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#3 Patrik Schick - Czech Republic
Patrik Schick has already become one of the stars of the opening phase of the tournament. Schick scored two goals as the Czech Republic beat Scotland 2-0. His second from 49.7 yards out, with which he broke the record for the longest goal ever scored at the Euros, could very well go on to be the goal of the tournament.
It was a redeeming moment for Schick on an individual level. The 25-year-old striker was sent off in Czech Republic's World Cup Qualifier loss against Wales less than three months ago for hitting Tyler Roberts in the face.
Schick has a growing reputation as a great finisher and enjoyed a decent season with Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 13 goals and providing two assists from 36 appearances across all competitions. He has scored 13 goals in 27 appearances for his national side and going by the way he has started, we could see a new star in the m at Euro 2020.
#2 Kalvin Philips - England
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips was England's unlikely hero in their Euro 2020 opener against Croatia. Phillips had a strong season with Leeds United and was one of the best defensive midfielders of the 2020-21 Premier League season.
Phillips is one of the most improved players at Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa. But for Gareth Southgate's men at Euro 2020, he seems to be playing a role different to the one he is used to at Leeds. He is no longer just a sweeper but a bustling box-to-box midfielder whose creative abilities were on show against Croatia.
Of all the players who started for England against Croatia, Phillips was the only one who received plaudits from all around. Leeds United will be desperate to keep Phillips but if he kicks on in the same vein, they will have big clubs queuing up outside their doors with fat cheques.
#1 Manuel Locatelli - Italy
Italy have always been one of the dominant forces in European football. Their recent decline has worried fans. But with a unit that has looked stronger than it ever has in recent years, Italy have already qualified for the knockout stages.
They have registered back-to-back 3-0 wins over Turkey and Switzerland and a certain Manuel Locatelli was their standout player in both games. The Sassuolo midfielder was the pick of the lot in the first game against the Turks. He improved on that in their second outing and bagged a brace to beat Switzerland in comprehensive fashion.
The 23-year-old thrives as a deep-lying playmaker but can play anywhere across midfield. He is excellent with the ball at his feet and possesses incredible vision. He is also relentless when out of possession and has great spatial awareness and intelligence which enables him to break up play on a consistent basis.
Locatelli is already being linked with European giants like Juventus and Arsenal. He is one of the players who is almost certain to cop a big-money move at the end of Euro 2020.
