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The Euro 2024 championship has seen all of the action across the group stage phase.
Spectacular performances, remarkable upsets and stellar records broken across the respective groups.
As the knockout rounds proceeds, here’s our Euro 2024 team of the group stage.
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GK – Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Paris Saint-Germain’s shot-stopper inherited the spot in between the sticks from the legendary Gigi Buffon.
Having been named player of the tournament at Euro 2020, he’s entered Euro 2024 as one of Italy’s strongest performers as against the team’s general performance.
His penalty save from Luka Modrić helped keep down the scoreline as Italy looked to navigate their path to the next round.
LB – Marc Cucurella.
The Spanish full back has more than shown why he’s deserving of the spot awarded by gaffer Luis de la Fuente.
The former Barcelona man has locked down the left full back role at the expense of Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo following a spectacular season in Germany.
Cucurella put in assured performances in the first two games against Croatia and Italy before being awarded a rest against Albania.
CB – Alessandro Bastoni
With Italy choosing to field an unorthodox back 4 as opposed to the usual three man backline.
Inter Milan’s towering CB as settled with Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori in the defensive partnership.
Together they’ve negated the questions raised about playing two left footers in that partnership.
Also adding a goal of his in their opening game comeback victory against Albania.
CB – Marc Guehi
Crystal Palace had the most players in The Three Lions Euros squad.
Guehi earned the spot beside John Stones in the absence of Harry Maguire.
His inspiring performances across England’s group stage games has raised questions as to why he doesn’t have a spot in Oliver Glasner’s favoured back three with the Eagles.
RB- Jules Kounde
Les Blèus group stage exploits has been credit to impressive defensive outings by the unit in charge. France are yet to find a tournament open play goal.
The opening encounter to Austria was courtsey a Maximilian Wöber own goal, a stalemate with the Netherlands and Kylian Mbappé’s penalty to secure a point against the Netherlands.
Koundé has featured on the right flank for a defensive unit that has kept two shutouts.
CM – Toni Kroos
The veteran midfielder will completely hang his boots at the end of the 2024 European Championships.
His return to Julian Nagelsmann’s side has been a catalyst to their improved run in this tourney. Breaking all sets of passing records along the way.
Tick-tock for the midfield maestro who earns a deserved spot in our Euro 2024 team of the group stage.
CM – Fabian Ruiz.
Ruiz takes up the spot beside Rodri at the base of Spain’s midfield. The support system on which Pedri thrives.
Calm, composed and good recycling of possession. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has fast become a favourite with La Furia Roja and added a well-taken goal in the game against Croatia.
Also flashing a couple of attempts at Gianluigi Donnarumma in the fixture against Italy.
AM – Jamal Musiala
The Bayern Munich starboy has taken center stage in Germany’s flurry of midfielders.
Featuring off the flank as Ilkay Gundogan occupies the central spot behind the striker.
Finding two goals to himself so far and leading the attack with his magic feet.
LW – Cody Gakpo
The Liverpool forward is now playing from his preferred left flank role in Euro 2024 as opposed to the false nine gimmick with Liverpool.
The former PSV Eindhoven has been the Dutch’s brightest spot in attack already finding the back of the net on two occasions and picking up the player of the match award.
CF – Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese great entered the tournament as its leading goalscorer and is set to break much more records along the way.
He’s become the 3rd oldest player to feature in the tournament. He unselfishly set-up former teammate Bruno Fernandes to become the player with the most assists in the tourney’s history.
With Portugal in the next round, there are still many more records to be broken for veteran.
RW – Lamine Yamal
Barcelona’s latest teenage sensation locks down the spot on the right of attack for the Spanish national team.
In addition to a surreal campaign at club level, he’s since taken the 2024 European Championships by storm.
Doing so as the youngest player to ever feature in the tournament.
Substitutes.
Mamardashvili, Kimmich, Calafiori, Pepe, Xhaka, Vitinha, Mikautadze.
Tags: #Euro2024, #EuropeanChampionships, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Jamal Musiala, Lamine Yamal, Cody Gakpo, #Euroteamofthetournament, #Euroteamofthegroupstage, Jules Kounde, Joshua Kimmich, Toni Kroos, Riccardo Calafiori, Marc Cucurella, #Euros
