Medical in-game protocol is one thing that will form the basis of plenty of the conversations post this European Championships.

The European Championships of ”2020” got off to a great start bar the unfortunate incidence in the Denmark v Finland game. It has thrown up different conversational points that would form the bedrock of a number of issues in football to be had over the next couple of months post Euro 2020.

With my focus firmly on the performances on the pitch; a special mention has to go to the captain of the Danish side, Simon Kjaer, who’s timely intervention, and that of the medical team, saved the life of Cristian Eriksen.

To the football, there have been a few players that have caught the eye with solid performances in the first series of group matches, but of course where you have hits, you must also have a few misses.

Here are the hits from the Euros so far:

Robert Mak (Slovakia/Ferencvaros) 

In Slovakia’s surprise opening game victory over Poland, Robert Mak stood out with his impressive runs down the left flank. He was set to make an impression on the grandest of stages for his team, his attitude was very positive and his pace was breathtaking. He had a field day running at Bartosz Bereszynski and had him for dinner on a night Slovakia got off to a fantastic start to Euro 2020.

Patrik Schick (Czech Republic/Bayer Leverkusen)

Schick’s career has hit a few stumbling blocks along the way; from been one of the most sort after youngsters in Serie A to been moved around in the Bundesliga. The young Czech striker has arrived at Euro 2020 with a point to prove and he has started like a house on fire. Two goals against hardworking Scotland along with a potential goal of the tournament contender, much of the Czech’s success lies in the hands of the young striker.

Kalvin Phillips (England/Leeds United)

From all that is supposedly grand about the English team comes a young kid, schooled in the industrious and hardworking arts of Marcelo Bielsa, in Kalvin Phillips. I am not one to go over board with praise on a player, however, Phillips deserves the commendation for his hardworking and efficient performance against the Croats. He still has a lot to learn in the game but he is well on his way to being a mainstay in the England team in the coming years.

Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands/PSV Eindhoven)

Netherlands’ use of a back five in the win against Ukraine brought out the best in right wingback Denzel Dumfries. Full of running and a constant goal threat all game, he stood out in a Dutch performance that threatened to implode in four short minutes as the Ukraine sought a way back to level matters, but it was Dumfries’ 85th minute winner that eventually separated both sides.

Alexander Isak (Sweden/Real Sociedad)

In a tough and resolute Swedish performance against former World and European Champions, Spain; Alexander Isak threatened to tip the scales in favour of the Swedes. The Striker that plies his trade in La Liga sought to nail the country of his employers with his smart runs, close control and overall silky skills.

Whilst we await some of the more established names to light things up from Robert Lewandowski to Alvaro Morata and Harry Kane, the likes of Paul Pogba, N’golo Kante and Cristiano Ronaldo have already set the tone for what promises to be an interesting next three weeks of football.

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