Euro 2024: 5 Players Who Can Bounce Back in Knockout Stages, From Ronaldo to Bellingham

• The Euro 2024 has yet to come to life, but knockout stages should provide more intrigue as teams battle for a spot in the final
• Pre-tournament favourites Germany, England, France, Spain, and Portugal are all in the Round of 16, but not all have shone
• Several big names are yet to produce the performances fans were expecting but can redeem themselves in the knockouts

The Euro 2024 group stage has been entertaining, and the knockout stages promise to deliver more drama as teams fight for their survival.

The Round of 16 kicked off on Saturday, June 29, with two mouth-watering matches: defending champions Italy fell to Switzerland and hosts Germany beat Denmark.

Surprisingly, big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham are yet to light up the tournament, but the knockout stage is the perfect opportunity.

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Ronaldo and Mbappe have already made a difference for their countries in major tournaments, so they have nothing to prove. However, fans are waiting for these superstars to perform after an underwhelming start.

Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, and Portugal are on the same side of the bracket, meaning only one of them will play in the final, per UEFA. This presents an opportunity for players to rise to the occasion.

Here are some players who can bounce back in the knockout stages per Planet Football.

Which players at Euro 2024 need redemption?

Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal

The Portuguese legend hasn't scored at Euro 2024 after three matches. His team has been criticised for their poor displays, especially against minnows Georgia, a game they lost 2-0. The Al-Nassr star failed to score in the group stage of a major tournament for the first time since 2008.

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Ronaldo has started all three games so far, and his stats don't look good. He is a clutch player, so he will likely play a major role in the knockout stage.

Jude Bellingham - England

The young Englishman started well by scoring England's first goal in the tournament. Since then, he's been quiet, just like other top players in the England squad. The 20-year-old is coming off a superb season at Real Madrid, and his form in Germany is yet to pick up.

Fatigue and Gareth Southgate's stubbornness have slowed him down, but he can recapture his form in the knockout stages.

Kevin De Bruyne - Belgium

De Bruyne is considered one of the best players in the world. However, he didn't play like the best midfielder in the world. The Belgian Red Devils, despite being the third-ranked team in the world, finished second in a group in which every team ended up with four points. In their last group game against Ukraine, they were booed by their fans.

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The Manchester City star is probably playing his last tournament with his country and will want to go out fighting. They face France in a tough Round of 16 encounter. Can he inspire his team to a big win?

Harry Kane - England

The Bayern Munich striker missed a penalty at the 2022 World Cup, and he needs a big performance, especially considering he is the captain. He bagged 44 goals in his first season with Bayern and has one at the Euros.

The Three Lions side of the bracket is slightly forgiving, so fans expect the striker to perform and lead them to the final.

Virgil van Dijk - the Netherlands

The Dutch were indifferent in the group stage. They won their first game, drew 0-0 with France, and were beaten by an energetic Austrian side. They won the Euros in 1988 and have suffered heartbreak after heartbreak in major tournaments since.

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Van Dijk has been average, and the bracket is not challenging for them. The Liverpool defender is their best player and will be called upon to lead from the back.

Euro 2024 Round of 16 prediction

Sports Brief also previously predicted every Euro 2024 Round of 16 match.

France, Portugal, Austria, Germany, and Spain should all be moving ahead.