With Euro 2016 nearing its conclusion we salute the unsung heroes of the tournament who may not have scored spectacular goes or delivered iconic individual displays, but have been just as important to their respective teams’ progress in the tournament…
Which of these players has impressed you the most?
JONAS HECTOR
Identified as a weak link for Germany, the left-back scored the winning penalty against Italy but has also been one of Die Mannschaft’s most consistent.
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
HUGO LORIS
We all know how good he is, but the French keeper has made a number of crucial saves at crucial times and allowed Payet and Griezmann to take the glory.
Shut that stuff down #HugoLoris like @KingJames smack StephenCurry stuff #EURO2016 #FRAISL pic.twitter.com/XjY2yQkv8O
— Donna Willis (@DonnaWillisMD) July 3, 2016
NEIL TAYLOR
Like Hector for Germany, much of Wales’ attacking play has come down the left-hand side with Taylor’s delivery and energy crucial to their gameplan.
We talked to Neil Taylor of #WAL about the 'crazy feeling' of being a role model #PORWAL #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/hM7hkEfDbc
— UEFA (@UEFA) July 6, 2016
PEPE
Among the most despised players in the world but – Hungary aside – the veteran has been among the tournament’s best defenders. It just hurts to say so.
Article for @WhoScored about Portugal centre-back Pepe https://t.co/7anVk9e9Cn #POR pic.twitter.com/GYShBNneHH
— Ben McAleer (@BenMcAleer1) July 4, 2016
MARCO PAROLO
Italy could have listed a starting XI of injured midfielders for Euro 2016 but stepping up has been Parolo who’s tackled, harried and passed to perfection.
Marco Parolo: MotM vs Germany, Rating 7.58, Tackles 5, Interceptions 5, Clearances 3, Shots Blocked 1, Passes 59 @azzurri
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) July 2, 2016
