The Euro 2024 group stage delivered surprising results, excitement, drama, and countless incredible goals.
None of these thrilling moments would have been possible without Europe’s top players hitting their peak form when it mattered the most.
10. Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo has been much more effective for the Netherlands than he has been for Liverpool.
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After a mediocre 2023/24 season with the Reds, Gakpo has looked like a different player for his national team at Euro 2024, displaying a clinical edge in front of goal throughout the group stages.
Liverpool fans will be hoping he can bring this form back to club level in 2024/25.
9. Arda Guler
High expectations surrounded Arda Guler ahead of Euro 2024, and he’s certainly living up to them.
The young talent scored a goal of the tournament contender to secure Turkey a win over Georgia in their first match and delivered a dynamic performance against Czechia to ensure their progression to the knockout rounds. Impressive.
8. Gianluigi Donnarumma
Simply put, Italy would be heading home early if not for Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Despite his struggles with PSG, the towering goalkeeper has returned to his best for Italy this summer.
His 11 saves across three group stage matches are largely why his national team advanced in the tournament.
7. Georges Mikautadze
The Georgian forward has scored three goals, inspiring his nation to an unprecedented place in the round of 16, and possibly attracting the attention of scouts in the process.
6. Ilkay Gundogan
Ilkay Gundogan’s Euro 2024 almost ended prematurely when Ryan Porteous nearly broke his leg with a horrific tackle on matchday one.
Fortunately for Gundogan and football fans, the midfielder avoided serious injury and starred for Germany in the group stages.
His goalscoring performance against Hungary on matchday two was especially remarkable.
5. Giorgi Mamardashvili
If you wondered why Giorgi Mamardashvili was linked with top clubs throughout Europe during the 2023/24 season, his performances at Euro 2024 provided the answer.
The 23-year-old’s display against Portugal, which helped secure Georgia’s place in the knockout rounds, might be the best we’ve seen from any player in Germany this summer.
4. Nico Williams
Nico Williams is officially the most entertaining player to watch at Euro 2024.
The dynamic winger provided endless thrills during the group stage, particularly against Italy in Spain’s second match of the tournament.
No full-back will relish facing Williams in the knockout rounds.
3. Fabian Ruiz
In the Euro 2024 group stages, Fabian Ruiz played like the reincarnation of peak Luka Modric.
His ability to win and retain possession, create chances, and test goalkeepers with powerful long-range shots was a delight to watch.
2. Marcel Sabitzer
Austria has been a joy to watch at Euro 2024, largely thanks to their star player Marcel Sabitzer.
The national team captain has led his team’s dynamic pressing and passing strategy, contributing quality moments in the final third, including a stunning goal against the Netherlands.
1. Jamal Musiala
With a Carmelo Anthony celebration and immense talent, Jamal Musiala is making Euro 2024 his tournament.
The young star is evolving into a superstar, with his match-winning performances in Germany’s first two group stage games hinting at more to come this summer.
