Euro 2012 Group C key players

Group C

Spain- Xavi Hernandez

If Spain emerge triumphant, they will become the first team ever to win the euros, a world cup, and then another euros within three years. In both of these previous tournament wins, central midfielder Xavi has been an integral part of the Spain side due to his passing and organization skills, which summarize the philosophy of the Barcelona academy Xavi came from. However, with reliable goalscorer David Villa missing the tournament due to injury, Xavi may be required to chip in with more than just assists.

Italy- Andrea Pirlo

This time last year, Andrea Pirlo had just left AC Milan to join Juventus with many people thinking that at the age of 33 he was in the twilight of his career and past his peak. However, his spectacular performances in the 2011/12 season went a long way to helping the Turin side win the Scudetto with him chipping in with 13 assists, the most in the entire league. If the central midfield maestro can replicate this form it could give Italy’s strikers; Giampaolo Pazzini, Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli plenty of chances, which could lead to the Italians going far in the tournament.

Croatia- Luka Modric

In many people’s estimations, Luka Modric is the beating heart of Croatia’s team. Much like Andrea Pirlo with Italy, Modric will be expected to produce his trademark excellent passes for the Croatian strikers, namely fellow premier league player Nikica Jelavic and former Arsenal striker Eduardo. The dynamic central midfielder has a great deal of expectation on his hands, but if he can produce the sort of performances he did at Euro 2008, where he helped Croatia to get an unexpected quarter final place, it could allow Croatia to get out of a very tough group. Another impressive tournament could lead to Tottenham losing the in-demand player.

Republic of Ireland- Shay Given

Being the team who are widely considered as the weakest in the group, Ireland will most likely have a lot of defending to do at Euro 2012. However, luckily for the Irish, they have an outstanding goalkeeper in Shay Given. The 36 year-old will want to make this tournament special as due to his age it will likely be his last European championship. The Aston Villa number one has been in the premier league for an impressive 15 years and has faced numerous world class players. If Ireland can counter attack well, they may cause an upset and progress from their group.