Six players to watch at Euro 2016

euro2016.tsn.ca

It is unquestionably a star-studded field at the 2016 European Championships. Many of the biggest and brightest names in world soccer will look to cement their names alongside the all-time greats at this summer’s competition. It takes more than one key player to win a group at a major tournament, but the importance of some players to their squad sets them apart. The following stars will play integral roles in defining group success for their country at the competition in France:

Group A

Antoine Griezmann

Country: France
Position: Forward
Club: Atletico Madrid

Griezmann has the potential to become the next French footballing hero with a top display at the tournament. The 25-year-old forward is already one of European football’s hottest properties, coming off a 32-goal season as a Champions League finalist. His skillset is pleasing to watch for the neutral. He’s graceful in possession and as likely to finish as he is to create on the dribble. Griezmann is comfortable on both wings, best suited to play just behind the target man. For France, that means playing off of Olivier Giroud. Anthony Martial joining the three-man attack makes the frontline the most dangerous in the tournament. Martial is silky smooth in his movement, while Griezmann is more a finished product; an incredible touch combined with the ability to uncork even the most stubborn backline. A sublime left foot makes him an alternative threat to Dmitri Payet on free-kicks. The void left upfront through the absence of Karim Benzema puts more responsibility on Griezmann. Once upon a time, there was debate over whether Griezmann could carry the load in the attack. There is no question after 14 months of top football. The only question remaining to be answered is whether he can emerge a top tournament footballer. The mental strength he showed bouncing back from a missed penalty in the Champions League final bodes well. He can handle the weight of the nation.

Group B:

Chris Smalling

Country: England
Position: Centre-back 
Club: Manchester United

Smalling is the centrepiece of England’s defence. Critics have been quick to point at a lack of quality and depth at the centre-back position. Manager Roy Hodgson only named three natural centre-backs to his squad, making injury to any of the three a real concern. Even if healthy, questions have been asked how this group will hold up as the tournament progresses. While Gary Cahill and John Stones come with questions, Smalling is the glue and arguably the most important player to England’s chances in France. The 26-year-old Manchester United player is a throwback defender, lacking the smooth footwork, superior distribution and fluidity preferred in the modern game. That being said, Smalling is big, strong and aggressive with a long stride that allows him to make up space against crafty attackers. His play has grown with responsibility, turning into a true leader at United in his sixth season at the club. He has improved every year, standing as the backbone of a depleted Man United backline last campaign that somehow ended the season as the Premier League’s top defence. Smalling has a good relationship with his England manager, who discovered him playing non-league football at Maidstone before bringing him to Fulham. Every great winner has a true commandeering centre-half. Smalling is out to prove he can be just that for country.

Group C:

Arkadiusz Milik

Country: Poland
Position: Forward
Club: Ajax

He’s the least known player of the bunch, but an important one to watch. Robert Lewandowski can’t do it alone up front. Milik is the secondary scorer on Poland and one not to sleep on. The 22-year-old Ajax striker scored 21 goals in the Eredivisie last season and six goals during Euro qualifying. Poland was an impressive attacking outfit in qualifying, scoring the most goals of any team (33) thanks in large part to Milik’s play in behind Lewandowski. He is the legs of the operation, pulling defenders back and wide to create room for Lewandowski to operate. Adaptability is an asset from the young player, who is used primarily as the central target in a 4-3-3 at Ajax. Exceptional composure in front of goal as a natural finisher have earned him all kinds of plaudits. He’s still a work in progress and can do better at keeping the ball, but that kind of maturity will come in time. Milik’s youthful exuberance in an experienced team can reap all kinds of rewards. A standout tournament will likely mean a big-money summer move to one of Europe’s more prominent leagues. He is not just a young player to watch, but one that will need to be front and centre (and everywhere ) for Poland to upset Germany and make a run in the tournament.

Group D:

Andres Iniesta

Country: Spain
Position: Midfielder
Club: Barcelona

The best, most polished player on Spain will again be central in France. Iniesta is coming off another exceptional season at Barcelona, which almost goes under the radar with so much praise being heaped on the goal scoring attacking trio of Messi, Neymar, and Suarez at the Camp Nou. Subtleties matter, as does the pass leading to the pass that leads to the goal. Iniesta continues to pull the strings without you even taking notice. Superior possession-based football doesn’t work without intelligent movement on and off the ball. Few do it better than the Iniesta, who still has the vision and tactical wherewithal to carry his team. Now that Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez and other greats from the 2008 European Championship side have moved on, it’s Iniesta’s responsibility to carry the load. His range of passing and ability to create space could mean a big tournament for Alvaro Morata; a player whose running should benefit from the genius of Iniesta’s craftsmanship. Iniesta was named to the team of the tournament in 2008 and 2012, scored the game-winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final and was awarded top player at Euro 2012. The next chapter is set to be written in what could his be his last major tournament. 

Group E:

Radja Nainggolan 

Country: Belgium
Position: Midfielder
Club: AS Roma

Belgium disappointed at the 2014 World Cup. The side’s play was slow and too predictable. Nainggolan didn’t make the Belgium team in Brazil; manager Marc Wilmots made a mistake when he left the combative midfielder at home. The tireless work rate and driving energy of Nainggolan is exactly what Belgium needed to become a more complete team. He’s far from a perfect player, often criticized for taking too many shots and eating too much unnecessary possession. These perceived weaknesses are strengths for the national team and a setup that demands an alpha in the middle of the park. Nainggolan is just that. In a tournament typically marked by more defensive play, the spirited influence of someone like Nainggolan is welcomed and required to open things up to force the issue. He has come into his own for Roma, starring in the Champions League and scoring six goals in domestic play. He can score from distance and is a threat when pushing forward with adventurous runs around the area. His true worth for Belgium will be protecting a weakened centre-back pairing, with injuries ruling out Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Lombaerts. Look for Nainggolan to be a fan favourite in France ahead of a possible summer move to Chelsea.

Group F:

Marko Arnautovic

Country: Austria
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: Stoke City

The talent of the enigmatic Arnautovic has finally been realized after a top season at Stoke City. His off-field commitment and questionable behaviour had regularly held him back and cast serious doubts whether he would ever reach his potential. The 27-year-old midfielder put the focus on his play, scoring 11 goals for the Potters on the league campaign. Arnautovic provides game-breaking ability in an Austrian team short on creative influence. Marc Janko leads the line, but doesn’t possess the threat of Arnautovic. He is powerful and direct playing off the number nine down the left side, scoring three goals and setting up two others while starting every qualifying match. He’s capable of moving to the right as well, but is better with the reliable Christian Fuchs behind him providing cover. It’s a big summer for Arnautovic and Austria. If they are in fact a frontrunner, Arnautovic will have to be the attacking star. And with a buy-out clause in his contract this July, interested parties could be left lining up if his talent shines through on this massive stage.