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UEFA Euro 2020 is about to start in less than a week, where the European heavyweights will battle it out for the continent's top prize.
Numerous teams at Euro 2020 have a plethora of world-class midfield personnel at their disposal. On that note, let's take a look at the top five midfielders to watch out for during the tournament.
#5 Nicolo Barella (Italy)
Nicolo Barella of Italy has had a rousing start to his career. First making his name with Cagliari, Barella moved to Inter Milan in 2019 and won the Scudetto in 2020-21.
The midfielder is an excellent reader of the game, with his tenacious performances earning him praise. Only 24, Barella has formed a formidable partnership in central midfield with Marcelo Brozovic and Christian Eriksen. He was key in Inter winning their first Serie A title in more than a decade and was adjudged the Serie A Midfielder of the Season.
Making his Azzurri debut in 2018, Nicolo Barella, capped 23 times by Italy, is expected to play a talismanic role for the team at Euro 2020.
#4 Toni Kroos (Germany)
Toni Kroos is a regular on any list of top midfielders. He is coming off an excellent club season, helping Real Madrid finish second in the La Liga.
Kroos' greatest strengths are his eye for a pass and his exceptional accuracy. He is Real Madrid's kingpin in midfield, often running the show from that position. He has also been able to replicate that form in Germany colours as well.
A key player in Die Mannschaft's FIFA World Cup win in 2014, Kroos could be one to watch out for at Euro 2020. With Germany perched in the Group of Death, they will look to Kroos' experience and leadership to help them make a deep run in the tournament.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Update on Lionel Messi's Barcelona future, Chelsea's plan for the summer and more.
#3 N'Golo Kante (France)
N'Golo Kante could be one of the midfielders to watch out for at Euro 2020. His career progression over the past decade has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Starting his professional career in 2012, Kante played in the lower tiers of France. Three years later, he moved to Leicester City, helping them script an improbable league triumph. Kante then moved to Chelsea, where he won the Premier League again. In the process, he became one of a select few to win back-to-back league titles with two different clubs.
Making his France debut in 2016, Kante was a key player in Les Bleus' triumph at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
He will arrive at Euro 2020 off the back of a marvellous club season, with Chelsea winning the Champions League and finishing fourth in the league despite a mid-season managerial change.
Kante, capped 45 times by France, is arguably one of the best midfielders in the game, and Les Bleus will rely on him to help them win Euro 2020.
#2 Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
Bruno Fernandes is another player whose rise has been spectacular, to say the least.
Since arriving at Manchester United in 2020, the former Sporting man has almost single-handedly turned around their fortunes. His impact was felt almost immediately, as Fernandes racked up an impressive eight goals and seven assists in just 14 league appearances.
He followed that up with another stunning season, recording 28 goals and 17 assists in all competitions. His outstanding displays saw him be nominated for the Premier League Player of the Year and also earned him a spot in the Premier League Team of the Season.
Capped 28 times by Portugal, Fernandes has largely failed to replicate his stellar club form. Nevertheless, Fernando Santos will rely on the Manchester United talisman to help Portugal successfully defend their title at Euro 2020.
#1 Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
Kevin De Bruyne is widely regarded as the best midfielder in the game. Manchester City secured the signature of the Belgian in 2015 for a reported £55 million, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The Belgian has been a key player in a dazzling Manchester City midfield that has won three Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups and one FA Cup.
De Bruyne was also an influential player in City's run to the Champions League final in 2020-21, where they finished runners-up to Chelsea. He was subbed off in the final following a nasty clash with Antonio Rudiger, but it seems De Bruyne should be fit to play for Belgium at Euro 2020.
De Bruyne has been a regular for Belgium over the years, earning 80 caps since his international debut in 2010. The Red Devils enjoyed a great run at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, losing to eventual winners France in the semi-finals, en route to a third-place finish.
Drawn in a relatively easy group at Euro 2020, Belgium will bank on De Bruyne to help them go all the way at the tournament.
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