Euro Top Ten

The Indomitable Russian

Euro 2008 has been a thrilling one so far. The quarter finals have all concluded. Germany,Spain,Turkey and Russia have made the cut. Lets look at the 10 players who have made an impact in this tournament so far.

1)David Villa:-Started of brilliantly with a hattrick against Russians and scored the winner against Sweden. Has been the striker of the tournament so far.
2)Andrey Arshavin:-He started the tournament late due to suspension but since then he has been unstoppable. Winning the Man of the Match awards in both his games, he has done everything,scoring goals,setting up his team mates. Probably the best player in the tournament till now.
3)Bastian Schweinsteiger:-He brought about the spring in the steps of German players. Having been a substitute in group games,he responded well and was rewarded with a place in starting XI against Portugal. Easily the best player in the match scoring one and setting up another.
4)Iker Casillas:-The backbone of Spanish team. Has showcased strong performances and was the hero in the match against Italy. The best goalkeeper of the tournament.
5)Roman Pavlyuchenko:- The lone striker of Russian team.Got his chance due to injury to first choice striker. Has repaid the faith shown by his coach , by scoring 3 goals in 4 games.
6)Nihat Kahveci:-Showed why he is regarded as a dangerous striker by scoring 2 goals in 15 minutes against Czech to take his team to quarter final. Played his part in quarter final also.But will miss out the semi final clash due to injury.
7)Wesley Sneijder:-Scored 2 brilliant goals in the group stage against Italy and France. Was the controller for Netherlands in midfield. But failed in the match against Russia.
8)Cesc Fabregas:-This cheeky mid fielder has been wonderful coming in as substitute and supporting his striker.Scored one against Russia and the winning penalty against Italy. He is proved his value when some felt he would not be able to play in this team having many world class mid fielders.
9)Gianluigi Buffon:-The best Italian player of the tournament. Saved a crucial penalty by Mutu and made many saves,which kept their tournament alive.But could not produce the same against Spain.
10)Lucas Podolski:-He has been the goal scorer for Germany,scoring 3 in 4 games. But he has been under injury concern before the quarter finals. He is now back strong and the Turkish players will have to be wary of him.

The defense of most of the teams have rather been team effort. So my list does not feature any defender.