England once again came agonizingly close, but it’s undeniable that Spain deservedly clinched the Euro 2024 title.
By utilizing the Opta index, a comprehensive metric grading players, the sports analytics company has compiled a tournament team supported by data-driven selections Bongdalu.
Their selections are based on a wealth of additional insights derived from a comprehensive database that tracks every interaction made during Euro 2024.
A “best XI” will inevitably spark debate among the diverse opinions in the football community, but here’s a data-driven version to pique your interest…
Goalkeeper
Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia)
Georgia successfully advanced to the knockout stages in their debut major tournament, largely thanks to their goalkeeper’s outstanding performance.
Mamardashvili’s 21 saves tied the record for the most by a goalkeeper in a group stage at the European Championship, matching Alexanders Kolinko’s feat from 2004.
In fact, when considering the quality of shots on target faced using expected goals (xG), the Georgian goalkeeper prevented more goals than any other at Euro 2024 (+4.7, with eight goals conceded from 12.7 xG on target faced).
Defender
Joshua Kimmich (Germany)
Kimmich, alongside Antonio Rudiger, was one of only two German outfield players to play every minute for his team at Euro 2024. He was a key fixture in the squad, consistently contributing, especially on the attacking front.
The German right-back led all players with 17 passes breaking the opposition’s defensive line, and only Lamine Yamal (16) created more chances from open play than the Bayern Munich star (15).
Manuel Akanji (Switzerland)
Despite the Manchester City defender’s tournament ending in penalty shootout heartbreak against England, Akanji had an impressive campaign, contributing significantly to a solid Swiss team that came close to reaching the semi-finals.
Akanji was a stalwart in Switzerland’s defense, anchoring a team that spent the least amount of time trailing on the scoreboard at Euro 2024 (2.5%—only behind for 13 minutes).
Marc Guehi (England)
In his debut at a major international tournament, Guehi emerged as one of the most dependable defenders at Euro 2024. The Crystal Palace player was a standout performer for England throughout the tournament and is poised to play a crucial role in their future plans.
Playing in all but one of his team’s seven matches in the competition, the defender topped the England squad in aerial duels won (12) and also led the team in blocks (6).
Marc Cucurella (Spain)
Left-back Cucurella had been a topic of uncertainty for Spain leading up to Euro 2024, but he silenced his critics by the tournament’s conclusion Thập Cẩm TV. Strong in defense and impactful in attack, the Chelsea player admirably filled the role previously held by Jordi Alba in past tournaments.
In addition to providing the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal’s winning goal in the final, Cucurella led Spain with the most combined tackles and interceptions (20) throughout the tournament.
Midfielder
Toni Kroos (Germany):
Kroos may not have received the farewell his illustrious career deserved, especially on the international stage, but there’s no denying he ended on a high note with his exceptional individual performance.
Kroos showcased his mastery of distribution at Euro 2024, setting a record (since 1980) for the most completed passes in a single group stage of the competition with 324 passes.
However, the German midfielder did not settle for playing safe passes; he also led all players in the tournament by a significant margin for line-breaking passes (141).
Fabian Ruiz (Spain)
Yet another tournament, yet another Spanish midfielder to remember. Continuing the tradition of masterful playmakers, Ruiz orchestrated a brilliantly complete campaign at the center of Spain’s midfield.
In addition to directly contributing to four goals at Euro 2024 (two goals, two assists), he regained possession more times overall (46) and in the final third (14) than any other player.
Forwards
Lamine Yamal (Spain):
At just 17 years old, Yamal became the youngest player to ever appear in a World Cup or European Championship final. Far from merely participating, his trademark weaving run and composed pass broke the deadlock for Spain, setting up Nico Williams’ opening goal of the night.
Yamal played a crucial role in five goals overall at Euro 2024 (one goal, four assists), matching teammate Daniel Olmo for the joint-highest involvement. Notably, his four assists also tied the record (since 1980) for the most in a single edition of the European Championship.
Dani Olmo (Spain):
While Olmo began Euro 2024 on the bench for Spain, he concluded the tournament as one of its most influential players. Operating with a vibrant and direct approach from the number 10 position, Olmo significantly bolstered Spain’s already potent attack.
The Leipzig player recorded the joint-highest number of goal involvements in the tournament (five — three goals, two assists). His 14 successful dribbles were also the most by a Spain player in a single edition of the European Championship since Lobo Carrasco in 1984 (16).
Nico Williams (Spain):
The other half of Spain’s dynamic wing pairing, Williams emerged as one of the breakout stars at Euro 2024, making a significant impact on the global stage. In the years and decades to come, this Spain team may be best remembered for the exceptional productivity of its wingers.
By opening the scoring in the final against England, Williams (22 years and 2 days old) became the youngest player to score in a European Championship final since 1968, when 20-year-old Italian Pietro Anastasi achieved the feat against Yugoslavia.
Cody Gakpo (Netherlands):
If anyone thought Gakpo’s performance at the 2022 World Cup was a one-off, Euro 2024 has proven otherwise. The Liverpool player has now scored six goals in 11 games across both tournaments, with only Kylian Mbappe (9) scoring more among European players.
Gakpo contributed both a goal and an assist in the Netherlands’ victory in the round of 16, marking the first time a Dutch player achieved this in a knockout stage match at the European Championship since Frank Rijkaard did so in the 1992 semi-final.