It
is just a few hours until Poland kick off the long awaited, non-vuvuzela
Euro 2012 and quite frankly, I am so bloody excited; even more excited than I
was when news spread that Robbie Williams' eye-boggling comeback to Take That
was imminent.
Much
controversy has surrounded this Euro 2012 due to the racism rows and Neo-Nazi
salutes which were displayed by Panorama's Chris Rodgers last week. However, we
have to be optimistic and hope that these clueless racist pigs do not
overshadow the grand spectacle of this historic competition.
I
have recently finished University for the Summer and, as you would expect, this
time will be extremely busy (for a student). This time could involve mindlessly
gazing out of a window for hours on end thinking of inventions that will make
millions, practising for the release of FIFA 13 and scrolling the Twitter news
feed. Alternatively, I could spend my time telling you which players to look
out for in Euro 2012. So, without further ado, here we go (brace
yourselves)....
1. ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
The
Polish talisman Robert Lewandowski enjoyed a successful season for club side -
Borussia Dortmund. Lewandowski scored 22 Bundesliga goals and 7 DFB-Pokal goals
which included an effortless hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the Final. The
Pol has been a huge contributor for Dortmund and there is no doubt he will
continue his strong run of form at home in Euro 2012. Poland face Greece,
Russia and Czech Republic in Group A (easy?), so watch out for the talent of
Lewandowski.
2. MARIO GÖTZE
"It
is not possible to stop Mario Gotze, he has the same assets as Messi."
This quote comes from the German legend, Franz Beckenbauer. The 20 year old
German has been at Borussia Dortmund since the age of 9 and has attracted
worldwide attention in the last couple of seasons. His magnetic feet and
unerring through balls played a huge part in Dortmund's domination and
increased the attacking midfielder's reputation even further. He now plays a
key role in the strong German side and is to take part in his first major
international tournament. Watch out world.
3. ANDREA PIRLO
The
Italian veteran Andrea Pirlo joined Juventus last summer and, presumably,
revived their Champions League status and led them to an undefeated season in
Serie A. The man is no stranger to success as he played a pivotal role in
Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph and the play-maker consistently performs to his
maximum ability in major tournaments. Andrea Pirlo can control a game with his
right boot and is key to the Italian hopes of winning Euro 2012. His mentality,
experience and passing makes Pirlo one of the top players to watch.
4. FERNANDO LLORENTE
With
David Villa ruled out of Euro 2012 and Fernando Torres playing like an orange
placed on a football pitch (useless), the Spanish goal scoring hopes will most
probably lie on Fernando Llorente's shoulders. The blue-eyed heart throb (I'm
straight) scored 29 goals in all competitions for the exciting Athletico Bilbao
last season, but can he repeat this feat in a major tournament? Having only
scored 8 goals for Spain so far in his career, it will be very interesting to
see how he can respond to the huge pressure on him. This makes him one to watch
in Euro 2012.
5. ALEX
OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN
The
inexperienced 18 year old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his first England start,
yesterday. Having watched him closely throughout the season, he really does
look like the real deal and just what England have been waiting for. He's got
charisma, he's lively, confident on the ball and is never afraid to try the
spectacular. He adds flair to a lackluster, ageing England midfield and the
bright youngster will be given the opportunity to shine for England in the
Euro's and prove himself on the world stage.
6. WESLEY SNEIJDER
Although
Wesley Sneijder may have had an indifferent season for Inter, I can almost
assure you that he will be one of the star players for Netherlands in Euro
2012. After seeing him warm up by carving apart Northern Ireland and
instigating a 6-0 thrashing, the little midfield assassin will fail to
disappoint the major clubs around Europe that choose to watch him. With Inter
missing out on a place in the Champions League, Sneijder is sure to go in the
Summer and his performances will reflect his price tag.
7. MESUT ÖZIL
Fresh
from a record breaking season with Real Madrid, the googly eyed, alien-like
sensation is ready to show his talents off in another major tournament. Cast
your minds back to 2010 - Mesut Özil burst onto the world football scene and
gained himself a multi-million move to domestic giants, Real Madrid. He was
fantastic for Germany and they can expect bigger and better things in this
tournament. Along with Mario Götze and Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Özil is
definitely one to keep your eyes on at this competition.
8. ANDRÉS INIESTA
One
of the greats of the modern game - Andrés Iniesta and Xavi have revolutionised
football with their passing abilities. The little master was the difference
between Spain and Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup Final and he never fails to
perform well in big games. The tricky Spaniard is a must watch at Euro 2012.
9. MARIO BALOTELLI
For
those of you who followed the Premier League last season will know that there
is never a dull moment with Mario Balotelli. The 21 year old made many
headlines and there is no doubt he will make some sort of headline at Euro
2012. Recently, Balotelli vented his anger at the Polish and Ukrainian
"Ultra's" announcing that he will "kill them" if racist
taunts were made towards him, establishing that the confident Italian is never
afraid to display his feelings. However, his footballing talent is well worth a
watch, too. He's strong, technical, quick and can use both feet - watch out for
him.
10. CRISTIANO RONALDO
Last,
but by no means least, Cristiano Ronaldo is one to watch in this Summer's Euro
2012. The second best player in the world completed yet another staggering
season, scoring 60 goals in just 55 games for Real Madrid. His technique,
fitness and finesse is inhumane and something the world has never seen (until
Lionel Messi came along). He will play Netherlands and Germany and therefore
has the chance to flourish and prove his worth against major teams in the
competition. Ronaldo has failed to fulfill his expectations in major
tournaments so far - could this be the one he sets alight? A huge amount of
focus will be 27 year old, make sure you don't miss out.
By Football Babble
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballBabbble
+ comments + 1 comments
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