Euro 2016 ones to watch: Paul Pogba can be top dog, but Dele Alli will sparkle – says German legend Lothar Matthaus
Matthaus has joined SunSport to give a tactical insight into Euro 2016 - and has given his players to watch in France
LOTHAR MATTHAUS
GERMAN legend Lothar Matthaus has joined SunSport to give a tactical insight into Euro 2016.
Football has changed a lot in the past few years and now it is all about attacking. Apart from Atletico Madrid, all the major clubs want to play that way and so will most of the major nations.
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Lothar Matthaus made 150 caps for Germany - winning the Euros in 1980Credit: Getty Images
When teams train now, it is about what they do with the ball and, if they lose it, how quickly they press to win it back.
I’m not a fan of the new Euros formula – I think there are too many teams and some of them look a little weak – but I expect an exciting tournament and one to remember.
I think there are plenty of teams who believe they have the players who can make a difference in France. Here are my six stars to light up the finals . . .
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Dele Alli had a break-through season at Spurs - can he do the same in France?Credit: Getty Images
DELE ALLI
I watched England’s win against Germany in March and saw how the Spurs man ran the game.
You could see that his team-mates respect him and they gave him the ball because he makes the right movements and creates chances.
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Midfielder Paul Pogba is one of the hottest prospects in world football todayCredit: Reuters
PAUL POGBA
France won the last two tournaments they hosted and, in Juventus star Pogba, they have the player who can lead them to another.
At 23, he’s still young but this dynamic midfielder is the star of the team and a real leader.
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David Alaba will be hoping to inspire outsiders Austria at the EurosCredit: AP:Associated Press
DAVID ALABA
Bayern Munich left-back Alaba operates in his favoured midfield role for Austria and is already a proven winner, even at the age of 23.
He leads a quality team who are my outsiders to win the tournament.
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Zoltan Gera may now be 37, but he can still play a crucial role for HungaryCredit: Getty Images
ZOLTAN GERA
England fans will know Gera from his time at Fulham and West Brom.
I made him my captain when I was Hungary boss because he’s smart and relaxed. Despite being 37, I believe he can make an impact in France.
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Thomas Muller has shown his fine goalscoring pedigree for Germany in past tournamentsCredit: PA:Press Association
THOMAS MULLER
When you have scored five goals at two separate World Cups, that quality speaks for itself.
Muller is a winner for Germany and expects to score big goals in big games, especially with his late runs from behind the striker.
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Kevin De Bruyne charges forward for Belgium - he will be vital for them at the EurosCredit: Getty Images
KEVIN DE BRUYNE
Sorely missed by all at Manchester City this season when he was injured.
He is a fine player who can read any situation on the pitch. He is quick in his head and his feet and will be a key player for Belgium.
