NEW DELHI: After an exciting tournament featuring 50 matches and the departure of 22 teams, England and three-time champions Spain are set to clash in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday.
The competition has showcased a promising new generation of footballers, such as teenagers Lamine Yamal, Arda Guler, and Kobbie Mainoo. However, several established players who were previously under the radar have also demonstrated their skills on the European stage.
Here are five stars who have broken through with impressive performances at Euro 2024
1. Dani OlmoA 26-year-old midfielder for Spain, has been crucial to his team's success in the tournament. The 26-year-old is well-known in Germany after four years at RB Leipzig but has made everyone else stand up and take notice of his ability with a string of excellent performances in his adopted country. Despite starting only two of Spain's six games, Olmo has scored three goals, tied for the most in the tournament, and provided two assists.
2. Marc GuehiEngland's Marc Guehi, playing in his first major international tournament at the age of 23, has quickly become a key player in Gareth Southgate's defensive setup. Just 23, he has been calm and assured alongside John Stones in central defence, with England conceding just three goals in five games with Guehi on the park. Guehi's importance to the team was highlighted when he was suspended for the quarter-final against Switzerland, and he also contributed to the attack with an assist for Jude Bellingham's last-gasp equaliser against Slovakia in the last 16.
3. Cody GakpoA forward for the Netherlands, has been instrumental in his team's run to their first Euros semi-final in 20 years. The orange shirt seems to bring the best out of the 25-year-old, whose impressive performances at the Qatar World Cup came before a big-money transfer to English giants Liverpool. Gakpo scored crucial goals against Poland and Romania and forced a late own goal against Turkey in the quarter-finals.
4. Giorgi MamardashviliGeorgia's goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has been a standout player for his country in their first-ever Euros appearance. Standing at nearly two meters tall, Mamardashvili made 30 saves in four matches, the second-most in Euros history. His performances have not surprised La Liga fans, as he has been among the best goalkeepers in Spain this season.
5. Marcel SabitzerFinally, Austria's Marcel Sabitzer has continued his stellar form from Borussia Dortmund's Champions League run at Euro 2024. The 30-year-old midfielder scored the winner against the Netherlands to secure top spot in their group and has been a constant goal threat, particularly from long range. His boundless energy has been key for Austria's high-intensity playing style under Ralf Rangnick.
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