As Euro 2024 commences this Friday, the host nation Germany is set to face Scotland in the opening match at the Allianz Arena.
According to statistics and analytics from Twenty First Group, Germany boasts the highest-rated squad in the tournament, an accolade that sets high expectations for Julian Nagelsmann’s team.
Germany’s Stellar Squad
Germany enters Euro 2024 with a formidable squad, featuring a blend of youthful talent and seasoned veterans. Recent marquee victories over France and the Netherlands have bolstered their confidence.
Despite their strong squad, few see Germany as the standout team, a title often reserved for England or France. However, the data tells a different story.
According to Twenty First Group’s analytics, Germany’s average ‘Player Quality’ surpasses that of both England and France.
This metric considers various factors including player performance, age, and position, providing a comprehensive evaluation of each team’s roster. Germany’s high ranking is attributed to their consistent squad quality across all positions.
Key Players to Watch
One of Germany’s most exciting prospects is the dynamic attacking midfield duo of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala.
Both players are expected to cause significant problems for opposing defenses this summer.
In the midfield, the experienced Toni Kroos continues to be a pivotal figure.
Despite announcing his retirement post-tournament, Kroos remains an elite performer, having recently secured his sixth Champions League title with Real Madrid.
Defensively, Antonio Rudiger, also of Real Madrid, anchors Germany’s backline and is considered the team’s best player according to the analytics.
His presence ensures a solid defensive structure, contributing to Germany’s high average ‘Player Quality’.
Comparisons with England and France
While Germany’s overall squad quality is the highest, individual talents from England and France could make a significant impact.
Harry Kane is not only England’s best player but is also considered the top player of the tournament, surpassing other stars like Kylian Mbappe, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva.
However, the average quality of England’s squad is slightly diminished by the inclusion of some less prominent players.
France, on the other hand, has the smallest range in player quality, thanks to Didier Deschamps’ deep roster of highly skilled players.
Besides Mbappe, France can rely on talents like William Saliba, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Ousmane Dembele, and Antoine Griezmann. This consistency across their squad makes France perennial favorites in international tournaments.
Other Contenders and Surprises
Portugal, despite being tipped as a frontrunner, ranks seventh in terms of average player quality. Their squad, led by key player Bernardo Silva, is packed with stars but still lags behind the likes of Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain.
Portugal begins their campaign against Czechia, followed by matches against Turkey and Georgia.
Scotland, Germany’s opening match opponent, is ranked as the seventh weakest team in the tournament. Steve Clarke’s side faces a daunting task against the hosts.
Scotland has a wide range in player quality, with a few standout performers but many players rated lower on average.
Their other group opponents, Slovenia, Serbia, and Denmark, provide a challenging path in the group stages.
Conclusion
As Euro 2024 kicks off, Germany’s highly-rated squad will be under the spotlight.
Their opening match against Scotland is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting tournament.
With the backing of raucous home crowds and a team brimming with talent, Germany is well-positioned to make a deep run.
However, the competition is fierce, and only time will tell if they can live up to the high expectations set by the analytics.
TDPel Media
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