Euro 2024 is in full swing, with the Round of 16 kicking off this Saturday evening. From hosts Germany's strong start to Spain's young stars and Ralf Rangick's Austrian dark horses, there have been storylines abound in the group stages. Let's look at the best players so far.
BEST PLAYERS OF THE EURO 2024 GROUP STAGE
Georges Mikautadze (Georgia)
Willy Sagnol's Georgia have been the feelgood story of the tournament so far, showing that they are much more than just Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and working as a unit to seal an improbable third-place finish that seals their passage to the round of 16 in their first ever European Championships. Central to their success has been Metz striker Mikautadze, the striker having scored three goals in three games against Turkey, Czech Republic and Portugal. With the daunting task of facing Spain next, Mikautadze will look to fire his country to an improbable victory.
Nico Williams (Spain)
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has shone for La Roja this tournament, terrifying defenders with his pace as Spain took nine points from the group stages and looked ominous in doing so. Williams, whose brother Inaki represents the Ghanaian national team ( The country of their parent's birth), was named man of the match in the commanding victory over Italy and could be set to play a definining role in what Spain will hope will be a deep run in this tournament.
Jamal Musiala ( Germany)
The German playmaker's electric feet have galvanised a divided nation as the hosts look to unite behind Die Mannschaft, scoring two goals in three games and dovetailing with fellow young sensation Florian Wirtz in the attacking third. Germany made the semi-finals as hosts at World Cup 2006, and they will be relying on the vibrant Musiala to help them go one better this time.
Christoph Baumgartner ( Austria)
Perhaps the tournament's surprise package so far, Austria caused a seismic shock by beating France and the Netherlands to first place in Group D, with Ralf Rangnick's side playing a high pressing, high energy game. Christoph Baumgartner has been central to their stunning tournament so far, turning in a man of the match performance in the 3-1 win over Poland and also starring in a rollercoaster 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in the final group game.
Stanislav Lobotka (Slovakia)
Perhaps a left field selection, but anyone who has seen Lobotka dictate play in Serie A over the past seasons will know just how good the Slovakian is. A fantastic and incisive deep-lying playmaker, he has been crucial in helping Slovakia to scrape out of group H, producing a shock to beat Belgium in the opening game. With a round of 16 tie against a jaded England to come, Lobotka and his nation will hope to spring a surprise once again.
