* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
The European Championships are all about star power. Top-level performers do it on the biggest stages and there’s no greater individual gong in international football than being given Player of the Tournament at a major finals.
It’s certainly catapulted the careers of many before this and probably will now. Patrik Schick is well on course for a £35 million move to Newcastle only to score three goals and go out on loan to Sampdoria to pay half his wage packet.
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But we’re now down to the final game of the Euros, meaning that, barring something wild happening, we know who the leading contenders are. Knowledge is power but more importantly, it’s a gateway to landing a touch on a market that should only attract antepost money, but becomes a live betting heat.
Welcome, my friends, to your clever plays for the Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament. I’ll give you a best bet, a value play and a short price to avoid. Let’s get cracking then, shall we?
Best Bet: Raheem Sterling
I know, I know. You’ve clicked onto this to find valuable insight and I’m tipping the fav. But there’s a few reasons for this, so bear with me.
Right now, you’ve got a situation where England take on Italy. Spain played a false nine to cause them problems after Italy took Romelu Lukaku out of the game against Belgium – and it worked to some degree. Alvaro Morata’s chance a fine example of link-up play where the striker actually starts the move.
England will follow the same blueprint here – with Harry Kane bundled between two centre-halves, England will get no joy whatsoever. They’ll send Kalvin Phillips forward with the ball and have him find Kane deep.
Sterling will fall into the space behind Leonardo Bonucci, leaving him against the lead-legged Giorgio Chiellini and he’ll be primed to pick up the pieces. Well, that and the fact Sterling’s been the best player at the tournament.
Value Play: Jorginho
If Italy win the tournament, it’ll likely go to an Italian player. If you look around the squad, nobody has stood out, so that means you generally default to a defensive-minded player. Only that Italy have now shipped a goal in each of their last two games, so it seems counter-intuitive unless they keep England at bay.
Jorginho takes penalties and is getting Ballon d’Or buzz in some circles. Now consider the fact that Marco Verratti didn’t play either of the two opening games; Manuel Locatelli has been average since his coming out party in their opener and Domenico Berardi has been subpar.
Ciro Immobile has been pathetic and ruined his image, while Lorenzo Insigne has been inconsistent. Federico Chiesa hasn’t played enough minutes. Ding ding.
Avoid: Harry Kane
As mentioned above, Gareth Southgate won’t want him too involved in this or they’ll lose. His role will be selfless and to help players move into space beyond him.
Not to mention that Kane has missed a penalty too – and his goal tally has been largely massaged by easy opportunities. There was also too much bad press on him earlier in the tournament. It’s a no from me.
Player of the Tournament tips
Best Bet: Raheem Sterling
Value Play: Jorginho
Avoid: Harry Kane
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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