Tomorrow night we will say goodbye to Euro 2016 with the final game between hosts France and Portugal. Personally, I see that this edition of the European Championship has been generally disappointing in terms of team and individual performances alike, probably because of the expansion to the 24-team format and thus the inclusion of historically less experienced teams in this kind of international competitions.
50 matches have been played (excluding the final), with a 2.14 goals per match average, which is a low ratio taking into consideration that some of the world's most lethal goalscorers and most creative playmakers participated in the tournament. Most of the matches were tactical and closed ones, during which teams aimed to avoid conceding goals rather than trying to score and take advantage over the opposition. Despite that, I have picked an attacking 4-3-3 formation (oddly managed by a defensive-minded coach) to accommodate my personal best 11 players in the cup. Note that I will include other worthy players in each position to credit their efforts despite not being included in the line-up.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
At 38 years of age, Gigi Buffon is not only proving to still be among today's best keepers in the world (I think he truly is), but he is also making sure everyone remembers him as the best of all time. The captain of his team and the leader of the rock-solid Italian defense, Gigi is showing no signs of slowing down just yet. He conceded only one goal during the competition (against Germany) and was so unlucky in the penalty shootouts in the quarter finals.
Honorable mentions at Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (Germany) and Hugo Lloris (France)
Central Defender 1: Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)
Among the Italian BBC defensive line (Bonucci - Barzagli - Chiellini), Leonardo was clearly outstanding. His performances justified why Conte wants to build his Chelsea defense next season around him, and why Pep Guardiola needs him so bad in his new Manchester City project. One of the finest defenders in world football today.
Central Defender 2: Mats Hummels (Germany)
Hummels was back in form this season for Borussia Dortmund and did just the same with his national team, even if he didn't play in the opening match. He has shaken off a huge pressure from his transfer to arch rivals Bayern Munich and showed that he is head and shoulders above the rest of the German defenders. His absence in the semi final defeat against France due to suspension was largely felt; Germany are not the same without him.
Honorable mentions at Center Back: Pepe (Portugal) and Ashley Williams (Wales)
Right Back: Bacary Sagna (France)
Sagna barely put a foot wrong on the right side of the French defense throughout the tournament thus far. He hasn't given his substitute a chance whatsoever to step in for him. A clear message to Guardiola that he can blindly count on him next season at Manchester City.
Honorable mentions at Right Back: Darijo Srna (Croatia)
Left Back: Patrice Evra (France)
Evra is 35 years old and is playing his sixth major tournament for his country. It is true that Lloris is holding the captain's armband, but it is Evra who is leading the French team on and off the pitch. He is an expert on the left side of defense and continued his excellent form this season for Juventus. His successor will have a lot to live up to when he hangs his boots.
Honorable mentions at Left Back: Jonas Hector (Germany) and Raphael Guerreiro (Portugal)
Central Midfielder: Toni Kroos (Germany)
Kroos was absolutely Germany's best player not only this summer, but over the last couple of years as well. He is the competition's best passer with a remarkable 93% completion rate and again displayed unparalleled versatility with both his offensive and defensive games. Real Madrid would be beyond foolish if they even consider the notion of letting him go to accommodate a place for Pogba or any other Galactico, and if they do, then congratulations for those who acquire his services.
Attacking Midfielder 1: Aaron Ramsey (Wales)
Ramsey was mocked all over the world when he dyed his hair blonde just days ahead of the finals. He just seemed to not even give a damn about it with his distinguished displays for Wales. Alongside Bale, he was one of the major contributors to Wales's surprising title charge, with 4 goal assists under his belt: the highest number so far in the competition. His suspension against Portugal in the semi finals was fatal for his nation's hopes.
Attacking Midfielder 2: Dimitri Payet (France)
Payet headed into the tournament with huge expectations following his heroics with West Ham United in this season's Premier League. He did just the same for his nation in the Euros. He literally carried France almost single-handedly up in the group stage and will be a major threat for the Portuguese in the final. West Ham will endure a long transfer window to keep him in London this summer.
Honorable mentions in Midfield: Axel Witsel (Belgium), Luka Modric (Croatia) and Bjarnason (Iceland)
Left Wing: Cristano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Ronaldo has clearly not been at his 100% best in this tournament, but if Portugal were considered lucky to find themselves in the final, it was mainly due to his efforts. Cristiano still suffers from mental and psychological problems when dealing with huge pressure, specifically when he plays for Portugal, given that he is his country's all time top scorer, most capped player and probably most decorated and talented player ever. Three goals in six matches is not what one would expect of his exceptional goal scoring abilities, but his strikes were crucial for this humble Portugal side to reach the final. He should be at his best tomorrow night if Portugal fancy any chance to finally be European champions for the first time in history.
Right Wing: Gareth Bale (Wales)
Bale has made sure his name is written in the Euro's history books for all the right reasons, as one of the few superstars to have lived up to the expectations at Euro 2016. His two amazing free kicks in the group stage were the start of the dream journey for the nation of Wales. He coped exceptionally well with pressure and terrified his opponents with his electrifying pace and long-range rockets. He literally ran his socks off in the semi finals against Portugal, but found it a bit harder in the absence of Ramsey. Any doubt that Real Madrid fans still have regarding his price tag and footballing value should now be well and truly dismissed. Gareth is surely Wales's red dragon and the country's finest ever footballer.
Center Forward: Antoine Griezmann (France)
In the first two matches, Griezmann played as a right winger. He was okay, scoring two goals and performing well alongside Payet and Giroud up front. But the turning point was when Deschamps moved him to his favorite position: just behind the main striker. It is in this position that Griezmann proved to be one of the most prolific strikers in Europe this year with Atletico Madrid and he did just the same in the knockout stages in the Euros. With six goals to his name already, he is the top scorer and it will take a miracle from Ronaldo to overtake him in the standings. His brace against the Germans in the semi finals will long live in the memories of France supporters and again Atletico will find it very hard to keep him on board in the ongoing transfer window. Whether France win the final or lose it, Griezmann will definitely be crowned as the cup's best player.
Honorable mentions in Attack: Alvaro Morata (Spain) and Arkadiusz Milik (Poland)
Manager: Antonio Conte (Italy)
What Antonio Conte did with this average Italy squad was beyond imagination. Despite all of the injuries, and despite the squad being one of the most technically-moderate in Italy's entire history, Conte showed again why it is ridiculous to write the Italians off at major tournaments. His tactical masterpieces against Belgium and Spain are football and life lessons alike, and will give Chelsea supporters much to hope for next season. It is so unfortunate that a manager of his caliber has left the cup at the quarter finals.
Honorable mentions: Didier Deschamps (France) and Chris Coleman (Wales)
Finally, this is how the players line up:
Finally, this is how the players line up:
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