Euro 2020: Top 5 players from the Round of 16

Granit Xhaka of Switzerland
Granit Xhaka of Switzerland

#3 Raheem Sterling (England)

England v Germany - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16
England v Germany - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16

When England were drawn against Germany in the Round of 16, cynics were quick to write the Three Lions off. But in all fairness, they have produced largely lackluster performances, while Germany seemed to be slowly hitting their stride.

Raheem Sterling was among the players who were handed a heavy load of criticism in the run-in to Euro 2020 group stage matches. But it was Sterling who was England's most consistent threat against the Germans. He was excellent with the ball at his feet and carved out several openings over the course of the game.

He tested Neuer from range early in the first half. The Manchester City attacker then made a driving run into the area and nearly set up Kane for England's opener right before the half-time whistle. He carried that same form into the second half and scored a well deserved goal from a lovely Luke Shaw cross to get Wembley buzzing.

#2 Paul Pogba (France)

France v Switzerland - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16
France v Switzerland - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16

Paul Pogba has time and again reminded us why he is truly world-class. Even though France succumbed in the penalty shootout against Switzerland, they still produced an exciting performance and Pogba was at the centre of it.

It was a mesmerizing performance from the Frenchman. It was a night where he showcased his passing range in all its glory and also scored one of the goals of the tournament. His curler from outside the box was as majestic as they come and it put France 3-1 up.

At that point, it seemed like they had put the game to bed. But Pogba's weaknesses also made an untimely appearance. He was too casual in possession and gave the ball away in the build-up to Switzerland's equalizer.

But Pogba pulled off plenty of game-changing passes on the night and he was easily the most outstanding player on the pitch.

#1 Granit Xhaka (Switzerland)

France v Switzerland - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16
France v Switzerland - UEFA Euro 2020: Round of 16

The only reason why an in-form Paul Pogba and a relentless N'Golo Kante weren't able to impose themselves fully and dominate the game was because of Granit Xhaka. The Swiss captain was everywhere and was faultless for the most part.

The Arsenal midfielder produced a man-of-the-match performance against arguably the strongest national side on the planet. The most important thing is that Xhaka led from the front and gave and rallied his troops despite going 3-1 down in the 75th minute.

Xhaka provided the assist for Gavranovic's equalizer for Switzerland in the 90th minuteHe also gave a rousing speech before extra-time and it was an all-in-all heroic display from Xhaka.

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