1. Xavi (Spain). The 28-year-old was named the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2008. His timely goals, precise passes, and possession on the ball from his midfield role propelled Spain onward. He is now in the prime of his career; his brilliance will continue to be cultivated for both club and country.
2. Michael Ballack (Germany). Always the bridesmaid including in this list, Ballack poured everything he possibly had into this tournament. He ended Euro 2008 with two goals; both came at crucial times. He scored in the win versus Austria as well as the upset of Portugal in the first phase of the knockout round. He should compete at the 2010 World Cup.
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3. Marcos Senna (Spain). The 31-year-old Spanish midfielder is a Brazilian import. With roughly ten caps prior to Euro 2008, Senna was brilliant in the midfield throughout the tournament. He assisted the back four with class, and when attacking, his long passes often found their targets. Known as a penalty specialist in La Liga, he scored in the penalty shootout versus Italy.
4. Tuncay Şanli (Turkey). Another player who shuttled between positions for the Turkish team, the 26-year-old makes the list for his midfield performances versus the Czech Republic and Croatia. He has a tireless motor and a presence on the field.
When the Turkish keeper was sent off in the final moments against the Czech Republic, the Middlesbrough player immediately dawned the keeper’s gear. His club stock rose significantly at Euro 2008. Throughout the tournament, he set up goals, organized the midfield, and encouraged his teammates.
5. Lukas Podolski (Germany). The forward turned left midfielder for Germany entered the tournament with his confidence shaken due to last season’s ordeal at FC Bayern Munich. He earned back a measure of respectability after his performance at the tournament. His goals in the group stage helped the team gain crucial momentum.
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2 months ago
Not to squabble, but I think Spain had not one but two stellar (key) midfielders - one the offensive and the other the defensive point of a midfield rhombus: Cesc Fàbregas and Marcos Senna, respectively. Personally I think Senna's work, as homely and plain as it looks, was far more important and decisive than the field-breaking openings of Cesc. There's only one tireless, relentless, self-sacrificing Senna on the Spanish squad; there are three or four others that can rotate with Cesc.
2 months ago
Eeek! No Sneijder?! His performances in the group stages, and to a lesser extent in the Russia match, showed a truly great player in the making for me. He showed that he is the type of player to take real responsibility of his team's result. I expect to see him make a big impact in next years Champions League.
2 months ago
Steven, I agree that Sneijder played well but Holland not reaching the semi-finals hurt him in this list.
2 months ago
I agree how can you leave out Sneijder?
Tottenham's new signing Luka Modric looks a very accomplished player as well (in spite of his missed penalty against Turkey)
2 months ago
I thought Tuncay was a bit of a disappointment. He showed glimpses of genuine class during the season at Boro but did precious little this summer. Yes he worked hard, etc but then all the Turkey players did – of their midfielders I would have picked Arda Turan or even Colin Kazim-Richards ahead of him.
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