5 key players to watch out for in the Euro 2016 playoffs

With 20 teams already sailing through to the finals, the 8 teams remaining in contention are set to get their fates known as the playoffs for the last four remaining places for the Euro 2016 get underway this week. The ball gets rolling in the Ullevaal Stadium where Norway take on Hungary, and Bosnia & Herzegovina follow suit a day later when they welcome Republic of Ireland in Zenica. Euro 2008 co-hosts Ukraine have a date with Slovenia, whereas the final tie sees a Scandinavian derby when Sweden battle Denmark.With qualification on the line, fireworks are set to spark across Europe as the octet of teams are set to face each other at home and away over the next five days. And as the clashes approach near, we take a cursory glance at five players who are touted to play a key role in the playoffs.

#1 Andriy Yarmolenko - Ukraine

Dynamo Kiev winger Andriy Yarmolenko will be shouldering the hopes of over 45 million Ukrainians when the Yellow-Blues tussle the Slovenians over the next two legs. The 26-year-old has been the star performer for his club and country over the years and has left some big powerhouses of Premier League yearning for his services.

Yarmolenko has accrued 20 goals in 52 appearances for his country, four of which have come in the qualifiers. And he will once again be entrusted with the task of delivering the goods in the crucial play-off rounds.

His ability to cut in from the right and shoot with his belter of a left foot is something that Slovenia will have to be wary of over the two legs. He can also be a threat from set-pieces.

Ukraine narrowly missed the 2014 World Cup when they came up against France in a similar situation despite the forward bagging a brace in the first leg. The memories of that fateful night in Paris will still be very much vivid.

#2 Viktor Fischer - Denmark

Danish forward Viktor Fischer burst onto to the scene as an 18-year old teen back in 2012. But it wasn’t until the summer of 2015 when he bagged his first international goal in a game against Montenegro.

Recurring hamstring problems left the Ajax man in a lurch last term, but he has made significantly made up for it, now firing on all cylinders with the Dutch outfit. In 17 appearances so far, Fischer has struck eight times, despite coming from the bench on 11 of those occassions. And the clash against Sweden offers him a chance to truly make his mark even on the international stage.

The 21-year-old is a versatile forward with the ability to play on either flank with equal adeptness. He also has an eye for goal. With Nicklas Bendtner leading the line for Denmark, Fischer can forge a formidable partnership and help the Danes book their tickets to France.

#3 Miralem Pjanic - Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnian playmaker Miralem Pjanic has made a whirlwind start to the season, scoring 8 times in 13 appearances for his club side AS Roma. His inspiring form has helped La Maggica maintain a fine start to Serie A, with 5 goals and 5 assists in 10 league appearances. Pjanic may have failed to ripple the net in qualifiers for The Golden Lillies, but he still played a starring role with his creative influence.

Playing in an advanced midfield role behind striker Edin Dzeko for both club and country, the 25-year-old is the creator-in-chief for his sides, feeding the forwards relentlessly. His supreme vision and ability to pull a rabbit out of his hat even in the most unlikeliest of the situations makes him indispensable.

His ingenuity and invention near the final third will surely have a big say in the outcome of Bosnia's games against the Irish.

#4 Robbie Keane - Republic of Ireland

Irish legend Robbie Keane was the most prolific scorer for his side in the qualifying campaign, with 5 goals in 10 appearances and assisting another two in the process. The 35-year old veteran has one last shot at the majors and will be aiming to go all guns blazing against Bosnia.

With 65 international goals in 140 appearances, Keane will be itching to add a few more before he hangs up his boots, more importantly in the upcoming vital playoffs.

Keane possesses great clinical finishing in the final third that makes him a reliable goalscorer. And he will look to carry his LA Galaxy form, which has seen him strike 25 times in 27 outings this season, into the double header against the Balkans.

#5 Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Sweden

It is make or break time for Swedish ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who stands on the cusp of an international swansong. Having missed the flight to Brazil following a narrow defeat at the hands of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in 2013, the Euros at France is certainly the last chance for the Paris St.Germain talisman to make an impact in a major international tournament.

However, standing in between his and Sweden’s path are their rivals from Scandinavia, Denmark, who are aiming to return to a major competition after failing to qualify for the World Cup last year. But Ibrahimovic is the man for big occasions, and the Blagult will be betting their bottom dollar on him to take them to France next year.

The 34-year-old has long enthralled fans with his gravity-defying acrobatics and breathtaking goals. And his exploits will be instrumental in carrying Sweden through.