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A few hours from the start of the Euro 2012, here is the perfect time to look at the five players who shouldn’t be taken like any other footballer .
1 . Roman Pavlychenko – Russia
Current form : Excellent
After his terrible season at Tottenham, the Russian striker decided to leave the north Londoners in January. Perhaps a good decision, as Roman Pavlychenko regularly featured in every season he played for Spurs, besides the last one. Reports claimed that Pavlychenko had a bust-up with the first team coach because of which he was regularly left out for the 2011-12 season. Pavlychenko always has been an excellent player in front of goal. The Russian striker is known for his ability to score key goals .
In June 2011, Roman Pavlychenko scored a hat trick in a 3-1 win over Armenia in the Qualifiers. Such an excellent performance didn’t leave a second thought in the manager’s mind, and he was selected for the Euro 2012. Pavlychenko has so far played 47 games for Russia and scored 20 goals, 6 away from Russia’s top scorer - Vladimir Beschastnykh.
2. Ricardo Quaresma – Portugal
Current form – Very good
To begin with, Quaresma has won more Man of the Matches then Cristiano Ronaldo for the national team. Unfortunately, he has never been a regular for the national team as Nani and Ronaldo have been playing in the wings regularly for a long time. But whenever he has played, he has been impressive. Quaresma, during his career, has been through both highs and lows. He was very impressive during his time at Porto and Chelsea, but also awful during his days at Inter Milan .
After his departure to Bestikas, it seemed as if his chances of an international return had become very bleak. After strong performances for Bestikas, he finally had the reward when he was called up for two international matches to replace the injured Ronaldo. Outstanding performances in the games earned him a place in the Portugal squad that was travelling for the Euro 2012. It should be evident that a chance would be hard to come by for Quaresma at Euro 2012. But who knows, he could become a super substitute!
3. Andriy Shevchenko – Ukraine
Current form – Good
The 35 year veteran, who would possibly retire after the Euro 2012, will have a final chance to show that he is still amongst the World’s greatest. Ukraine, placed in group D, will find it difficult to qualify for the next stage due to the presence of Europe’s powerhouses, France and England.
Shevchenko is most popularly known for his time at AC Milan, where he played 227 games. He is currently the captain of the national team. Personally, I don’t think that there is any milestone yet to be achieved in his career. He is the winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2004, has been Ukraine footballer of the year 6 times, UEFA top scorer for 2 times.
4. Fernando Torres – Spain
Current form – Good, on the rise
He started the season showing glimpses of the Torres that the Anfield faithful were used to seeing every week. He scored a phenomenal goal against Manchester United, but, in the same game, missed a sitter in front of an empty net. Since then, nothing has been going right for Torres and his form dipped considerably. Bad games and missed chances became the norm.
A campaign that was almost consigned as disastrous saw a change for the better with his extra time strike against the invincible Barcelona that gave Chelsea a place in Champions League final. The best game for Torres was when he netted thrice against Queens Park Rangers at Stamford Bridge. Recent performances for Spain have also been good. He ended his two year goal drought for Spain against South Korea.
5. Florent Malouda – France
Current form – Decent, expected to rise
Malouda has been an exceptional midfielder throughout his career. He is known to be a midfielder with excellent dribbling skills and good vision. Besides being a good creator of chances, Malouda has also been good in front of goal. He was Chelsea’s top scorer in the 2010-11 season. Malouda likes to play on the left wing where he has established himself as France’s greatest left wingers of all time. He has been one of the most consistent French players.
Malouda has played for France in 2006 World Cup, 2008 Euro cup, 2010 World cup and now 2012 Euro cup. Malouda also captained France briefly, when the team was in turmoil after the 201o World cup disaster. Being a senior in the team, it will be interesting to see that how Malouda guides a team – ready to regain the glory days.
