8 Players Who Can Make The Difference In Euro 2016 Quarterfinals

Euro 2016 has reached the final eight. Europe’s best teams will start colliding. Here are eight players, all talented and some quiet thus far, who must step forward for their teams to keep advancing.

Robert Lewandowski [Poland] Lewandowski was the top scorer in Germany last season. He was the top scorer in European qualifying. Entering the quarterfinals, he has been quiet and scoreless. Facing tougher competition from here forward, Poland could use one of his trademark goal barrages.

Cristiano Ronaldo [Portugal] We’ve seen many versions of Cristiano Ronaldo this tournament: stupendous goal scorer, penalty flubber, sore loser, and surly morning stroller. If we see the in-form force who scores 2-3 goals, Portugal can beat anyone remaining. Thus far, he has spent much of Euro 2016 offsides and off target.

Joe Allen [Wales] Gareth Bale will be (and has been) Gareth Bale. But, it has been Wales’ surprising solidity in midfield that has made them a surprising power this tournament. Much of that can be attributed to Joe Allen, who has morphed himself into the Welsh Andrea Pirlo. Someone needs to get the ball to Gareth Bale in a dangerous position to do Gareth Bale stuff.

Eden Hazard [Belgium] Hazard is coming off a terrible season at Chelsea. But, the 25-year-old remains one of the world’s most talented players. He has started coming around at Euro 2016, scoring a goal and leading with three assists. If he finds his top level on his return to Lille, Belgium may just live up to the hype.

Thomas Mueller [Germany] The 26-year-old has 10 career World Cup goals. He has been silent through four matches, as Germany have struggled to find a reliable forward outlet. The Germans have played well thanks to Toni Kroos. But, to beat Germany they need more ruthlessness up front. They need a Thomas Mueller.

Emanuelle Giaccherini [Italy] How good has the 31-year-old’s tournament been? He’s gone from not being able to get a game at Sunderland to his agent floating Chelsea rumors (not a bad punt for a mid-table side). The Italian midfield has been riddled with injuries, before the tournament and at it. Thiago Motta is suspended. Daniele De Rossi is touch and go. Another Superman effort from Giaccherini may be needed to give the Azzurri a chance on Saturday.

Aron Gunnarsson [M – Iceland] Iceland don’t have stars. They do have Gunnarsson, a long throw specialist. Those throws create a de facto set piece. They force opponents to focus and man to man defend. That was not England’s strength in the Round of 16. With an iffy back four, that won’t be France’s in the quarterfinal.

Paul Pogba [M – France] Pogba is an all-time talent. He sees things no one else sees. He does things no one else can do. He is a sublime passer. He’s the closest equivalent to LeBron James on a soccer pitch. We’ve seen flashes from Pogba this tournament. If he can play an in sync 90 minutes, France could be unbeatable.