best performer in a comfortable victory over the Slovaks. His fancy footwork and layoff assisted Gomez’s goal and then took his thunderous volley with typical aplomb. Became the first German player to both assist and score at a Euros since Phillip Lahm in 2008.

Honorable mentions: Eder (Italy) and Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

Team of the Round of 16