One of the more subdued groups of the lot, Group C consists of reigning world champions Germany, previous hosts Poland and Ukraine and newcomers Northern Ireland. With a strong pool of players and a favourable draw, Germany and Poland have been tipped to ease through the group stages.
However, Ukraine and Northern Ireland have enough firepower in their squad to prove their critics wrong. Here, we take a look at 5 players who can decide the outcome of the group single-handedly:
5: Steven Davis (Northern Ireland)
The versatile midfielder from Ballymena has found his feet at the right time. After a poor first half, Davis regained his form and has been instrumental in Southampton’s record sixth place finish in the Premier League.
With 3 goals in his last two matches for Southampton in the Premier League, Davis was one of the top performers in May. Having played at all the midfield positions for Southampton, Davis can be utilised anywhere for, preferably central attacking midfield.
A phenomenal passer of the ball, Davis can find his fellow team-mate with ease. He is extremely dangerous in set-piece situations and is as dangerous in open play with the goal against Tottenham signifying it. His vision cannot be matched by any player in country colours. With a strong repertoire, Davis will look to drive his country past the group stages.
4: Yevhen Konoplyanka (Ukraine)
The Sevilla FC winger has had a fruitful season at club level. Facing huge competition, Konoplyanka could only register 15 starts for Sevilla in the 2015-16 La Liga season. However, he never failed to impress in those games.
Having a hand in 9 goals, (4 goals and 5 assists) Yevhen ably supported the likes of Kevin Gameiro, Vitolo and Ever Banega in attack. Tremendous in crossing, dribbling and in set piece situations, the 176 cm (5ft, 7inches) midfielder packs a punch.
With the likes of Andriy Yarmolenko and Olexandr Zinchenko, Konoplyanka is not short of support and can have a huge hand in deciding the group’s outcome.
3: Thomas Muller (Germany)
The Germany and Bayern Munich forward has had another excellent season at club level. Winning the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal justifies the previous statement. With an impressive 32 goals in 49 games across all competitions, Muller definitely has the quality to wreck the strongest of defence.
A near-perfect finisher and a strong passer, Muller loves to do layoffs and cuts inside with ease. Muller is a very good sportsman as he never dives after being tackled. With the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Julian Draxler, Mario Gotze and Mesut Ozil controlling the midfield, Muller will not be short of chances and is also one of the frontrunners for the coveted ‘Golden Boot’ trophy.
2: Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
The Polish and Bayern Munich hitman is in the form of his life. Lewandowski won the "Kicker Torjägerkanone" (Kicker top scorer cannon) award for scoring an astonishing 30 times in 32 games for the Bavarian giants.
Blessed with pace, aerial power and strength, Lewandowski is the ultimate modern striker. His ability to score at any given moment in the game can be justified by his five-goal effort against Wolfsburg last September.
At 27 years of age, Robert is at his peak and will be one of the favourites to lift the golden boot trophy. With the likes of Jakub Blaszczykowski, Lukasz Piszczek, Kamil Glik and Arkadiusz Milik, Lewandowski and Poland have a great chance of upsetting Germany and can emerge as group winners.
1: Mesut Ozil (Germany)
At the age of 27, the Gelsenkirchen lad has the world at his feet. Just one assist behind (19) the record of most number of assists in a season (20) and a PFA Player of the Year nominee, the Arsenal playmaker has had, arguably his best season in Arsenal colours.
Pinpoint crossing, marvellous through balls, deadly set-piece deliveries are all part of Ozil’s vast skillset. His chance creation stats are over the top, delivering an average of 3.4 key passes per game from open play.
His vision is hawk-like and with the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Julian Draxler by his side, Ozil can tire out his opponents by his immaculate passing. With quality up front in the form of Thomas Muller, Ozil’s passes will not go to waste. In this kind of form, Ozil is Germany’s best player heading to the Euros and will look to carry his team through the knockout stages.
