Euro 2024: Five unsung heroes of the tournament's group stage

• Major tournaments often serve as a launchpad for unheralded players to showcase their talents, and Euro 2024 has been no exception.
• Georgia and French Ligue 1 forward, Georges Mikautadze, is the leading goalscorer so far, with three goals to his name
• Here are five unexpected stars who have turned heads and are likely to attract significant transfer interest

The Euro 2024 tournament is already taking shape following the conclusion of the group-stage fixtures.

Sixteen of the 24 participating teams have booked their place in the next round of the tournament.

Hosts Germany, Spain, Portugal, England, France, and Italy are among the leading teams who will be playing in the knockout round.

Major tournaments often serve as a launchpad for unheralded players to showcase their talents, and Euro 2024 has been no exception.

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Sports Brief looks at five unexpected stars who have turned heads and are likely to attract significant transfer interest following their impressive performances.

Georges Mikautadze (Georgia)

Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the tournament at 74th in the world, Georgia has made a remarkable debut by reaching the knockout stages. While Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Giorgi Mamardashvili were expected to shine, it's Georges Mikautadze who has become a household name. The forward has scored in all three of Georgia's group matches and currently leads the race for the Euro 2024 Golden Boot, outperforming notable players like Kylian Mbappe, Romelu Lukaku, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Harry Kane, as well as the entire squads of England and Belgium combined.

Mikautadze moved to Ajax from Metz last summer but struggled in the Eredivisie, making only two league starts. However, a loan return to Metz in January saw him net 14 goals in 22 Ligue 1 appearances. His stellar form at Euro 2024, coupled with his recent club performances, will undoubtedly draw significant attention this summer.

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Stefan Posch (Austria)

Stefan Posch, who played a crucial role in Bologna's surprising qualification for the Champions League last season, has carried that momentum into Euro 2024. Under the guidance of Ralf Rangnick, the Austrian full-back has exemplified the relentless energy of a team that topped a group featuring France and the Netherlands. Posch ranks second overall for tackles won at Euro 2024, building on a Serie A season where he was among the top full-backs for touches, tackles, carrying distance, completed passes, and progressive passing distance. His versatility as both a right-back and center-back makes him an attractive prospect this summer, especially as Bologna looks to retain their overachieving squad.

Dan Ndoye (Switzerland)

Dan Ndoye has been a standout performer for Switzerland, contributing significantly to their unbeaten run to the Round of 16. The 23-year-old scored his first international goal in a 1-1 draw with Germany, becoming Switzerland's second-youngest scorer at a European Championship. Known for his driving runs, Ndoye was one of the most-fouled players in Serie A last season, having led the Swiss Super League in this metric with FC Basel in 2022-23. His performances have caught the eye of clubs like Manchester United and Inter Milan.

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Jaka Bijol (Slovenia)

Jaka Bijol has emerged as one of the unsung heroes of Euro 2024, impressing at center-back for Slovenia. The 25-year-old has been a defensive stalwart, leading Euro 2024 in clearances during the group stage. In Serie A, he ranked highly for clearances, aerial duels won, and aerial duel win percentage. Bijol's ability to distribute the ball, honed from his early career as a defensive midfielder, has been pivotal for Slovenia, who have reached the knockout rounds of a European Championship for the first time. His performances have sparked interest from Inter Milan and Roma, following his efforts to help Udinese narrowly avoid relegation last season.

Barış Alper Yılmaz (Turkey)

Barış Alper Yılmaz has been a versatile and dynamic force for Turkey, continuing his impressive form from Galatasaray's record-breaking Turkish Süper Lig campaign into Euro 2024. The 24-year-old contributed six goals and six assists last season, playing in various positions including both full-back roles, both wings, and as a center-forward. His standout performance came against the Czech Republic, where he completed five dribbles, won four fouls, and dominated 10 out of 13 duels. Alongside full-backs Ferdi Kadioglu and Mert Müldür, Alper Yılmaz has been a key player for Vincenzo Montella's team.