ESPN writers Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens focus on the thankless work of shaping our Euro 2020 Group Stage Ideal XI.
It seemed logical to limit ourselves to those players who participated in a minimum of two games and use a 4-3-3 formation, being the favorite of many top-level teams. Obviously, that involved making unconventional adjustments, although we tried to avoid it. The old practices of the ideal XIs, in which the midfield used to be filled with ’10’ players and employing three center-forwards forward is not our thing. And yes, it is likely that feelings have influenced one or two of our options a bit (we are only human,), although we try to use the impact caused on the court as a fundamental criterion.
Other goalkeepers, such as Jordan pickford of the England team and Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy, have not yet conceded their first goal against. However, we chose Olsen because he made some key saves and made few mistakes, helping his team lead Group E over Spain and advance to the knockout rounds.
Dumfries hasn’t really played as much of a right back, playing more frequently as a right winger; however, he deserves a place in our line-up and this is where the Dutchman fits into a 4-3-3 formation. PSV Eindhoven’s chip scored the goal that sealed the victory against Ukraine, then broke the opponent’s goal in the next match against Austria. Greetings to the archer Vladimir Coufal from the Czech Republic.
Italy have not tolerated goals against with Bonucci assuming the title in all three group stage matches and making very few mistakes. In fact, the Juventus captain exceeded Gab’s expectations, after a difficult end to the campaign with Vecchia Signora. Additionally, the decision to include Kjaer was unanimous. Even subtracting his leadership and the reaction in the first meeting of his team when his teammate Christian eriksen collapsed on the pitch, the AC Milan defender has exerted a reassuring and constant influence throughout the rest of the group stage matches. Presnel Kimpembe obtains the honorable mention, being the best defender so far of the selected one of France.
Another unanimous option. Spinazzola was devastating in his forays to the front in both games played in the Azzurra jersey, although he also recovered extremely well on defense when necessary. Gab also liked the performance of the defender of the Swedish team Ludwig augustinsson, apart from the fact that we had to recognize the German Robin gosens for his performance against the Portugal team. However, the chosen one had to be Spinazzola, if we adhere to our criteria.
Three spots are available at this position and Wijnaldum should be an obvious choice for his three goals alone, even subtracting his energetic effort and displays of leadership within a Dutch team that seemed to be bumpy in pre-tournament analysis.
Pogba was a slightly tougher pick, considering his relatively bland performance against Hungary; However, the Manchester United man was a real differential factor in the other two games played by Les Blues, and that move to Karim Benzema to convert against Portugal was material worthy of the summaries of best plays.
Pogba was a slightly tougher pick, considering his relatively bland performance against Hungary; However, the Manchester United man was a real differential factor in the other two games played by Les Blues, and that pass to Karim Benzema to convert against Portugal was material worthy of the summaries of best plays.
The third midfielder spot required a bit more debate, and perhaps we were somewhat captivated by the tale (and Juls, who loves his graceful passing, was undoubtedly influenced by that goal against Turkey). In conclusion, it was the Italian Locatelli, who was not even in the plans to assume the title in this tournament and despite this, he stamped a stamp of authority in his two appearances and played with personality and courage, scoring a couple of goals. Honorable mentions for Koke (Spain) Aaron Ramsey (Welsh), Jorginho (Italy); for the performance and joint effort made by the Scotland national team and, because we have affection for him, the Croatian national team midfielder Luka modric.
Yes. Depay plays in a formation with two forwards, but frequently assumes the title as a winger. And the electricity, unpredictability and forceful class shown in their first three games with the Netherlands jersey were perfect to be leaders of Group C and include the brand new Barcelona signing in our team.
De Bruyne did not play in his team’s debut match, although he unbalanced in the second match against Denmark with a goal and an assist; which was followed by a stellar performance in Game 3 for Group B leaders Belgium’s cause. And as Juls says, we know the tournament is going to get good from now on.
Having witnessed his goal against the Czechs in person, Gab had to recognize the Croatian Ivan perisic, although we both loved the goal and the performances of Mikkel damsgaard with the selection of Denmark. The two goals of Raheem Sterling (without which England would have done nothing) also deserve a mention.
We believe that Cristiano, like the gunner of the Belgium team Romelu lukaku, they deserved to be present in this XI. However, we only had room for one gunner. And to be honest, depending on the impact on the court, it is impossible to ignore Ronaldo’s five goals, even considering that three of them originated from the penalty spot. The header and run against Germany was special, as was the connection with Rafa Silva to convert the third against Hungary. (Yes, it was in the extension, but try to define that way in the 90th minute).
Lukaku has not only been a great scorer. He has also exercised leadership, apart from showing generosity. However, we only have one spot available. And it is for that reason that the Czech Patrik schick (with three goals, one of them a candidate for the Goal of the Tournament award) must settle for an honorable mention.