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After an enticing final day of group games, the Round of 16 at Euro 2020 has been set.
"I'm not away, was just trying to catch a breath..." ESPN commentator Jon Champion's words in the second half of the Portugal-France game perfectly described the last few days at Euro 2020.
On a fair note, there haven't been a lot of surprises in terms of the nations that have qualified for the Round of 16. But Italy's comprehensive displays in not conceding a single goal in 2021, Denmark's arrival on the big stage, the emergence of a new-look Spain and the Group of Death living up to its billing have set the stage for an exciting Round of 16.
With some marquee clashes in the first knockout round of Euro 2020, there are some intriguing player matchups that could be key in the outcome of games. On that note, let's take a look at the top five such player battles to watch out for in the Round of 16 at Euro 2020.
#5 Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) vs Pepe (Portugal)
Who would believe that after leaving Real Madrid, Pepe would be spearheading the Portuguese backline at Euro 2020. That's because the veteran centre-back is performing at the highest level even at the age of 38.
Pepe was a brick wall against France, keeping Kylian Mbappe silent for large swathes of the game. He registered the most tackles in the defensive third (4) by a Portugal defender, coming into Euro 2020 after a very impressive season with Porto. But in the Round of 16 on Sunday, he will come up against a different beast altogether - Romelu Lukaku.
A huge part of Inter Milan's title-winning side last season, Lukaku has key in Belgium going perfect in their Euro 2020 group-stage campaign. He has scored, some fine goals in the tournament and is leading the G-xG (Goals - Expected Goals) charts.
There is little doubt Pepe and Lukaku's clash could decide whether Portugal or Belgium reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.
#4 David Alaba (Austria) vs Domenico Berardi (Italy)
One of the most decorated defenders in the Bundesliga, David Alaba has moved to Real Madrid for a new challenge. The former Bayern Munich star now faces a formidable challenge when Austria meet Italy in the Round of 16.
Considering the form Italy are in, Alaba and co. face a tough task to stay alive in the competition. The Azzurri are not only unbeaten since 2020, they are yet to concede a goal this year. It is going to take more than a miracle for Austria to beat Italy at Euro 2020.
Nevertheless, this game promises one of the best clashes of versatile talents on the left wing. The resolute David Alaba will go up against the talented and free-flowing Domenico Berardi. Berardi displayed his prowess against Turkey, with the Italian forward switching flanks at will during transition, facilitating his team's fluid movement.
With Alaba expected to keep Berardi quiet, the Austrian captain, who has won trophies galore at his previous club, will have to produce a defensive masterclass.
#3 Sergio Busquets (Spain) vs Luka Modric (Croatia)
Euro 2020 will witness a player matchup La Liga has experienced for years when Luka Modric's Croatia lock horns with Sergio Busquets' Spain in the Round of 16. Modric and Busquets are two world-class midfielders and are legends of the game.
Sidelined due to COVID-19 for the first two games of the group stage, Busquets was quick to show his impact on the team. He was one of the best performers in Spain's 5-0 rout of Slovakia on the last matchday of group-stage action at Euro 2020.
Not only did he manage the defensive organisation of Spain's midfield when not in possession, but the Barcelona midfielder was also key in penetrating the Slovakian defence, which maintained a low block. The scoreline would suggest Busquets did a fabulous job.
Meanwhile, Luka Modric came up clutch at the most opportune moment to ensure stuttering Croatia's berth in the Round of 16 at Euro 2020. Needing a win on the final matchday to progress, Modric scored a worldie from the outside of his boot, helping Croatia down Scotland 3-1 in Glasgow.
Croatia have blown hot and cold since their run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. But the brilliance of Modric has kept alive his team's hopes at Euro 2020. It will be interesting to see if he is able to conjure another magical performance against Busquets to help his team continue their campaign at Euro 2020.
#2 Georginio Wijnaldum (Netherlands) vs Tomas Soucek (Czech Republic)
Georginio Wijnaldum has been on fire at Euro 2020. After joining PSG this summer, his market value is rising with every passing minute of action he has featured in at the tournament.
With three goals in the group stage, Wijnaldum has shown his attacking prowess, which never came to light at Liverpool. That was because the Dutch midfielder donned a different role for Jurgen Klopp's team, helping them win major trophies.
But with the Netherlands, Frank de Boer seems to have unleashed the attacking side of Wijnaldum to devastating effect. Frenkie de Jong's deeper role means the 30-year-old Wijnaldum is free to make runs into the box, meet the crosses of his teammates and dispatch them with efficiency. Not to forget, the midfielder's three goals at Euro 2020 have come from a meagre four shots on target.
When Winjaldum takes the field against the Czech Republic in the Round of 16 in an attacking midfield role, there is one man who will be pivotal to stopping him - Tomas Soucek. The Czech midfielder was key in West Ham securing European football in the 2020-21 season. His aerial abilities are second to none, and he knows Wijnaldum's prowess from their meetings in the Premier League.
Soucek's role will not only be restricted to stopping Wijnaldum but also giving his team opportunities to score from set-pieces. It remains to be seen if Soucek's the Czech Republic cause the biggest upset of Euro 2020 by ousting Wijnaldum's high-flying Netherlands team.
#1 Bukayo Saka (England) vs Robin Gosens (Germany)
With Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell out due to COVID-19 protocols, Gareth Southgate will not have his strongest first XI at his disposal for England's marquee Round of 16 clash against Germany. But there is no dearth of talent in the English camp, with Arsenal's Bukayo Saka a prime example. Given the nod for the Czech Republic game, the 19-year-old didn't disappoint and is likely to start against Germany.
In fact, Saka was a livewire during his time on the field. He successfully dribbled past his opponents on four of six occasions and won seven of his 12 ground duels. Saka could be the surprise element for Southgate against an experienced German team that would look to keep the likes of Harry Kane, Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling at bay.
Saka will also have to perform defensive duties in the Round of 16 against Germany, unlike in the Czech Republic game. That's because Robin Gosens comes into the knockout phase of Euro 2020 after one of the best individual performances in Euro 2020 so far.
Gosens was fabulous against Portugal, giving Nelson Semedo nightmares, so the Atalanta wing-back will be one player the Three Lions will have to keep an eye on. The German international would look to continue his good form against England as Die Mannschaft seek to topple one of the tournament favourites. Saka could have other ideas, though.
