Euro 2024: Top 5 Worst Performing Forwards Based on Expected Goals, Ronaldo Lukaku Included

• Every participating country at the ongoing 2024 European Championship have played at least their first two group games
• Iberian neighbours, Spain and Portugal, and host nation, Germany, have progressed to the next round with six points each
• Some players have displayed top-level performances, while others have been subpar in metrics relating to their position

The 2024 European Championship began its final round of group games on June 23, with Group A featuring hosts, Germany, sealing the top spot after a draw with Switzerland.

Some players have stepped up for their countries with big performances, while a host of others have been underwhelming in metrics relating to their position on the field.

Romelu Lukaku has been the worst striker in the competition based on different attacking metrics, particularly in terms of xG - expected goals, big chances missed, and disallowed goals.

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According to Coaches Voice, ‘Expected goals’ is a statistical metric used in football that gives more information about the quality of chances. The abbreviation of expected goals is ‘xG’.

Sports Brief looks at the top five players underperforming their expected goals.

Players underperforming by xG at Euro 2024

1. Romelu Lukaku

According to WhoScored, the Belgian forward has underperformed his expected goals by 1.93, meaning he has scored about two goals less than he should have scored based on the chances he has missed. He has missed five big chances in two games and had three goals disallowed by the VAR.

2. Aleksandr Mitrovic

Fans expected more from Serbia at this tournament due to Aleksandr Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic leading their attack. The Al-Hilal forward was in hot form in the Saudi Pro League last season. He has missed three big chances at the Euro, underperforming in his xG by 1.67, but is yet to be caught offside.

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3. Antoine Griezmann

The 2016 Player of the Tournament has yet to find his rhythm at this year's event and was one of the reasons France did not beat the Netherlands. He has missed three big chances, thus underperforming in his expected goals by 1.52. His creative spark has also been missing, and he has not created any big chances.

4. Bruno Petkovic

Dinamo Zagreb forward, Petkovic, features on this list despite playing a combined 88 minutes so far. He has missed two big chances so far, which means that he has underperformed in terms of expected goals by 1.26.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo has yet to score at this tournament, even though he unselfishly assisted Bruno Fernandes to make it 3-0 against Turkey on June 22 to set the record for most assists in the competition’s history. He has underperformed with his xG by 1.08.

Players who could play their last Euro in 2024

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Sports Brief also reported on players whose Euro appearances could be their last, as they most likely would have stepped away from international duty or retired altogether before the next edition.

2016 Euro champion, Cristiano Ronaldo, headlines the list. He will be 43 at the next tournament in 2028, making it unlikely for him to feature. Rumours claim he will retire after the 2026 World Cup.