OGUN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- As the world settles in to enjoy the summer’s Euro 2024, it is undeniable that fans are eager to witness the best of the best in this prestigious competition.
The tournament kicks off today in Germany, with the host nation opening the festivities.
England, France, and Portugal are among the top favorites, and it’s difficult to argue against their chances given the impressive talent in their squads.
All three teams boast an array of superstar players.
However, there’s a subtle distinction between being a great player and a world-class one.
The line between the two is thin and often blurred, but only the truly exceptional deserve to be regarded as the crème de la crème of football.
Here are the Top World class player to look out for in this year Uefa Euro Championship
Kylian Mbappe France Forward
The 25-year-old, scorer of 47 goals in 79 games for France, will captain his country for the first time at a tournament.
Having scored 44 times in 48 games for Paris Saint-Germain last season, he looks primed for another headline-grabbing contribution ahead of his blockbuster move to Real Madrid.
READ ALSO: Iceland Stun England In Final Euros Warm-Up
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham plays center mildfiled for England, According to FC rating, he rates at 84 per cent. He is known for his technical abilities, vision and finishing. In 2023, he won both major awards for male footballers aged under 21-the Golden Boy, for nominees playing in Europe over the last calendar year, and the Kopa Trophy, for the world’s best over the previous season.There is an ongoing doubt if the 20 year champ can handle pressure, we are going to find out in the league of best of the best opening toninght.
Rodrigo Hernandez
Rodrigo Hernández Cascante 28, known as Rodri or Rodrigo, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Manchester City and the Spain national team. The 28 year champ is considered by pundits to be one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and is known for his versatility, accurate passing and tactical ability.
Harry Kane
The England scorer is believed to be the best striker available yet in the Euro 2024. His extraordinary performance in his Bundelisga debut having scoring a hatrick in a 7-0 crush on Bouchum in september has qualified him for this quest. Kane will be battling other modern greats for the Golden Boot at Euro 2024, he can comfortably claim to be the best striker at the tournament
Phil Foden
Phil Walter Foden is a Midlfielder, Foden represented England at multiple youth levels before making his debut for the senior team in September 2020. He was part of the England teams for UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Why Phil is rate Top World class player
Foden enjoyed a rich vein of form for the Cityzens in the current season having scored 27 goals across all competitions and provided 11 assists. He played a key role in his club lifting their record fourth consecutive Premier League title and was handed the Premier League Player of the Season award.
Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos, german mildfielder, strong foot right Known as the sniper. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, he is known for his vision, passing, creativity, crossing and set-piece ability. You should see why he is called ‘German Snipper’
Cristiano Ronaldo
This will be the 6th apprarance for the portuguese after An incredible 20 years of play. Cristiano Ronaldo will be one of the star attractions once again at this summer’s European Championship in Germany.Ronaldo having scoring twice in Tuesday’s 3-0 warm-up victory against Ireland says “It’s a gift to play year after year, after 35. I’m 39 and every year is about enjoying [myself]. To score for the national team is special. The national team is the love of my life, winning the Euros would be a dream.”
READ ALSO: Toni Kroos To Retire From Football After Euros
Virgil Van Dijk
Captain of the Netherlands since 2018, Virgil van Dijk is preparing for his first-ever UEFA European Championship, having missed UEFA EURO 2020 through injury. However, after leading his side at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the Oranje lost out to eventual winners Argentina on penalties in the quarter-finals, the 32-year-old knows all about the challenges of tournament football.
“Winning matches and going as far as possible: that’s really very much on my mind right now,” says the Netherlands and Liverpool captain as he prepares for UEFA EURO 2024.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Miguel Borges Fernandes an European Portuguese plays as an attacking midfielder for Premier League club Manchester United, which he captains, and the Portugal national team. Regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. Fernandes is a direct, energetic box-to-box playmaker who is capable of both taking on defenders and setting the rhythm of play. Directness also means that Fernandes tends to take a lot of risks with the type and level of passes he attempts to complete. He is known for his passing ability, vision, creativity, and penalty technique.
Declan Rice England Midfielder
Declan Rice is an English professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal and the England national team. Rice began his professional career at West Ham United, having been released by Chelsea’s academy, and established himself as a key first-team player by 2017. When interviewed about Euros 2024, Declan said England has no excuse not win the throphy, “we want to make history” this shows his readiness for the 2024 Euro tournament.
England stars make up 75% of world-class forwards