It was a tournament in which I tipped Spain to win from the outset.
Ultimately, after a slow start which saw them draw their opening two matches, they were only a penalty shoot-out victory away from reaching the final of Euro 2020.
Yet who were the best stars of the Spanish domestic league La Liga to shine on the international stage?
Who delivered the memorable Euro 2020 highlights and who overcame the pundits’ predictions and the SBOTOP Euro 2020 betting odds?
My four are clear.
Pedri – Barcelona
Named today in UEFA’s team of the tournament, the Spanish wonderkid has left plenty of defenders in his wake over the past month.
Had the tournament taken place last summer as initially scheduled, he probably would not have been selected.
Yet he made headlines in Catalonia last season, his first year with Barca after plying his trade with Las Palmas, catching the eye of Spanish boss Luis Enrique as he ended up playing 62 times for club and country in 2020-21.
At the age of just 18, he was elegant, incredibly composed on the ball, a smooth and incisive passer and a deserving winner of the “Young Player of the Tournament” for his role in Spain’s run to the last four.
In a side that attempted the most passes in the tournament (5,051) and had the best completion rate (89.6%), Pedri was the chief conduit. He even attempted the most passes in an opponent’s half with 348 and had the third highest completion rate from these passes (91.1%).
Never mind his role in the bizarre own goal in an eight-goal thriller against Croatia, since it wasn’t his fault anyway.
Instead, look to the talent and the statistics as Pedri also became the first European player in major tournament history (World Cup/European Championships) to start as many as six matches at the age of 18 or below.
A kid destined for a big future, Barca know they have a gem.
Described by Wayne Rooney as a cross between Xavi and Andres Iniesta, he looks Spain’s natural heir.
Alexander Isak – Real Sociedad
A player who emerged through the ranks at Borussia Dortmund, this Swedish striker has quickly grown into a household name.
After netting 17 goals in 34 league games to guide Imanol Alguacil’s men to a Europa League spot next season, the timing of his upturn in form could not have been better – especially for a nation missing their talisman in Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Apart from his instinctive goalscoring, the 21-year-old Isak has numerous facets to his attacking play and regularly troubled opposition defenders with his pace.
The country’s primary target man but someone who can also initiate moves from deep, no wonder Sociedad were so keen to extend his contract once his involvement in the tournament had ended.
They have now officially announced a contract renewal until 2026 while also improving his wages.
Affectionately, the Basque club confirmed the deal between the two parties with a post on Twitter after publishing a picture of the Swedish group, Abba.
Realistically though, if Isak has another successful club season, they may struggle to fend off his suitors.
Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
France ultimately underachieved in a big way, though that was not down to the recalled Benzema who made Les Bleus even stronger than they had been in Russia three years earlier.
Even when they didn’t play well, they still topped a group comprising the holders Portugal and old foes Germany before taking on Switzerland in the last 16 where they found themselves cruising thanks to Benzema’s third and fourth goals in two games, added to by a Paul Pogba wonder strike.
At that point, it was unimaginable that the world champions would throw away a two-goal lead against a lesser opponent with 10 minutes remaining – yet they collapsed.
At least Benzema is one of those can walk away with his head held high.
Kieran Trippier – Atletico Madrid
From the moment he was a surprise starter at left-back in an opening match victory over Croatia, to the final when he cut in from his more accustomed role at right-back to set up England’s goal for fellow full-back Luke Shaw, Kieran Trippier was an impressive figure at Euro 2020.
Trustworthy and reliable in defence and a useful attacking outlet down the flanks, no wonder manager Gareth Southgate has so much faith in a 30-year-old who has been linked with a return to the Premier League with Manchester United.
A key member of Atletico’s title success last term, he looked like he relished the chance to attack from wing-back after being accustomed to a flat-back four for his club.
Trippier is a genuine unsung hero for club and country.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
