Spain emerged victorious in Euro 2024, securing its place in Premierbet Uganda’s Euro 2024 team of the tournament, where we revisited the standout individual performances of the competition.
Euro 2024 concluded after 30 days filled with excitement and drama. Spain claimed the European title for the fourth time in their history with a well-rounded squad that dominated their opponents with the flair and dynamism of their young wingers. Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal were instrumental for La Roja throughout the tournament in Germany.
A total of 51 matches were played, spanning more than 4,700 minutes of football, including extra-time. We witnessed great players shine, falter, and astonish fans during this time. Highlights included Arda Guler’s emergence, Musiala’s impressive play, Kroos’ farewell in Germany, Mamardashvili’s crucial saves, Kvaratskhelia’s and Mikautadze’s moves, Jude Bellingham’s bicycle kick, and Stanciu’s stunning goal, among other memorable moments.
We also saw criticism directed at Kylian Mbappe, a lack of brilliance from Italy, Belgium’s failures, and Portugal’s repeated disappointments, with Cristiano Ronaldo departing without extending his scoring record.
Here, we present all the standout performances in our Team of the Tournament. As always, selections are subjective, and places are limited, so the Premierbet Uganda comments section remains open for suggestions.
The Spanish National Team dominates many positions, not just because they are champions but also because their players perform at a high level individually and win numerous individual awards. This is our best possible line-up for Euro 2024.
GOALKEEPER: Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia)
His inclusion in this line-up is supported by statistics. Without him, Georgia would not have reached the last 16, and he concluded the tournament as the goalkeeper with the most saves. He saved 29 of the 37 shots he faced (78.38%), outperforming Dutch goalkeeper Verbruggen by tenfold. Goalkeepers such as Jan Oblak, Jordan Pickford, and Mike Maignan also deserve recognition.
RIGHT-BACK: Dani Carvajal (Spain)
The Real Madrid player’s dream is to be among the Ballon d’Or candidates, and he might just make the list. After winning the Spanish Super Cup, La Liga, and the Champions League, he added the European Championship to his accolades in fantastic form. He captained the Spanish national team without wearing the armband and played a pivotal role with a goal against Croatia before half-time, securing the win for his country. He also scored in the Champions League final a few weeks earlier.
CENTRE-BACKS: Kyle Walker (England) and William Saliba (France)
Walker earns this spot as he played two games as a centre-back in a three-man defense during the tournament, notably in the quarter-final against Switzerland and the semi-final against the Netherlands. His performance was exceptional, particularly against the Dutch and in the opener against Serbia, showcasing his speed and strength against players like Memphis Depay, Gakpo, Kostic, and Ruben Vargas.
Until their semi-final exit, France had conceded just one goal in the entire European Championship, keeping four clean sheets. A significant factor in this defensive success was the Arsenal centre-back, who demonstrated his strength and skill in marking opponents. He was one of the centre-backs with the most interceptions and recoveries, and his passing accuracy, both short and long, was superior to his teammate Dayot Upamecano. He made fewer mistakes and lost fewer balls.
LEFT-BACK: Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Despite arriving at the European Championship with doubts after an inconsistent year, Cucurella proved his worth. De la Fuente chose him over Grimaldo, and the decision paid off. Cucurella’s speed, agility, and persistence made him a tough full-back to beat throughout the tournament. He led in aerial duels won, recoveries, interceptions, and steals both in the opposition half and after losing possession. He also provided the assist for Oyarzabal’s title-winning goal against England.
MIDFIELDERS: Dani Olmo (Spain), Rodri Hernandez (Spain), and Fabian Ruiz (Spain)
Spain’s midfield dominance is reflected in our selections. Dani Olmo began as a substitute with limited minutes against Croatia and didn’t play against Italy. However, he was crucial in the rotation against Albania, assisting Ferran Torres and scoring two goals against Georgia and Germany. Following Pedri’s injury, Olmo played a vital role in the comeback against France and was instrumental in the final, improving Spain’s play when he appeared between the lines and behind the full-backs.
Rodri, the Ballon d’Or winner of Euro 2024, was essential in Spain’s most challenging moments. He dictated the game’s pace with exceptional precision. Statistically, he was among the best passers and was the pivot with the second-most recoveries, interceptions, and steals. He also won the most balls after losing possession.
Fabian Ruiz, after being out of the spotlight for a few years, returned to prominence thanks to De la Fuente. Without Gavi, he took charge alongside Rodri, using his dribbling to escape pressure and break lines, enhancing Spain’s fluidity. He scored and assisted in key moments against Croatia and Georgia.
RIGHT WINGER: Lamine Yamal (Spain)
At only 16 years old, soon to turn 17 before the final, Yamal emerged as a pivotal player for Spain’s Euro 2024 team, becoming a European champion. Following his debut professional season at Barcelona, he showcased his immense talent on the international stage. Leading the tournament in assists, he equaled the record for most assists in a single edition with four. Yamal initiated Spain’s comeback against France with a stunning goal and played a crucial role in setting up Nico’s opening goal against England in the final.
STRIKER: Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)
While Memphis Depay struggled, Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons stood out for the Netherlands. Gakpo scored three goals and provided an assist, using his pace and dribbling to exploit opponents. He scored and assisted in the 3-0 victory over Romania. At Liverpool, he had already shown signs of being a key player for Arne Slot.
LEFT WINGER: Nico Williams (Spain)
Nico Williams was crucial for Spain, making them a more dynamic and efficient team alongside Yamal. After a mediocre debut against Croatia, he tormented Italy and forced Calafiori’s own goal. He set up Rodri’s spectacular goal against Georgia and almost sealed the game with a break into space. In the final, he switched flanks to unsettle the defense and finally succeeded in breaking the deadlock.
In conclusion, Euro 2024 displayed the finest in European football, highlighting Premierbet Uganda’s standout Euro 2024 team. Spain’s victorious campaign, spearheaded by standout players like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, showcased impressive performances from talents across nations. The tournament will be remembered for thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. As fans reflect on these achievements, Europe’s top footballers’ skill and dedication shine through in the Euro 2024 team.
