Football

Five Premier League players whose stock rose at Euro 2024

Sportem
Sportem
6 Min Read

Premier League clubs saw 103 players depart to compete at the European Championship this summer and several English-based names enhanced their reputations with successful summers at Euro 2024.

Here are five Premier League players whose stock rose at Euro 2024.

Marc Cucurella (Spain)

Marc Cucurella had his doubters heading into the tournament after two tough seasons at Chelsea, with the left-back a surprise selection for Luis de la Fuente. His inclusion ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo was a big call but Cucurella repaid the faith of his head coach.

The 25-year-old became a fans’ favourite as the tournament’s standout left-back, impressing with his tenacious defensive work, energy and overlapping runs forward.

No Spain player had more combined tackles and interceptions than Cucurella (20), who was involved in the all-important moment as he set up Mikel Oyarzabal’s final winner against England.

Kobbie Mainoo (England)

Kobbie Mainoo’s meteoric rise saw the Manchester United midfielder included in the England squad this summer, having only made his full Premier League debut in November.

Gareth Southgate experimented with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher in midfield during the opening games of the tournament before trusting the 19-year-old, who slotted into the side like a seasoned pro.

Mainoo added composure in the centre of the pitch for England and ended Euro 2024 with a 91.9% pass completion, while his performance in the semi-final win over the Netherlands was outstanding. He looks set for a big future with the Three Lions.

Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)

Cody Gakpo built on a breakout tournament at the 2022 World Cup with another fine tournament for the Netherlands this summer. The 25-year-old scored three goals to earn a share of the tournament’s Golden Boot, with his influence helping the Dutch to the semi-finals.

Gakpo’s impressive performances came predominantly from the left-wing, a position he has not often occupied in a Liverpool shirt. After a mixed campaign at Anfield in 2023-24, new head coach Arne Slot will have kept a close eye on the forward thriving from a wider role.

Only Kylian Mbappe (9) has scored more goals than Gakpo (6) across the last two tournaments among European players.

Rodri (Spain)

Rodri was named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 after starring in Spain’s success.

Luis de la Fuente has called Rodri ‘the best player in the world’ and urged voters to hand the 28-year-old the Ballon d’Or. Rodri has now lost just four games for club and country combined since the start of 2023, winning eight trophies in that time.

His Player of the Tournament award followed similar recognition in the Champions League, UEFA Nations League and Club World Cup across the last 12 months. Rodri’s quality and importance were well-documented before Euro 2024 but his role in Spain’s triumph could lead to the ultimate individual recognition.

Marc Guehi (England)

Marc Guehi earned a chance with England this summer after Harry Maguire was ruled out of the tournament.

The 24-year-old showed few nerves in his first major tournament, emerging as England’s most consistent performer throughout the group stage. No player in the England squad won more aerial duels (12) or made more blocks (6) than the Crystal Palace centre-back, who will be tough to take the shirt from after his Euro 2024 campaign.

Palace will have been delighted to see the defender perform so well on the biggest stage, though the Eagles will know tournament performances can lead to transfer interest.

Read – Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament as Spain dominate

See more – Euro 2024 Awards: Best moment, player, goal and more

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