Euro 2024 is right around the corner, so we decided to scour the 24 sides competing, and build a team of the best leaders.
GK – Manuel Neuer – Germany – The veteran shot stopper is not only one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, but an excellent leader. Captain of his club Bayern Munich, Neuer once claimed he ‘doesn’t feel fear’ due to his positive mindset.
LB – Andy Robertson – Scotland – The Scotsman has won it all, and is an out and out leader, meaning he is a shoe-in for this team. Captaining his side into a second European Championship in a row, Robertson has one of the most hard-working mentalities in football, which has taken him from the Scottish Third Division to becoming a Champions League winner.
CB – Simon Kjaer – Denmark – Perhaps the first name on the team sheet. His response to Christian Eriksen’s heart attack at Euro 2021 displayed him as a true leader, helping save his teammates life and comforting his wife. Kjaer also has an outstanding work ethic and strong communication skills.
CB – Berat Djimsiti – Albania – The Albanian skipper has just captained Atalanta to a Europa league win against all odds. When he joined Atalanta eight years ago, their goal was to avoid relegation, and their recent success can be accredited to his consistent performances and strong communication skills.
RB – Guram Kashia – Georgia – The 36 year old Georgian skipper has 112 appearances for his nation and has been exemplary in Georgia’s qualification campaign. Coming from humble beginnings, Kashia shows pure passion, and is incredibly versatile and ready to give his all wherever he is played in the backline or defensive midfield.
CM – Granit Xhaka – Switzerland – The ex-Arsenal man’s ferocious pep talks, aggression on the field, desire to win the ball and general intensity on the pitch makes him a true leader. He has had an excellent season, playing a vital role in securing Bayer Leverkusen the first ever unbeaten Bundesliga title.
CM – Luka Modric – Croatia – The Ballon D’or winner has led by example time and time again for Croatia in major tournaments, from scoring vital goals to tracking back and defending. He is also a brilliant motivator, inspiring his teammates without screaming at them, as seen when he inspired Dominik Livakovic to the performances of his life in the 2022 World Cup.
CM – Hakan Calhanoglu – Turkey – The midfielder is known for having established deep friendships in the Inter Milan squad, which has led to an increased cohesion and unity throughout the squad. The Turkish captain is a leader both on and off the pitch, as shown as he led the celebrations as Inter won the Scudetto this year.
LW – Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal – The five time Ballon D’or winner embodies professionalism and leadership on and off the pitch. Ronaldo shows composure under pressure which is infectious, for instance making Joao Moutinho take a penalty at Euro 2016, and even assuming a temporary player-manager role during the final after injury.
ST – Harry Kane – England – The Englishmen has a calming approach and leads by example both on and off the pitch, showing incredible levels of composure in front of goal. His work ethic and consistent quality make him a motivating figure for the whole of England.
RW – Andriy Yarmolenko – Ukraine – The ex-West Ham man is the captain of Ukraine, and has been a talismanic figure for his side for the last decade. His ferocious intensity and work ethic has earned him the nickname ‘the man with two hearts’.
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