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Euro 2020 was everything one would expect as high-profile a tournament to be and then some. Italy have emerged as champions of Europe after beating England in a hard-fought and entertaining final at Wembley on Sunday.
It was a tight affair, and the teams couldn't be separated over the course of 90 minutes and extra time. The Azzurri finally overcame the Three Lions 3-2 in the shootout. Both goalkeepers Jordan Pickford and Gianluigi Donnarumma did their best but only one walked home with the trophy.
Euro 2020 featured some incredible individual displays
Euro 2020 was replete with some wonderful individual and team performances. European giants like France, the Netherlands, Germany and Portugal, with a plethora of world-class players in their squads, fell early. At the same time, several young players stepped up and stole the show at the continental competition.
We also had the good fortune of watching some of the best technicians at work. As expected, plenty of games at Euro 2020 were decided in midfield. With players ready to give it their all for their nations, the tournament was nothing short of an absolute treat for spectators.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the best midfielders from Euro 2020.
#5 Paul Pogba (France)
Paul Pogba is not an extremely consistent footballer. There are also a few shortcomings in his game. For example, while his close control and ability to navigate tight spaces can be extraordinary at times, he also has a habit of losing possession in dangerous areas.
But with a tireless N'Golo Kante to his side, Pogba becomes much more expressive and puts his whole array of skills on display. The Frenchman played some wonderful passes for his forwards and full-backs throughout Euro 2020. He even scored one of the goals of the tournament against Denmark.
Pogba produced world-class displays against the likes of Germany, Portugal and Switzerland. He played a total of five accurate through balls at Euro 2020, the most by any player at the tournament. It's interesting to note that France only made it to the Round of 16.
Pogba also won two man-of-the-match awards and was on course to become a top contender for the Player of the Tournament up until their elimination.
#4 Marco Verratti (Italy)
Italy have plenty of excellent technicians in their squad and that's why Verratti's absence wasn't felt in the Azzurri's first two matches at Euro 2020. Manuel Locatelli, who filled in for Verratti, played a starring role in both those wins.
Verratti returned for the game against Wales and produced five incredible performances on the trot. He won eight tackles at Euro 2020 and also created the most number of chances at Euro 2020 with 14.
The PSG midfielder was part of everything good the Italians created since he first featured for them in their final group stage game against Wales. He was arguably the best midfielder in the final against England, completing 112 of 119 attempted passes. Verratti also registered three assists at Euro 2020.
#3 Declan Rice (England)
Declan Rice came into Euro 2020 on the back of an excellent season with West Ham United. He was instrumental in the Hammers qualifying for the UEFA Europa League and was tipped to start in midfield for the Three Lions.
He started every single one of England's games at Euro 2020 and did an exceptional job in central midfield. Operating as part of a double pivot alongside Kalvin Phillips, Rice made 12 interceptions in the tournament.
He also won seven tackles and was one of England's best players in the final against Italy until he was taken off in the second half.
He was crucial to England not conceding a single goal from open play at Euro 2020. Rice's stock continues to rise and he has truly established himself as one of the best holding midfielders on the continent now.
#2 Pedri (Spain)
18-year-old Barcelona midfielder Pedri has already drawn comparisons to the likes of Andres Iniesta and Xavi. He displaced Thiago Alcantara from the first team and was La Roja's best player in midfield, turning in a string of eye-catching performances at Euro 2020.
In the words of Spain's manager Luis Enrique:
"What Pedri has done in this tournament, at 18, no one has done. Not even Andrés Iniesta did that; it's incredible, unique."
Pedri has been named as the Young Player of the Tournament. His ball control, dribbling and passing range are all exemplary and he was easily one of Spain's best players in the competition.
Pedri produced five goal-creating actions at Euro 2020 which is the most for any player. He maintained a 91% pass accuracy at the tournament and created three big chances.
The Barcelona youngster came into the tournament on the back of a grueling season. But he showed no signs of fatigue and delivered quality performances consistently.
#1 Jorginho (Italy)
Italy undoubtedly had the best midfield at Euro 2020 and an in-form Jorginho turned out to be one of the sharpest weapons in their arsenal. The Chelsea midfield maestro was excellent at everything he did.
He is so technically proficient that he was able to shine not only when Italy were dominating midfield battles but also when they were being given a run for their money. Jorginho worked tirelessly and covered 86.6 km, which is the most for any player at the tournament.
He also topped the list for recoveries made at Euro 2020 with 46. The 29-year-old also completed 497 passes, the second highest at the tournament, with 93% accuracy. He also tops the list for fouls drawn at Euro 2020 with 18.
Jorginho, who won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea earlier this summer, also set a new record at Euro 2020. He has now become the player with the most number of interceptions made at a European Championship tournament since Opta started collecting data, with 25.
