Teams to watch out for at the UEFA Nations League and their Key Players
We approach the end of club football this season with Real Madrid defending their throne by winning the Champions League. As the end of club football approaches, the beginning of international football begins with the UEFA Nations League started on June 1. These 2 weeks of fun-filled, international football will be nothing less than a must-watch tournament. Here are the top 5 teams which are powerful enough to have a solid chance to win.
France
We cannot ignore the reigning world champions who constantly have been a threat. If they win this Nations League cup, they will become the first ever back-to-back winners of the tournament. We cannot help but mention that last time they lost a game was against Turkey in June 2019. With all the recent controversy surrounding him, Kylian Mbappe still remains to be France’s dynamic power.
2. Italy
By failing to qualify for this year’s World Cup, Italy are hungrier than ever to redeem themselves. It was a shock to all to see the reigning European champions fail to qualify. The road to victory will be far from easy with Italy being placed in a deadly group having to compete against teams like England, Germany, and Hungary. The saying ‘Old is Gold’ really applies for Giorgio Cheillini who is definitely Italy’s key player. The 37-year-old’s performance at the Euros were impressive as he really served as the backbone for the Italian defense.
3. Spain
With Luis Enrique’s management, Spain successfully managed to reach the semi-finals of the Euros and visibly had way more potential than what we had seen. Being the runners up of the last Nations League, Spain will be mentally stronger for what is to come this year. With young players such as Ansu Fati and Pedri in the Spanish squad, Gavi is surely their key player for this tournament. The regular Barcelona starter seems to have an ample amount of energy and his technique is one to look out for.
4. Belgium
Belgium is one of those teams that seem to be the most balanced in the tournament. They have an equal mixture of power, skill, awareness, and technique. Manager Roberto Martinez will hopefully also be able to help Eden Hazard’s injury issues as the end of his international era is nearing. Belgium’s balance mainly comes from their key player Kevin De Bruyne. This player has been one to watch for years and is ridiculously talented. He is confident and in the zone after winning the Premier League with Manchester City this season.
5. England
It would be unfair to mention the runners up of the Euros 2020 as they were defeated by Italy in a penalty shootout, so close yet so far. The current English squad has young players such as Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham who both had brilliant seasons. Gareth Southgate still remains as England’s manager and will surely be wise in making decisions on the starting 11. The key player in this team will remain to be Harry Kane. The explosive striker contributes to majority of England’s goals and assists and will surely continue to do in the future.
