Not every player in the Football world is as lucky as Xavi or Iniesta when it comes to winning honours at both club and international level. There is a huge list of players who couldn’t make it big at the international stage because of lack of support.
This slideshow consists of players, who, if in another team could make glory at the international stage. So let us take a look at the Unlucky XI playing at the UEFA Euro 2016.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
The Arsenal shot-stopper has been one of the most consistent footballers in Premier League history. The Czech goalkeeper is entering the competition on a high, having won his fourth Premier League Golden Glove.
Barring a third-place finish in Euro 2004, the Czech Republic national team have failed to make a mark at the international stage. Despite being a Premier League legend, Petr Cech could not win any laurels with his national team.
Defenders:
The central defence will be paired by Vlad Chiriches (Romania) and Lorik Cana (Albania). The Napoli centre-back, Chiriches, a crucial part of the Romania backline will play at the heart of defence. Chiriches played every minute of the qualifiers in which Romania had a formidable defensive record of conceding just 2 goals in 10 matches.
On the other hand, Lorik Cana, the Albania captain, is the most capped player in the history of Albania. Possibly past his prime as a player, he continues to carry the weight of national expectation on his shoulders at Euro 2016.
At right back is Republic of Ireland’s Seamus Coleman. The Everton right-back has been a constant starter for his club for over 4 years now. His tireless work rate along with positioning and crossing abilities makes him an asset to any team.
The left back spot is taken by Vyacheslav Shevchuk (Ukraine). Despite his age, Shevchuk has been a reliable left back with tight defensive skills and continues to be a starter for his national team. Having won multiple titles with Ukrainian giant club FC Shakhtar Donetsk, he has failed to achieve the same at the international stage.
Midfielders:
In central midfield is the duo of Glenn Whelan (Republic of Ireland) and Steven Davis (Northern Ireland). The former, known for his tough tackling, will provide a solid platform by sitting deep and supporting the back four, while the latter will add energy to the midfield. The Southampton midfielder, Steven Davis, will play a pivotal role with his distribution skills.
The Swansea attacking midfielder, Gylfi Sigurdsson (Iceland), will play in an advanced role and provide support in the attacking third. His eye for key passes and layoffs makes him lethal as a central attacking midfielder and will keep the defenders on their toes.
On the left flank is Yevhen Konoplyanka (Ukraine). Talked up as the ‘Ukrainian Messi’, the Sevilla winger is fast and likes to cut inside from the wing. On his day, his close control and dribbling abilities can get the better of any defence.
On the right is his compatriot Andriy Yarmolenko (Ukraine). A title winner in the last two seasons with Dynamo Kviv, Yarmolenko is a versatile forward who can play at either wings but is at his best when cutting in from the right to use his deadly left foot.
Having 25 goals in just 59 appearances at the international level, he can prove to be a force to be reckoned with for the opposition.
Forward and formation:
No team at Euro 2016 relies on one man as heavily as Sweden do. Yes, you’re right! It’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Despite turning 35 this year, the Manchester United transfer target is still one of the best forwards in the world today. He is also Sweden’s all-time leading goal scorer.
The side will play in a 4-2-3-1 formation with two central midfielders whose job is to primarily maintain the game flow with the support of the central attacking midfielder. With three high-quality forwards in front of them, who are blessed with pace, trickery and finishing ability, they don't really have to do a lot more than just keep the midfield ticking and occasionally find the right ball.
The defence is filled with players who have the positional awareness and defensive discipline to keep things quiet. And in Petr Cech, they have one of the best last lines of defence in the world.
Special mentions: Igor Akinfeev (Russia), Shane Long (Republic of Ireland), Alexandr Golovin (Russia), Razvan Rat (Romania)
