Euro 2016: Top 5 midfielders at the tournament
The UEFA Euro’s have in the past known to be a spectacle brimming with world class midfielders. With scintillating players like Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, Andrea Pirlo missing from this edition, the others seized the opportunity to assure the spectators that the continent will continue to produce exceptional midfielders. Here are the top 5 midfielders from the UEFA European Championship 2016:
1. Dmitri Payet:
After a mesmerising season in the Premier League, which included 9 goals and 12 assists for West Ham, Payet was picked as one of the main 11 men in Didier Deschamps’ squad. In the first game of the Euros, France found themselves staring at an unwanted draw against the Romanians. When the game was heading towards a 1-1 draw in the 89th minute, Payet stepped up and a took a fantastic shot that ended up in the top left corner of the goal. France had found a hero in Payet.
The midfielder didn’t stop there and has since been one of France’s most important player in the tournament. His performance at the tournament includes 3 goals and two assists. Payet also created the most number of chances in the tournament with 24.
Payet proved to be a nuisance for his opponents as he 20 attempted shots in the tournament, seven of which were on target and one hit the woodwork. He was always in the midst of every chance created by the French and is definitely one of the best midfielders of the tournament.