6. Jamal Musiala
Germany’s Jamal Musiala has dazzled at Euro 2024 so far and produced another effortless display as Germany ran out 2-0 winners against Denmark. In a stormy Signal Iduna Park, the Bayern Munich star was in his element.
Having already scored twice at Euro 2024 so far, Musiala added his third of the competition. Racing in behind the Denmark backline, the youngster showed tremendous composure to slot beyond the onrushing Kasper Schmeichel. He is now the tournament’s joint top scorer.
5. Rodri
When is Rodri not sensational? The Manchester City ace has taken his terrific club form to the national team for Euro 2024 and looked well rested for the 4-1 last 16 victory over Georgia having been suspended for Spain’s final group game.
Of course, the defensive midfielder produced another clutch moment. He is now renowned for big goals at key intervals and offered La Roja their equaliser with a superb left-footed drive into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
4. Ruben Vargas
Ruben Vargas has been quietly impressive at Euro 2024 bombing up and down the left flank, but he saved his most memorable display for the last 16 tie with Italy. Playing in a more advanced role, the Augsburg man was at the heart of everything for Murat Yakin’s side.
It was Vargas’ powerful run and neat cross that found Remo Freuler in the box for Switzerland’s opener. The 25-year-old’s explosive pace proved too much for Giovanni Di Lorenzo and he found the pass to match his energetic dart in behind.
3. Fabian Ruiz
Fabian Ruiz has been one of Spain’s brightest sparks in a star-studded midfield, with the Paris Saint-Germain star asked to play closer to the opposition penalty area than he usually does in the French capital. Luis de la Fuente’s instructions have paid dividends.
The 28-year-old grabbed his second goal of Euro 2024 against Georgia, providing the strike that put Spain in front for the first time in the tie just six minutes after the restart. He would later provide the assist for La Roja’s clinching third.
2. Nico Williams
If you’re only to watch one player for the rest of Euro 2024, let it be Nico Williams. The most exciting player at the tournament and one of the brightest starlets in world football, the winger has been relentless and devastating for La Roja.
Surprisingly, Williams actually registered his first goal contributions of the tournament in the last 16. He set up Rodri’s effort and a turn of speed, dart past a defender and sublime finish added a third to Spain’s tally. It was no more than the 21-year-old deserved for torturing another defence.
1. Diogo Costa
Portugal may have underwhelmed in the last 16 but Diogo Costa certainly didn’t. Offering his best Emiliano Martinez impression, the Porto goalkeeper was the deciding factor in his nation’s progression to the final eight in Germany.
Having been largely untested for the bulk of the match, Costa was called upon in extra-time with the game goalless. A mistake from veteran Pepe allowed Benjamin Sesko a one-v-one, but Costa’s strong outstretched leg denied the Slovenian forward in a pivotal moment.
Then came the penalty shootout. Goalkeepers can be proud of themselves if they save a single spot-kick but Costa managed to stop all three of Slovenia’s efforts. Slovenia’s penalties were decent strikes but simply matched by better saves.
Source – 6 best players of Euro 2024 last 16 – ranked (90min.com)
