With Euro 2024 already in the rearview mirror, we take a look at some of the Bundesliga stars that showed up and showed out, regardless if their team made a deep run into the tournament.
There were 81 players from Germany’s top-flight league who participated in the European Championship. Some served their nation alright; some faltered in defeat.
And then there are those who stood up to the occasion, either by leading their team to the promised land or by making sure that fans won’t ever forget their names.
Dani Olmo
If you claim yourself to be a SBOTOP football fan and yet you haven’t heard of Dani Olmo before, alright, sure, maybe I can spare you the benefit of the doubt. But after his Euro performance, and yet, for some reason, you still don’t have him in your radar, perhaps you’re better off with another sport.
The 26-year-old was one of the vital reasons why La Roja lifted the Henri Delauney Trophy for the first time since the nation’s golden generation back in 2012.
I highly doubt Spain win this year’s European Championship without the quality of a number 10 like Olmo.
Like those of Spain’s great midfielders of the past that preceded him, Olmo has in his wheelhouse the playmaking skills to pay the bills. Despite a pace disadvantage, the 5-foot-7 attacking midfielder has magic wands for feet, able to glide past even the most physically imposing defender in front of him.
Against Germany in the quarter-final, he met Lamine Yamal’s low cross to beat Manuel Neuer in the 51st minute before finding Mikel Merino with an accurate lob to seal Die Mannschaft’s fate in the 119th minute.
In the semi-final against France, he faked out Aurelien Tchouameni before smashing a shot past Mike Maignan’s far post.
The RB Leipzig man ended his Euros with three goals and two assists.
Jamal Musiala
Between a disappointing end to their Euro 2024 campaign with a loss against Spain, and Toni Kroos retiring from the beautiful game, effective immediately, one thing was certain—Jamal Musiala is Germany’s future.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder out of Bayern proved to fans and critics alike that he is indeed the real deal. Musiala netted thrice in the tournament and was awarded Player of the Match on the opening day against Scotland.
Touted as one of the world’s best young players, Musiala was quick to make a name for himself in the tournament, showing off impeccable Euro 2024 highlights whenever he’s got the ball by his feet.
His senior teammates all sung praises for him, regarding his skill set as complete and his ceiling high as the heavens above. His control of the ball in close quarters is an excellent indicator of his talent.
He is composed, athletic, and quick enough to blow by defences right in front of him. In fact, Musiala is what managers dream of when wanting a complete attacking midfielder; he is someone who can make plays in the deeper areas, whilst being deployed either on the right or left flank causes him no trouble as he is capable on either side.
And to fully encapsulate how complete of a player he is, Musiala’s work rate off the ball is a treat to watch. He works hard at tracking the ball back from the opposition and isn’t lazy or afraid to go for a tackle.
Throughout the Euros, Musiala attempted six tackles (winning two) and recovered the ball 14 times.
Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller leave Die Mannschaft in good hands, with Musiala at the helm.
Marcel Sabitzer
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder played a huge role in securing Austria the top spot in Group D—a group where France and the Netherlands were in. Talk about defying the Euro 2024 odds.
Against Poland, Sabitzer was everywhere—offence or defence, you name it, he covered it.
He had a couple chances that were blocked in the first half, but kept being aggressive regardless. His endeavours were finally rewarded after winning a penalty against Poland keeper Wojciech Szczesny to seal the match for Austria.
Against the Netherlands, he was heroic. After Memphis Depay’s brilliant volley to equalise, Sabitzer was left unmarked few minutes after as Christoph Baumgartner gifted him with a through ball, and all he had to do was finish it.
And that he did.
Sabitzer collected the pass and didn’t hesitate to smash it through. He earned the Player of the Match award for his performance, and despite bowing out in the next round, Sabitzer proved he’s a big-time player on the biggest of stages.
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