Euro 2024: Ranking the Top 5 Players Who Impressed in Round of 16

• The 2024 UEFA European Championship has advanced to the quarter-final stage, featuring the remaining eight teams
• The quarter-final matches will take place on Friday, July 5, and Saturday, July 6, held across various stadiums in Germany
• Ahead of the round of eight matches on Friday and Saturday, Sports Brief looks at five standout players from the first knockout round

The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament has advanced to the quarter-final stage in Germany, with the final eight teams competing on Friday, July 5, and Saturday, July 6.

As the competition nears its conclusion, each team is aiming for a spot in the semi-finals and ultimately the final in Berlin on July 14.

Berlin will host the final quarter-final match, while Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf will serve as the other venues, per UEFA.

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Following the completion of the Round of 16, the quarter-finalists have been decided, with several memorable moments already etched in the tournament's history.

Sports Brief looks at five standout players from the first knockout round.

Players who impressed in Round of 16

Ruben Vargas – Switzerland

Per Yahoo Sports, Switzerland made a statement by eliminating the defending champions, Italy, with a commanding 2-0 victory at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Ruben Vargas, who plays for FC Augsburg in Germany, was instrumental in this triumph.

He assisted Remo Feuler for the opening goal with a deft pass and then scored a brilliant goal just 27 seconds into the second half, securing Switzerland's win.

Vargas' performance was a key factor in Switzerland's success, and England will need to be wary of him in their upcoming quarter-final clash.

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Nico Williams – Spain

Spain has been the most dominant team in the tournament so far, with Nico Williams at the heart of their success. The 21-year-old winger has dazzled with his speed, strength, and skill.

In the match against Georgia, Williams provided the assist for Rodri's equaliser and then scored a superb solo goal to seal a 4-1 victory.

He finished the game with a goal, an assist, four key passes, and a perfect pass completion rate. Williams has been a standout player this summer and has been virtually unplayable at times.

Diogo Costa – Portugal

Portugal's veteran stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe have Diogo Costa to thank for their progress in the tournament.

The goalkeeper saved Portugal from defeat against Slovenia by making a crucial save in extra time and then excelling in the penalty shootout.

Costa saved all three of Slovenia's penalty attempts, making history as the first goalkeeper to achieve this feat in a European Championship shootout.

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His heroics ensured Portugal's place in the quarter-finals, where they will face France.

Cody Gakpo – Netherlands

Cody Gakpo has continued to enhance his reputation as a key player for the Netherlands at Euro 2024.

The Liverpool forward, who made a name for himself at the 2022 World Cup, has been in fine form this summer, scoring three goals so far.

Gakpo was instrumental in the Netherlands' 3-0 win over Romania, opening the scoring with a well-placed shot and then setting up Donyell Malen for the second goal.

Gakpo's performances have been a significant factor in the Dutch team's success, and he is a strong contender for the tournament's Golden Boot.

Merih Demiral – Turkey

Turkey has reached the quarter-finals thanks to a thrilling victory over Austria in the Round of 16.

Merih Demiral played a crucial role in this win, scoring twice and putting in a dominant defensive performance.

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The Al-Ahli defender opened the scoring after just 57 seconds and added a second goal with a powerful header from a corner.

In addition to his goals, Demiral was a defensive rock, making numerous clearances, winning aerial duels, and blocking shots. His contributions were vital to Turkey's progress in the tournament.

De Bruyne insults journalist

Sports Brief reported on Kevin De Bruyne insulting Tancredi Palmeri after the Italian journalist asked him about Belgium's golden generation not reaching a final.

The Manchester City star was visibly upset and called the reporter stupid as he stormed out of the press conference after France eliminated Belgium from Euro 2024.