The 2024 European Championship group stage came to an end in dramatic fashion on Wednesday evening, seeing Georgia phenomenally beat Portugal to historically book their place in the knockout rounds in their first-ever appearance at a Euro tournament.
With there being a mini-break before the round of 16 kicks off with Switzerland taking on Italy on Saturday, we’ve decided to take the time to look at the best performing 11 from the group stage, according to WhoScored:
GK – Giorgi Mamardashvili
Marmadashvili has been a major player for Georgia as they famously secured their place in the round of 16 with four points from the group.
The keeper recorded more saves than anyone else in the group stage with 21 and prevented an enormous 3.58xG across the three games. His nine high claims were not only crucial in easing pressure on his defence throughout the games but were the highest of any keeper in the groups.
RB – Joshua Kimmich
While Kimmich is not best known for his defending skills, with people usually focusing on his fantastic passing and creativity, the German right-back has excelled in both aspects so far.
1.33 interceptions and 0.67 blocks per 90 is extremely impressive considering he plays for a Germany side who have been dominant in their opening three games, while he has taken 92 touches per game, assisting one and creating a further nine chances across the entire group.
CB – Jaka Bijol
Jaka Bijol has been a mainstay at the back for Slovenia, helping them narrowly make it through as the final third-placed side.
1.67 tackles won and 2.00 interceptions per 90 rank him amongst the top 13% of all centre-backs, while his play in possession has also been vital for Slovenia. 4.00 long balls a game with a 70% accuracy has been crucial in helping his team start attacks and relieve pressure at the back, something that helped them to eventually secure a place in the knockout stages.
CB – Pepe
Pepe’s appearance at this year’s Euro saw him smash the record for the oldest player to feature in a tournament at 41 years and 113 days old, over a year older than the previous record.
Despite his age, Pepe was a key part of Portugal’s defence in the opening two games and particularly excelled in the game against Turkey. He ranks in the top 14% of all centre backs with his 1.56 tackles won per 90, while his 7.80 recoveries per game puts him in the top three per cent.
LB – Marc Cucurella
Many people were surprised when Cucurella was named as Spain’s starting left back as it was largely assumed that Alejandro Grimaldo would play following his stellar campaign with Bayer Leverkusen.
Cucurella has proven any doubters wrong thus far though, excelling in defence as he covers for the more attacking players to push up the pitch. 3.00 tackles won, 8.50 duels won and 3.00 aerial duels won all rank him within the top four per cent of all players in his position.
CM – Fabian Ruiz
The centre midfield position was another that was heavily discussed before the tournament with many unsure who would start, and Fabian Ruiz has certainly proved he deserves the place thus far.
According to WhoScored, Fabian Ruiz is the highest-rated player of any in the group stage with an 8.39 rating, much higher than second-placed Cody Gakpo with a 7.80. He already has a goal and an assist to his name and has played a key role in dictating the tempo for Spain with no one playing more than his 65.4 passes per 90.
CM – Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne and Belgium may have struggled more than anticipated in getting out of their group, but the Manchester City midfielder has certainly done everything he could to help push them over the line.
He has taken a huge 225 touches in his three appearances, and his 11 chances created ranks him amongst the top three per cent of attacking midfielders. His 80th-minute goal against Romania also came at a crucial time as their opponents looked to push to get their way back into the game.
CAM – Jamal Musiala
Musiala has unsurprisingly been fantastic for Germany in the opening three matches, scoring two goals and playing a major part in every attack they have.
He has created four chances, ranks in the top three per cent for successful dribbles with nine and taken a massive 18 touches in the opposition box.
RW – Kylian Mbappe
Despite missing a game after breaking his nose late on in the first match against Austria, Kylian Mbappe still makes this list with an average rating of 7.56 in the group stages.
No one has taken more than his 5.03 shots per 90 or his 4.53 dribbles per game, while he ranks among the top five per cent of forwards for touches in the opposition box per game, accurate long balls per game and shots on target per game.
ST – Georges Mikautadze
For many Georges Mikautadze was an unknown quantity coming into Euro 2024, but the Georgian striker has shown his fantastic ability in the opening three games.
Mikautadze currently leads the race for the Golden Boot with three goals in three games and the striker also has an assist to his name, meaning he has directly contributed to all four goals that his side have scored during the group stage.
LW – Cody Gakpo
Gakpo is the second highest rated of any player at the tournament with a 7.80 across his three appearances, largely owing to his two goals. While his attacking output is a large reason for being on this team, his defensive work rate has also been phenomenal with a massive 2.07 tackles won, 7.93 duels won and 1.72 aerial duels won per 90.
Bet on the most markets in Nigeria for Euro 2024 at Bet9ja!
