#3. MidfieldersCentral Midfielder- Toni Kroos
The Real Madrid midfielder played a crucial role in the middle of the pitch during the group stages and produced another scintillating performance in the last 16 against Slovakia which helped Germany reach the last eight. Kroos delivered the corner which set up Germany’s opening goal scored by Jerome Boateng.He orchestrated the midfield and was ever present in the front and back. He set up a number of attacks and created many chances for his teammates. His magnificent display in the midfield propelled Germany to a 3-0 victory and advance to the quarter-finals where they play Euro 2012 runners-up Italy in a rematch of their meeting in the semi-finals of Euro 2012. Kroos will have to be at the top of his game if Germany are to overcome a resilient Italian side in the last eight.Central Midfielder- Andres Iniesta
Spain’s midfield maestro had a very bitter end to his tournament as the reigning champions were knocked out of the tournament in the round of 16 after a 2-0 loss to Italy. The 2012 Player of the Tournament had a pretty decent tournament overall as he assisted Spain’s winner in Spain’s tournament opener against the Czech Republic and was subsequently awarded the Man of the Match.He produced another Man of the Match performance against Turkey as he set up Spain’s third goal of the match. In Spain’s last 16 clash against Italy, Iniesta was brilliant in the middle of the park but did not receive adequate assistance from his teammates. He created numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates and gave the Italians a tough time through his skillful play. Spain might have had a disappointing tournament but Iniesta’s performance was commendable throughout the tournament.Left Winger- Eden Hazard
The Chelsea midfielder was coming to the Euros on the back of a disappointing season with the South London club alongside the added responsibility of Belgium’s captaincy due to the absence of regular skipper Vincent Kompany owing to injury. Hazard had a poor start to the tournament as Belgium lost 2-0 to Italy. However, he improved on his performances in Belgium’s next two group games against Ireland and Sweden; being adjudged the Man of the Match in the latter.Hazard produced his best performance of the tournament in Belgium’s round of 16 clash against Hungary. Hazard was brilliant on the left flank and was continuously creating chances for his teammates during the first half. In the second half, Hazard assisted Belgium’s second goal which was scored by Michy Batshuayi and scored the third himself before being subbed off. Hazard won a second Man of the Match award for his performances. Hazard has had the most number of assists in the tournament so far and his form will be crucial as Belgium now face a gritty Welsh team in the last eight.Attacking Midfielder- Kevin De Bruyne
After a poor showing in Belgium’s opening match against Italy, the Manchester City attacking midfielder redeemed himself by playing some dazzling football in Belgium’s remaining group matches. His tireless runs and precise passing baffled the opposition time and again.Against Hungary, De Bruyne was a big goal threat throughout the match as he had several attempts on goal, forcing a number of saves from Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly. He created a number of scoring opportunities throughout the match and provided the free-kick which led to Toby Alderweireld heading in the opener in an eventual 4-0 win for Belgium. De Bruyne has been in terrific form so far and his presence will be crucial for Belgium to overcome Wales in the quarter-finals.Right Winger- Julian Draxler
The Wolfsburg winger did not have a very good outing during the group stages and was benched in Germany’s final group game against Northern Ireland. He returned to the playing XI in Germany’s round of 16 clash against Slovakia and put up an impressive display in an eventual 3-0 win for Germany.Draxler began the match brightly, creating numerous opportunities for his teammates and then provided the assist for Germany’s second goal scored by Mario Gomez. Draxler made his day better by scoring Germany’s third goal of the match. Draxler was adjudged the Man of the Match for his performances and his performances on the wing will be important for Germany as they take on Italy in the quarter-finals.
