Underperformers of Euro 2020 Group stages
We look at the big-name players who have failed to perform according to their talent and ability.
Kylian Mbappe: Kylian Mbappe was expected to take the world by storm and lead the French’s threatening attack. The 22-year old’s performances have struggled to justify his huge potential. The PSG forward has failed to score or assist in 3 matches, he did however score a superb goal against Germany which was ruled out due to a marginal offside call. The tricky forward has shown flashes of brilliance but has failed to make a decisive impact so far. Deschamps will hope Mbappe finds his scoring boots in the knockout rounds.
Harry Kane: Harry Kane was expected to lead a talented England’s attack in Euro 2020. The expectations were high on the Tottenham forward after another brilliant season in which he was top scorer as well as the top assister. However, the England captain has looked a shadow of his former self failing to score in 3 matches and managing just 1 shot on target so far. Kane has also struggled with poor service from England’s midfield however, the 27-year-old has also missed a couple of presentable opportunities which he would normally score from, highlighting his struggles.
Álvaro Morata: Spain forward Alvaro Morata has been Spanish public enemy number 1 after his disastrous start in Euro 2020. Morata was expected to be the finisher for Spain’s passing game, however so far it was not meant to be. The 28-year-old has missed 4 big chances, most by a player in EURO 2020, highlighting his wasteful finishing. If Spain are to make an impact in the knockout rounds, then their forwards Morata and Moreno need to do better.
Bruno Fernandes: Since joining United in January 2020 the Portugal playmaker has had the golden touch, with 40 goals and 26 assists in his 80 appearances for the club. But in EURO 2020 his touch has deserted him so far. Bruno failed to score or assist in the first 2 matches for Portugal and was dropped for Renato Sanches for Portugal’s last group match due to his dwindling impact. Jose Mourinho remarked that Portugal are playing with a man less with Bruno in the side, quite a fall from grace for a player who has literally carried Manchester United on his shoulders for the last 18 months.
Serge Gnabry: The Bayern Munich forward was expected to announce himself on the grand stage as the next big thing of German Football, however things have not gone according to plan in Euro 2020 for the tricky forward. The 25-year old finished as Germany’s highest scorer in EURO 2020 qualification but has struggled to replicate the same impact in EURO 2020 so far. Gnabry has attempted just 4 shots and has created just 1 chance highlighting his lack of impact so far.
