10 Unsung Heroes Who Could Win Euro 2012 Single-Handed

Time to get the football equipment out, the Euros are here! With obvious candidates such as Rooney and van Persie, it’s easy to forget some of the other footballing stars who may yet steal the Euro 2012 limelight. Here we list some possible glory takers:

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Striker for German Bundesliga team, Schalke 04, and nicknamed ‘The Hunter’ for his excellent scoring ability. Will do particularly well if any Netherlands games go to penalties, as he is a fearsome opponent in the penalty box. 8/10

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Alex has recently moved from Southampton to England’s Premier League team, Arsenal, where he plays as winger. He has only appeared for the club a couple of times, so some detractors found him a surprising choice for the England squad. He has, nonetheless, proved himself a capable player, with a great skill for speed. 7/10

Mario Gotze.

Attacking midfielder/right winger Mario who plays for German side Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga league, is a highly skilful player whose playmaking ability may see him create some winning opportunities on the field. 7/10

Lukas Podolski.

Also plays for Germany’s Bundesliga league as striker/winger. A left footer, Podolski is renowned for his technique and probing attack on the left. He has a phenomenal scoring track record for his country. 8/10

David Silva.

Attacking midfielder and sometime striker for Manchester City in England’s Premier League, Silva has ranked up the most goal assists of all premiership players this season. With a great passing range and good scoring history, he is definitely one to watch. 9/10

Yoann Gourcuff.

Yoann plays as an attacking midfielder for Lyon is the French Ligue 1. He has been compared to Ginola and Zidane, particularly for the latter’s playmaking abilities. He could really energise the slightly aging French team, and get them to great heights this summer. 8/10

Nikica Jelavic.

Striker for Everton in England’s Premier League. Having scored 9 goals in only 13 appearances for the club, he is probably the striking player on best form at the moment in Europe. If he maintains his confidence there’s every chance he’ll be one of the top scorers in Euro 2012. 8/10

Thomas Muller.

Midfielder/forward for Bayern Munich, in Germany’s Bundesliga League. A consistent player with great passing abilities, he’ll be a solid member in Germany’s side this summer. 7/10

Hatem Ben Arfa.

Winger for Premier League club Newcastle United. United have had a good season which had a lot to do with this player. Some nice skills with the ball; given the chance he could do well this championship. 7/10.

Mario Balotelli.

Striker for Premier League’s Manchester City, this enigmatic player is undoubtedly one of Europe’s gifted stars, though certainly a handful for any manager. If handled well, there is every chance he’ll make great waves this summer. 9/10

Alex Hunt

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