1. Andrei Arshavin (Russia). No player improved their financial outlook more than the Russian playmaker. He sat out the first two games of the tournament due to suspension, but upon his return, he regained his elite form and scored in the final group game.
In the quarter final against the Netherlands, Arshavin solidified his world-class status. He wants to move to Barcelona. Will the Catalan club make a bid?
2. David Villa (Spain). The forward announced Spain’s intentions with a hat-trick against eventual semi finalist Russia and he secured a victory with his stoppage-time score against Sweden. The 26-year-old’s fourth and final goal was good enough to capture the Golden Boot honor.
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Only one question remains for the European champion: where will he be playing during the 2008-2009 club campaign?
3. Semih Şentürk (Turkey). The supersub ended with three goals and proved a clutch option in the final minutes of play. All three of his goals were equalisers. Will the 25-year-old remain in Turkey with Fenerbahçe or will one of Europe’s top clubs make a move?
4. Fernando Torres (Spain). El Niño twice found the back of the net at the tournament, but his championship game winner was world class. The goal earned him the Man of the Match honor. Only 24, he will factor into Spain’s plans at both the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden). Two goals in the tournament ended his long international scoring drought. Sweden’s golden generation concluded their historic run at Euro 2008. Zlatan must carry on and continue to score if Sweden wants to remain in the top 16 of Europe.
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6 months ago
Russia's Roman Pavlyuchenko should surely be on this list for his goals and leading the line for a counter-attacking side. He was a bit of a fatty before the tournament and put himself on the wishlist of a few clubs this summer.
6 months ago
Arshavin number 1? really? did you watch the semi final? he was doing his best ronaldo impression
6 months ago
I'd keep Arshavin on the list, but maybe at 3rd or 4th.
Also, Torres's goal in the final was quite spectacular. All these players were just a joy to be able to watch. I'm so glad ESPN covered Euro 2008 here in the states.
6 months ago
I'd agree with you on most, but I have to second Chris and question why Pavlyuchenko omission. Personally, I would sub him for Ibrahimović. I actually think Ibra is probably a degree more skillful than Pavlychenko but aside from 'that goal', he disappointed me with his overalll influence in games.
To be honest I was hoping that both Torres and Ibrahimović would have a bigger impact as individuals but credit to Torres, scoring the important goals in the tournament.
6 months ago
I think Zlatan is vastly over-rated and only stood out in a very mediocre swedish team. Yes, he has flashs of brilliance ie his goal against Greece but he's far too inconsistent. I though Pavlyuchencko had a decent tournament. I've liked him ever since he turned the game around in Moscow for Russia against England in qualifying.
6 months ago
agree with em all - but mate,
why did Ballak - and more curious Schwein-steiger ? go missing. Its not always the number of gols, but the time and quality right
Ballak's against Austria was so crucial
would love your response to these omissions - nice one
6 months ago
ohhh just in case, I do think of Mikael more of a forward than an attacking mid fielder - so he fits both
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