This summer, all eyes turn to France for the 2016 European Cup of Nations, UEFA EURO. For the first time ever, 24 teams will compete for one goal: supremacy of European football. Thus, the winner of the last two editions, Spain, faces a tough challenge to retain the title especially that Germany will be looking to add this title to their recent world cup win and France will be looking to take advantage of the home ground. This article aims at analyzing some of the key players that can make the difference for their nations and perhaps lead them to the top.
1) Cristiano Ronaldo- Portugal
One of the best two players in the world and the most consistent player for the passed 8 seasons. Ronaldo has scored over 30 goals in each of his last 6 seasons. He has won everything there is to win at the club level, but this is the best chance for the 31 year Portuguese to win his nation something.
2) Antoine Griezmann- France
The French international has been a revelation for Atletico Madrid, and he has over 20 goals in each of his last three seasons in the Spanish League. Since his nation will be hosting the tournament and will be missing Karim Benzima, this is Griezmann's best chance to lead France to the title. If he emerges as the star, he can cement his legacy forever. He is a player you definitely have to watch closely this summer.
3) Paul Pogba- France
The 23 year old superstar is the single most wanted player in Europe. His physical ability, intelligence, and power will give France everything they need in midfield. Pogba is definitely one to keep an eye on. His partnership with Payet will be the best thing Griezmann could ever ask for. The trio will carry France's hopes as one of the favorites.
4) Jamie Vardy- England
This one is interesting, about five years ago, Vardy was a factory worker and playing non-professional football for an 8th division non-professional club. Now he is leading the surprise of the English League, Leicester City to the their first ever premiership. His pace and goal scoring ability will be something England want in their attack.
5) Harry Kane- England
Kane has been a consistent goal scorer in the Premier League in England. Currently the top goal scorer and leading Tottenham for the Champions League. Will Roy Hodgson play Kane over Vardy or Vardy over Kane or both together?
6) Dele Alli- England
The 20 year old youngster has been amazing this season for his club Tottenham. He is truly the future of English football and both Vardy and Kane will be delighted to have him playing behind them. Alli carries England's hopes to finally do something significant at the EURO.
7) Gareth Bale- Wales
The most expensive transfer in history, Gareth Bale, singlehandedly lifted Wales up and brought them to France. This is Wales's first time to make an appearance in an international tournament in over 40 years, and Bale will be remembered as the hero. His physical ability and explosive pace make him a player to watch this summer. But will he take Wales far in this tournament?
8) Thomas Müller- Germany
One of the most hardworking players in recent history, Thomas Müller is a unique player. Commentators always compare him to the image of a kid in the park that never stops running. Müller best captures the german mentality of never giving up and playing till the final whistle. His special abilities and remarkable positioning are two of the many attributes that make him different and he surely will be looking to win the EURO for the reigning world champions.
9) Mats Hummels- Germany
The Borussia Dortmund captain is one of the best defenders in the world right now. He was one of the main factors leading Germany to win the world cup in 2014, as he rose when they needed a leader. He will continue to be a source of comfort for them in the back.
10) Manuel Neuer- Germany
The best goalkeeper in the world for the passed 3 years, Neuer is a difference maker. Mats Hummels and Boateng will be delighted that they have the best goalie keeping their sheet clean.
11) Robert Lewandowski- Poland
Definitely one of the best number 9s in the world, Lewandowski is the main man for Poland. Though Poland are not favorites to win or even go far in the tournament, always keep a close eye on Lewa.
12) Andres Iniesta- Spain
He is unmatched when he is in his day, and he will always be remembered for the player who won Spain the world cup in 2010. The 31 year old Spaniard will be someone Spain can rely on to retain their title.
13) Iker Casillas- Spain
Despite his recent form, Iker is a living legend. It is going to be a tough call for Del Bosque to choose between him and David De Gea, but so far it seems like Iker is the choice. He will be 35 come this summer, so this is Iker's last even international tournament and he surely will be looking to leave his mark.
14) Alvaro Morata- Spain
The 23 year old striker carries the hopes of Spain to win their third EURO in a row. He is part of the sweeping wave of change that filled the team with younger players.
15) Luka Modric- Croatia
Modric is an absolute magician with the ball. His positioning in the midfield, his passing skills, and his vision make him a delight to watch. Croatia's midfield will be their source of power with Modric lining up with Rakitic and Kovacic.
16) Arda Turan- Turkey
The Turk was one of the main men of Atletico's surprising Spanish league victory in 2014. Now playing for the top dogs Barcelona, Turan will be looking to take Turkey somewhere this summer. While Turkey does not make an appearance in all international tournaments, they always turn up when they make it.
17) Eden Hazard- Belguim
Hazard has been nothing but a flop this season. With only 6 more games left for him to play for Chelsea, Hazard is yet to score this season. Even though he has been one of the worst players this season, Hazard will be looking to redeem himself after the end of the season and what a better way to do that than the EURO. The tournament will be Hazard's best chance to reignite his class and lead Belgium's golden generation to the top.
18) Kevin De Bruyne- Belgium
It does not matter that much for Belgium if Hazard turns up or not because they have De Bruyne. The Belgian has been exceptional for the passed two seasons. He can change the course of the game at any point.
19) Gianluigi Buffon- Italy
Another living legend to make it on this chart. The Italian captain proves everyday that age is just a number. Currently 38 years old, this is going to be Buffon's last international appearance, and he is capable of taking them far. With Italy looking like a depleted squad, they can rest assured that Buffon alongside his three defenders Chiellini, Barzagli, and Bonnucci are not easy opponents.
20) Marco Verratti- Italy
The 23 year old midfielder is their only hope apart from defense. Verratti has an incredible talent for ball control, position keeping, and tactical sense. But Italy's lack of talent puts too much pressure on the youngster. Nonetheless he is indeed fun to watch.
21) Zlatan Ibrahimović- Sweden
