Players to shine in Euro 2008

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

With the Premier League seemingly snapping up more and more of the worlds finest foreign talent, Euro 2008 will be an excellent opportunity for players hoping to showcase themselves and attract attention from overseas ("bigger") leagues. Does anyone feel that anyone in particular will set this tournament alight and earn themselves a move to a top level club?

[WetFlannel]

Ricardo Quaresma. Shame Portugal has so many talented wingers.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Ricardo Quaresma. Shame Portugal has so many talented wingers.

I think Quaresma is pretty much moving after the tournament regardless of performance. I thought that Inter were interested?

Yeah, with the amount of talent that Portugal have in their ranks, anything bar the semi finals will be regarded as failure I think.

[Uncle Albert]

Fernando 'El Nino' Torres and Cristiano Ronaldo.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Fernando 'El Nino' Torres and Cristiano Ronaldo.

If those two are on song, it'll be an absolutely fantastic tournament.

[LeeCovFox]

I think Quaresma is pretty much moving after the tournament regardless of performance. I thought that Inter were interested?

Yeah, with the amount of talent that Portugal have in their ranks, anything bar the semi finals will be regarded as failure surely?

The problem that Portugal have is that they have lacked a genuinely world class striker over the years, and I don't see that it is an issue that has disappeared. I'd like to see them go all the way as I like the way they play but I think their lack of firepower could cost them again.

As for star of the tournament, Cesc Fabregas is due a big performance for Spain is he not?

[Stevosevic]

Wayne Rooney

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

The problem that Portugal have is that they have lacked a genuinely world class striker over the years, and I don't see that it is an issue that has disappeared. I'd like to see them go all the way as I like the way they play but I think their lack of firepower could cost them again.

Agreed, although Pauleta has always been competent hes never been world class, and Simao is virtually a converted winger if played up front.

They've got a striker from DR Congo in their ranks now who, with a bit of refinement, could turn out to be half decent.

[Mark]

Andrei Arshavin

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Andrei Arshavin

Isn't Arshavin out for the first two games of the tournamnet through suspension? That might jeopardise his selection (don't know if Russia have announced theirs yet).

Working on the Russian theme though...Yuri Zhirkov.

[LeeCovFox]

I think I'm probably going to enjoy this tournament as a footballing spectacle far more for England's absence. No hype, false hope, or fat blokes pulling on England shirts in pubs whilst pretending they know about the game when in actual fact they only ever watch tournament football when England are involved.

[Bryn]

Arshavin, Modric, Torres, Villa, Quaresma, Ronaldo, Benzema off the top of my head. France Spain and Portugal are the teams to watch I think, and Croatia and Russia will probably do well.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

I think I'm probably going to enjoy this tournament as a footballing spectacle far more for England's absence. No hype, false hope, or fat blokes pulling on England shirts in pubs whilst pretending they know about the game when in actual fact they only ever watch tournament football when England are involved.

And because since Euro 96 England have managed to bore the life out of everyone of their supporters when they play in tournaments because of their complete lack of passion / pride / adventure.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Arshavin, Modric, Torres, Villa, Quaresma, Ronaldo, Benzema off the top of my head. France Spain and Portugal are the teams to watch I think, and Croatia and Russia will probably do well.

Croatia are a totally different team without Eduardo. He's a talisman for them, and even the coach admits that their chances have taken a blow. Modric is majestic however.

I can see Romania causing a few upsets in the "Group of Death", and I like the look of Turkey, but I really cant see past the Germans or the French.

[Finnegan]

David Silva.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

David Silva....

...Will hopefully be leaving Valencia where his talent is wasted to move on to brighter things.

[Uncle Albert]

Spain are my team this summer and their players can certainly shine, saying that all depends on whether they can be arsed to pull their fingers out and do it.

Silva

Torres

Villa

Jaoquin

Luis Garcia

Xavi

Iniesta

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Iniesta

The most underrated player in the world. Can see him leaving for Arsenal, Madrid et al.

[WetFlannel]

Spain are my team this summer and their players can certainly shine, saying that all depends on whether they can be arsed to pull their fingers out and do it.

Silva

Torres

Villa

Jaoquin

Luis Garcia

Xavi

Iniesta

Another very under-rated player... Vicente.

[Uncle Albert]

The most underrated player in the world. Can see him leaving for Arsenal, Madrid et al.

Arsenal = ruined.

Wouldnt shine in their team I feel, would be another Reyes but in a different position.

Rather see him in a Tottenham shirt or a Chelsea shirt.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Arsenal = ruined.

Wouldnt shine in their team I feel, would be another Reyes but in a different position.

Rather see him in a Tottenham shirt or a Chelsea shirt.

Replacement for Makelele?

As for Vicente, he has been virtually destroyed by injuries. Real shame.

[LeeCovFox]

I'd expect Daniele de Rossi to have a good tournament. And look out for Vladmir Bystrov on Russia'a right wing. Roman Pavluchenko should also do a job for Russia up front. I really think that the Russians could be dark horses for this tournament. They have a number of technically gifted individuals and a world renowned coach. If everything clicks, then they are going to be extremely dangerous.

[Joe.]

Step forward Senor Torres.

I'll put money on him being golden boot winner.

[Uncle Albert]

Replacement for Makelele?

As for Vicente, he has been virtually destroyed by injuries. Real shame.

Yes mate would be an ideal replacement for him. A great little player who is a class passer of the ball and gives the defence the support and can also twat a ball as we have seen when he played against England.

Wasted at Barca.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Step forward Senor Torres.

I'll put money on him being golden boot winner.

I'd of thought that you could get pretty short odds on Trezeguet for top scorer. Until he was disgracefully excluded from France's provisional squad, that is.