10 influential faces to be watched for, at the ‘Euros’.

You might have read a lot of articles on superstars and top goal getters who will decide the winner of the competition. But Ashutosh Deshpande throws light on a few players who are not in the spotlight, who don’t win awards and don’t get a lot of attention, yet are the backbone to the success of their teams. Better keep them in your radar.

(Not in any particular order)

1. Adrian Mutu

The striker is hugely under-rated according to me. With 18 goals in last 20 matches, the hope of Romania lies hugely on his shoulders. With the Tonis and Ronaldos flooding polls for top scorers, he is a man who can change destiny of Romania and even giants like Italy & France, quite singlehandedly. His sharp-shooting skills compliment to his tactically astute play helping the side to win matches.

2. Ricardo Quaresma

According to me he is better than his compatriot Ronaldo. Quaresma can play on both flanks as well as a supporting attacker. Unlike Ronaldo, Quaresma is a big match performer. The 1-3 defeat to Italy saw Ronaldo flopping hugely, but Quaresma was the stand out performer. With great passing skills and a good eye for shooting, he has being named by Figo as his natural successor to his Portugal throne

3. Jeremy Toulalan

The powerful center-midfielder and is supposedly the heir to Makalele and Viera in the French team. The Lyon midfielder may have to work hard to seal a place in the French team yet is very influential when it comes to field play. He can both attack and defend and provides the much needed stability in the midfield of the French. With two defensive midfielders and a world class winger in Ribery, the French midfield won’t look empty by his presence.

4. David Silva

In the hugely talented Spanish side, Silva is a huge prospect that impresses me the most. Plays on the left flank and has a huge appetite to take on defenders. With mazy runs, long shots, long balls, fantastic through balls….he can literally do anything. Only a fool can miss to watch him.

5. Bastian Schweinsteinger

The Germans will be hoping for him to lead the midfield from the front. With Ballack as another player like him, Bastian will play from the right flank. He is known for his creative passing as well as long shots. Maybe the WC defeat to Italy was a result of his absence in the lineup.

6. Mauro Camoranesi

The skillful winger can play anywhere in the midfield as well as a supporting striker. He has been the most creative man for Italy of late. After a fantastic 2008 with Juve, the winger will be on the radar for his skillful passes, excellent crosses and poaching goals.

7. Ivan Rakitic

The rocket, as he is rightly nick-named, is a technically gifted attacking midfielder. A huge success at Schalke, is known for his match winning performances for both his country and team. He has a hawk-eye for a goal, and yet can provide some nice passes. It is his under-rated stature that can hoodwink his opponent.

8. Wesley Sneijder

When you will be looking at Nistelrooy, Robben and VanDerVaart the youngster is sure to catch your eye. A creative player, who can have no weak foot, can score and create with as much capacity. His free kicks, accurate through balls and running through the midfield can be troublesome to the opponent.

9. Andrei Arshavin

The star Zenit player, who was responsible for his clubs triumph in UEFA CUP, will be, ironically, missed by Russia in the first two games. Yet he can make a further impact on the tournament. A nightmare for opponent defenders, who can shoot as well provide assists with equal capability. Once you give him a little free space, then there is a 100% probability that he will score.

Kim Kallstrom

Another huge-impact man, who needs to gel up with Zlatan very well, for any chances of Sweden to win this competition. He is a powerful and gifted midfielder, who can do literally everything when the ball is in his feet. He likes to exploit space and score from left footed screamers. His maturity and perseverance will help him to perform in the big stage.