Top 5 most sought-after players after EURO 2024

Riccardo Calafiori (Italy)

Ricardo Calafiori has become one of Europe's most sought-after centre-backs after impressing in his debut season at Bologna. At EURO 2024, he has become a rock of the Italian defence.

The 22-year-old averages two interceptions and 4.3 recoveries per game, with a 78% aerial duels win rate. Calafiori's other standout trait is his ball-carrying ability, with 2.7 dribbles into the final third per 90 minutes, the highest of any centre-back in the league.

Calafiori showed his class in his first major tournament with the Italian team. Photo: AFP

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Denmark)

After shining in Denmark’s run to the semi-finals at EURO 2020, Hojbjerg continued to impress in the group stages of this year’s campaign. Alongside Eriksen, Hojbjerg is an indispensable factor in the “Tin Soldiers” squad.

The strength of the midfielder currently playing for Tottenham is his ability to progress the ball with 8.9 passes and 7.5 passes into the final third of the field per 90 minutes (in the top 3% of midfielders).

Hojbjerg was named “Man of the Match” in the match between Denmark and England. Photo: EURO 2024

Defensively, Hojbjerg has made 6.8 recoveries and has a tackle success rate of 75%. The 28-year-old struggled for form at Spurs last season, but his impressive performances at EURO 2024 could see him attracting interest from a number of clubs this summer.

Christoph Baumgartner (Austria)

Few predicted Austria would top Group D, but Ralf Rangnick's side did so thanks to a key contribution from Baumgartner, who scored and assisted. The RB Leipzig star contributed a goal and an assist.

The 24-year-old midfielder has a very good ability to penetrate the penalty area with 2.3 passes into the penalty area and 3.2 dribbles into this area per 90 minutes. In addition, Baumgartner also plays a role in controlling the game and actively participates in defense (averaging 5 recoveries per game).

Baumgartner is the most important nucleus in Ralf Rangnick's Gegenpressing tactic. Photo: AFP

Xavi Simons (Netherlands)

Simons has struggled at times at EURO 2024 but his stats show he is still excellent in the creative department. With 5.2 shot-creating chances and 0.5 passes leading to big chances, the Dutchman is well above the tournament averages of 4.2 and 0.4.

After impressing at PSV Eindhoven and Leipzig last season, Xavi Simons could leave PSG this summer. His performance at EURO 2024 will help teams more clearly assess the 2003-born star's ability.

Xavi Simons is a top rated young talent in Europe. Photo: AFP

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia)

Despite only scoring one goal at EURO 2024, Kvaratskhelia has become a key player for Georgia. The Napoli star is among the top in both attacking and ball progression stats. The 23-year-old forward also helps out defensively, with 3.9 recoveries per 90 minutes, more than any other forward at this year's tournament.

Last season at Napoli, he scored 11 goals and assisted eight in 34 Serie A games. Kvaratskhelia's future has long been a question mark and impressive performances at EURO 2024 will further enhance his reputation.