European Championship center stages phenomenon players from the continent, writing their name forever in the tournament history books. This year the stakes are even high with raw talents and the known veterans mix it up to create a fine product. We pick the five best names from the bunch of class players in each position that will presumably be ringing in everyone's lips.
The goalkeepers at first. The unforgiving position on the field as most pronounce, these glove men will be at stake to put off shots of any kind from the goal. All of these keepers have made a reputation for themselves at the club and it is down to them to do it for their country at one of the biggest stages of international football. The list contains only those keepers that either are in top form at their club level or have been a mainstay in the national team at the present moment. Germany's number one Manuel Neuer, Spain's David De Gea or Euro 2016 winning goalkeeper Rui Patricio miss out due to the above reason.
1) Gianlugi Donarrumma
When legendary Gianluigi Buffon announced his retirement from international football following Italy's elimination from qualification for the 2018 World Cup, it was sad to watch him in tears but his vacancy between the posts was secured. Another Gianluigi, Gianluigi Donarumma, stepped in to fill his shoes or rather gloves. The sensational goalkeeper left AC Milan as a free agent, enjoying a stellar campaign with the Rossoneri returning to Champions League football after eight years. Voted as the Serie A goalkeeper of the season, Donarumma's impressive show in keeping clean sheets and tantalizing saves added to his value on the world stage. Now featuring in his first major international competition, Donarumma's task will be to safeguard Italy's fort in their assault to reach high standards again. Still frighteningly only aged 22 being a goalkeeper this will be his chance to list himself as one of the best in making.
Also check here: Italy Euro 2020 Full Squad
2) Thibaut Courtois
Belgium is basking with improvising talent and experienced game changers. However, their reliability in their technical play will come from rock solid backline and a proven goalkeeper. Real Madrid's gatekeeper Thibaut Courtois is tasked to quench Belgium's long standing thrust for silverware. While Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku find the back of the net, Courtois' job is to prevent opposition doing the same on the other end. From being shaky and vulnerable in aspects of his game, Thibaut has come a long way to turn into an imposing figure and equally inspiring. The 6ft 7 tall goalkeeper is the king of his area and ready to battle away any danger that falls to his zone. Having him in the team oozes confidence to the rest of the lot. His excellence makes him a keeper for the ages and at the age of 29 there are a number of years in him. After winning the golden glove in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, he would be a major contender to do so again in the Euros this summer.
Also check here: Belgium Euro 2020 Full Squad
3) Hugo Lloris
The addition of Hugo Lloris to this list is open to debates. He is going to the Euros at 34 years of age and certainly counting down the ages of his career. Plus, an uprising star and a future number one Mike Maignan is breathing down his neck to snatch away his prestigious position in the national team. Lloris also endured a disappointing campaign with Tottenham Hotspurs not helped by his unsatisfactory run of form. His moments of 'oh no!' are there too. However, the man is a World Cup winner. Lloris has been helped by a world-class defense of France indeed but his saves in frantic moments often lifted downed heads. Proving to be influential in the time of asking helped him to be a mainstay in the last line of defense for France since 2010. Lloris's reliability, reflexes and leadership in between the sticks are vital for the national side's quest for another major honor. This euro will be the last he plays to prove to his critics that he is still one of the best in his business.
Also check here: France Euro 2020 Full Squad
4) Kasper Schmeichel
It would have been a double delight for Schmeichel and Leicester if they had secured Champions League football side by side historical final win of the FA Cup. Nevertheless, it has been an exceptional season to remember for the Foxes number one. Kasper made some thrilling saves in the final to prove his mantle of being a top performer in his role. With the Danish team, he sparkled too. Remember that save in the Nations League against England at Wembley? Those class acts help rescue victory whether it's Leicester or Denmark in his shirt emblem. Denmark's style of being solid in their approach with a sense of pragmatism in their display puts Schmeichel under even more pressure to handle. It is where he thrives. His pair of hands will ensure Denmark escape the group stages and move into the latter parts of the competition. Kasper was motivated by his father Peter's heroics in the 1992 Euros in which Denmark emerged as the surprise winner of the tournament.
Also check here: Denmark Euro 2020 Full Squad
5) Peter Gulacsi
Hungary's 'Mr dependable', the nation's hope will be down to this man in the upcoming Euros. With or without starman Dominick Szoboszlai, missing out through injury, Hungary will be relying on Gulacsi to hope for miracles in the tournament. As known to everyone, Hungary belongs to the group of death including France, Germany and holders Portugal. So the RB Leipzig goalkeeper faces an uphill task to keep his side in it for the long parts of the games at least. His level of performance at the individual level is hopeful. Gulacsi has bettered a lot of fellow Bundesliga goalkeepers in terms of better save percentage and keeping clean sheets. More than Manuel Neuer of Germany. His fort guarding helped Leipzig to be in league title contention for a couple of seasons now and enjoy Champions League football. The 31-year-old inspired Hungary featuring in back-to-back Euros with a ramification of his club level.
