Euro 2024: Best XI of the Round of 16

Multiple impressive individual performances kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

The 2024 UEFA European Championships have been extremely entertaining. Taking place in Germany, the continental showpiece has provided sensational footballing action and several iconic fixtures. The Round of 16 concluded recently which saw superb clashes between national teams looking to advance deeper into the competition.

The players from Spain were particularly outstanding as they demolished Georgia by a 4-1 scoreline. Joining La Roja in the quarter-finals, individuals from England, the Netherlands, Portugal and more also fought well and helped their country’s cause in winning their respective Round of 16 matches.

As the tournament progresses and the national teams prepare to lock horns in the quarter-finals, here is a look at the best-performing lineup of players from the Round of 16:

GK – Diogo Costa (Portugal)

Diogo Costa saved three penalties in a row to help Portugal defeat Slovenia and advance into the quarter-finals. By doing so, he became the first goalkeeper ever to save three penalties in a shootout at the European Championships.

RB – Jules Kounde (France)

Jules Kounde was flawless in his performance for France as the 2018 FIFA World Cup winners defeated Belgium by a 1-0 scoreline. The defender helped his side keep a clean sheet, delivered five crosses and created one big chance.

CB – Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany)

Nico Schlotterbeck came in for suspended Jonathan Tah in Germany’s backline and performed well in the clash against Denmark. Not only did he help keep a clean sheet, he also scored a goal which was later disallowed for a soft foul in the build-up by a teammate. 

CB – Merih Demiral (Turkey)

Merih Demiral was outstanding for Turkey in their narrow 2-1 win over Austria in the Round of 16 of the Euros 2024. The centre-back scored both goals for his team and played a key role in denying the opposition from scoring.

LB – Marc Cucurella (Spain)

Marc Cucrella is enjoying his time in the left-back position for Spain which has kept Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive Alejandro Grimaldo on the bench. The full-back was superb once again for La Roja in their 4-1 win over Georgia. He had 109 touches of the ball and finished the game with a 95% pass success rate in merely 66 minutes of game time.

CM – Fabian Ruiz (Spain)

Fabian Ruiz’s goalscoring abilities have shone brightly in the ongoing Euros. The midfielder once again found the back of the net for Spain in their 4-1 win over Georgia. In addition to scoring, he also provided the assist for the third goal by Nico Williams. 

CM – Rodri (Spain)

Rodri was crucial in helping Spain equalise against Georgia after going down by a goal in the early stages of the Round of 16 clash. The midfielder scored with a precise shot from outside the box. He also completed 109 passes, finishing with a 93% success rate. 

CM – Xavi Simons (Netherlands)

Xavi Simons delivered another breathtaking performance for the Netherlands during the Round of 16 clash against Romania. The midfielder provided two assists and could have scored himself on a day when the Oranje dominated their opponents, securing a 3-0 win. 

LW – Nico Williams (Spain)

Nico Williams was a constant threat from the left flank, causing problems aplenty for Georgia’s defenders. The winger scored a beautiful goal to help Spain record a convincing win and also provided an assist in a wonderful performance.

RW – Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)

Cody Gakpo was the best-performing player in the Netherlands squad which won 3-0 against a determined Romanian team. The attacker scored the opening goal of the match and provided an assist for Donyell Malen’s first goal of the game.

ST – Harry Kane (England)

Harry Kane had a relatively quiet game until the moment when he turned up with the winning goal for England in extra time against Slovakia. The Three Lions were staring at the exit from the tournament but Jude Bellingham’s equaliser in the last seconds took the game to extra time. That’s when Kane scored the crucial goal despite being under immense pressure and took his team to the quarter-finals courtesy of a 2-1 win.

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