Alternative candidates for the best player of Euro 2016

“He’s scored the most goals, therefore, he’s the best player, okay?”

Generic Football Fan

Nah, mate. Not having that. Football is about so much more than the goalscorers, and it’s about time the Cristiano Ronaldos, Antoine Griezmanns and Gareth Bales of this world stopped dominating the headlines.

Euro 2016 has seen youngsters burst through, players make fools of the fans who criticised them before and others have stepped out of their team-mates’ shadows.

Renato Sanches

Congratulations on scoring your first international goal, Renato #Sanches! #FirstNeverFollows https://t.co/VYwGnOtDxz (via @adidasfussball)

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) July 1, 2016

If any of the Premier League big boys were spending £35million on an 18-year-old, you wouldn’t take much notice, due to the fact the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea don’t really seem to have a plan and/or clue what they’re doing anymore. However, if Bayern Munich, a club of genuine elite status, are spending that sort of money, then you take notice.

The kid is one hell of a talent.

Arkadiusz Milik

https://twitter.com/ajaxdailydotcom/status/749974456882323457

All the talk regarding Poland pre-tournament was how far Robert Lewandowski was going to be able to singlehandedly guide the Poles.

Come their eventual exit to Portugal, all the talk around Adam Nawałka’s side was just how long would it be before Ajax lose another star player to the European heavyweights?!

Joe Allen

That banner again. "When God created Joe Allen he was just showing off." #wal

— ian herbert (@ianherbs) July 6, 2016

If the Welshman was allowed to drop the stigma attached to him for being a Brendan Rodgers signing – a man who is the punchline to most jokes – then the Liverpool man’s Euro 2016 would’ve earned the recognition it deserves.

Raphaël Guerreiro

Raphael has had such a good tournament. Good job on Dortmund's part they sealed his transfer already. His value's increased already.

— JS-Bailey (@Tedescology) July 6, 2016

Borussia Dortmund don’t get a lot wrong when it comes to signing talent. And Raphael is believed to be looking forward to his move to Bayern Munich in two seasons time.

Jonas Hector

6 – Jonas #Hector (@DFB_Team_EN, @fckoeln) won each of his 6 duels against #ITA. Rocket. #GERITA #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/kCshF9g1vx

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) July 4, 2016

Versatile, efficient and resolute – Hector is everything that makes the Germans such a successful footballing nation – and it’s no surprise the FC Koln left-back is being linked with a move to Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

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