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The group stages of UEFA Euro 2020 concluded yesterday, and it's fair to say we've seen some world-class football already.
The knockout stages are scheduled to kick off on June 26th, and we finally have the full lineup of the round of 16. Several teams have impressed, while some others haven't. On that note, let's take a look at the top five players from the group stage at Euro 2020.
#5. Georginio Wijnaldum - Netherlands
Georginio Wijnaldum impressed everyone concerned during the group stages. The ex-Liverpool midfielder was named captain of Le Oranje in the absence of Virgil van Dijk, and has stepped up to the plate in style.
The Netherlands had a perfect record in the group stages, winning all three of their games. Wijnaldum has surprised with his goalscoring form in the tournament, having already netted three goals in the group stage.
He scored the first of the Netherlands' eight group-stage goals against Ukraine and went on to bag a quick brace against North Macedonia as well. His form in midfield was one of the main reasons behind the Netherlands' success in the first round.
With the Netherlands seemingly part of the easier knockout bracket at Euro 2020, Wijnaldum will look to carry his breathtaking form into the round of 16. Dutch fans will look to their captain to deliver and lead the Netherlands to a second European trophy.
#4. Memphis Depay - Netherlands
Having enjoyed a brilliant run in the group stages, Memphis Depay takes fourth spot in the top five players in the group stages.
Like his compatriot Wijnaldum, Depay has been instrumental in Le Oranje's success so far. The former Manchester United man has played all the group games, scoring two goals and bagging two assists.
Once considered not good enough for the Premier League, Depay has silenced critics with his constant improvement over the past two seasons. His outstanding performances sparked interest from Barcelona, who completed the signing of Depay on a free transfer.
Depay is the Netherlands' focal point in attack and will be looking to continue his impressive form into the knockouts. With the Netherlands playing Czech Republic in the round of 16, Depay will be key to the Le Oranje's hopes of progress in to the last eight at Euro 2020.
#3. Robin Gosens - Germany
Robin Gosens has been the talk of the town after his scintillating performances in the group stages at Euro 2020. The Atalanta man has already racked up one goal and two assists, a truly impressive feat considering Germany were drawn into the group of death.
Germany faced tough competition in the group stages, with close matches against France, Portugal and Hungary. Called up only in 2020, Gosens has seriously impressed for Die Mannschaft in his short international career so far. An assured presence in the left wingback position, Gosens ' biggest strengths are his ability to take on players and his inch-perfect crosses.
Gosens was an influential member of the team in the group stages, scoring and assisting a goal each in Germany's 4-2 win over Portugal. His contributions allowed Germany to register a second-place finish in Group F, earning them passage into the knockout stages.
With Germany taking on a defensively robust England side in the round of 16, Germany will depend on Gosens as an attacking outlet in their hopes of progressing to the quarterfinals.
#2. Paul Pogba - France
Paul Pogba has divided opinion ever since his move to Manchester United. An immensely talented player, Pogba has been described in the past as unpredictable.
The Frenchman was signed by Manchester United five years ago, and has had a stop-start stint at Old Trafford. However, in the same period, he has won the FIFA World Cup with France, and also featured in the Euro 2016 final.
A box-to-box midfielder, Pogba plays with added freedom for France. With the defensive cover provided by N'golo Kante, Pogba is able to play in a more free role. Often pulling the strings from midfield, Pogba seems a completely different player while playing for France.
His presence in midfield certainly sparks fear in the minds of opponents. With France taking on Switzerland in the round of 16, Didier Deschamps will expect Pogba to carry his brilliant form into the business end of the tournament.
#1. Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo has been in sublime form at Euro 2020. The current leader in the race for the Golden Boot, Ronaldo has already racked up an impressive five goals and one assist in three group games so far.
Captain of Portugal, Ronaldo was part of the Selecao's trophy-winning run at Euro 2016. From his performances so far, it is clear that Ronaldo's intention is to retain the trophy at Euro 2020. Ronaldo's fifth goal at Euro 2020 saw him equal Iran's Ali Daei for most goals (109) at international level.
Synonymous with consistency, Ronaldo has already scored in all three games at Euro 2020 so far. He also has the record for most goals scored by any player in Euro tournament history.
With Portugal drawing Belgium in the round of 16, Fernando Santos and Ronaldo will have to pull out all stops in their attempts to stop the number one team in the world. Ronaldo has a personal stake as well, with him looking to become the out-and-out top goalscorer at the international stage.
