Euro 2012: Top 10 Creative Midfielders to Watch This Summer

Starting in just a few weeks time, the European Championships, or the UEFA Euro tournament, provides a great opportunity for players for a number of reasons.

It allows those flying high from their success this season to continue their sparkling whilst allowing other players a chance at redemption from their regular season shortcomings. Some players will use the tournament as a boost to their prospective summer transfers and know that a strong performance in the tournament could result in that career-changing deal.

Either way, every player has something to play for in Euro 2012 and we will no doubt be dazzled and in awe of what unfolds throughout the tournament. They amazed us throughout the regular season and they will no doubt shine again on the international stage.

And if it's creativity and that "wow-factor" that you're after, then read on to see the 10 creative midfielders that you'll definitely need to keep an eye on throughout the summer.

Mesut Ozil (Germany)

After starring for Real Madrid this season, Mesut Ozil is another player to watch heading in to the Euro tournament with the midfielder bound to lead his German side well in to the knockout rounds.

Ozil averaged an incredible 2.9 key passes this season and finished the year with the most assists for Real Madrid. He also finished fourth in average match rating for the season and finished second in Man of the Match Awards, with only superstar Cristiano Ronaldo finishing with more

Germany's efficiency on the fast-break compounded with Ozil's on-ball skills and passing abilities make them a genuine threat in Euro 2012 and Ozil a player to watch right throughout the tournament.

Rasmus Elm (Sweden)

Playing for AZ Alkmaar this year, Sweden's Rasmus Elm finished second in both goals and assists for the club and showed that he is definitely a player to keep an eye on throughout the tournament.

The Swedish side will boast a much stronger lineup than Elm had to work with at AZ Alkmaar, with larger-than-life striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic bound to assist his teammate in this process. 

Elm's great dribbling and wonderful vision will no doubt shine throughout Euro 2012 as he seeks to build on solid performances for his country.

Luka Modric (Croatia)

For me, Luka Modric will be one of the best players in the group stages for Croatia in Euro 2012—simply because of the sublime form that he's showcased throughout the year.

Playing for Tottenham Hotspur, Modric averaged the highest match rating for the club all year—scoring four goals and chalking up four assists in the process. He ranked first in key passes and average passes per game and also showed his defensive skills, finishing fourth in interceptions per game.

With Croatia looking to play a high-tempo style of football throughout the tournament, Modric will benefit greatly going forward and is definitely a player to keep an eye on.

The fact that he's also playing for his transfer fee probably doesn't hurt either.

Christian Eriksen (Denmark)

Ajax star Christian Eriksen has already come under the watchful eye of Arsene Wenger and despite the fact he won't be moving anywhere this summer, Eriksen is due for a strong showing at Euro 2012.

Eriksen has the versatility to play anywhere in the Danish midfield as he must be considered as a goal-scoring or creating threat from anywhere on the pitch. He finished the year with seven goals and 21 assists for Ajax and is capable of doing this to opponents at any time.

What's more, Eriksen is no rookie to the international stage, with the 20-year-old already recording 21 appearances for Denmark so far in his career and is a must-watch player throughout the tournament.

Alan Dzagoev (Russia)

Russia could be a real danger to many title hopefuls in Euro 2012 and if they're to do it, it will be on the back of some sensational play from Alan Dzagoev.

The CSKA Moscow midfielder has been the spark for the Russian club at times this year and, with strong attacking talent ahead of him, he could be just as dynamic from midfield throughout the tournament. He has already tasted success with cup victories in Russia; now he'll look to transpire that on to the world stage.

Check some highlights of the 21-year-old here.

Jakub Błaszczykowski (Poland)

The Polish captain is definitely a player to watch right throughout Euro 2012—especially if he can continue his form throughout the year that saw him claim a Bundesliga title and the German Cup with Borussia Dortmund.

Jakub Blaszczykowski led Dortmund in assists throughout the year and also scored six goals himself for the German giants. Despite only averaging 26.1 passes per game, Blaszczykowski finished second in key passes per game as well and, with fellow Dortmund star Robert Lewandowski up front for Poland, could well shine throughout the tournament.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (England)

As far as fan-popular and exciting selections go for Euro 2012, they don't come much bigger than England's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who finally gets his chance to shine on football's biggest stage.

Despite only 11 appearances for Arsenal during the year, the man affectionately known as The Ox notched up four goals and two assists, and English fans will be hoping that he has a similar impact throughout the tournament.

With speed, skill and great vision, Oxlade-Chamberlain will benefit greatly from having a strong midfield and forward line in front of him and could well set the world on fire throughout Euro—just like he's promised to do all year.

Andres Iniesta (Spain)

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta will lineup for Spain and will most likely do exactly what he's done all season long—make everyone else, and himself, look really good.

I guess that's to be expected from a player that's finished top five in voting for the FIFA Ballon d'Orr twice and UEFA's Best Player of the Year Award. And remembering that he was voted to the Euro Team of the Tournament back in 2008, Iniesta holds no uncertainty about succeeding in the international tournament.

Iniesta finished the year at Barcelona with the fourth highest average match rating and third in assists—expect similar things to come from him in this tournament as he leads a star-studded Spanish midfield in their quest for three straight international trophies.

Sebastian Larsson (Sweden)

Rounding out our top 10 midfielders to watch in Euro 2012 is Sebastian Larsson, the Sunderland midfielder who will lead Sweden's midfield throughout the tournament.

Larsson finished second in goals for the Black Cats during the Premier League and also recorded the highest average match rating from any outfield player. He averaged 2.5 tackles per game—third in club—which will no doubt feature prominently throughout the tournament.

The list could go on and on, with Larsson second in key passes per game and second in fewest turnovers and interceptions, but the point remains the same. Larsson was critical to Sunderland's season and their run to success throughout the year and he will fulfill a similar role for Sweden throughout the tournament.

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