3 dark horses for Euro 2016 team of the tournament
Published:
When all’s said and done at Euro 2016 there are likely to be a few household names who take the plaudits for their performances.
In a team of the tournament, Gareth Bale, Dimitri Payet, Kevin De Bruyne and Toni Kroos are sure to feature, but who are the more lesser-known players that deserve consideration?
Here, Ladbrokes News pick out three:
Jakub Blaszczykowski – Poland
Despite missing the crucial penalty that sent Poland out against Portugal, the veteran winger was a key figure in Poland even reaching that stage.
Blaszczykowski scored two goals and assisted another in France and remains the player to have made the most successful tackles of all teams at the tournament so far.
After spending last season on loan at Fiorentina from Borussia Dortmund, the 30-year-old’s performances at the Euros should at least help him find a permanent move.
James Chester – Wales
The collective effort that has seen Wales reach their first ever semi-final at a major tournament has been punctuated by match-winning efforts from a number of their squad.
However, while Bale’s star-power, Hal Robson-Kanu’s Cruyff and Ashley Williams’ bravery all get the headlines, Chester’s efforts in defence may have gone unnoticed.
According to Whoscored’s player-rating system, only Bale and Aaron Ramsey have performed better for Chris Coleman at the tournament.
Chester has made the most tackles of all the Welsh squad, the second-most interceptions and completed more passes than any other teammate bar Aaron Ramsey.
Hannes Thor Halldorsson – Iceland
Even more fairytale than Wales’ trip to the last four is a country the size of Iceland’s making it beyond the round of 16.
As you’d expect for a complete betting longshot, the side’s goalkeeper has been a busy boy during matches against Portugal, Austria, Hungary and England.
Halldorsson has stood up extremely well to the challenge though and has made more saves than any other net-minder at the tournament.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
