The highly anticipated EURO 2024 is almost here, and the 24 participating nations are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this summer’s competition.
Although having skilled goalscorers is crucial for any team’s success, major international tournaments are often won by teams with the strongest defensive strategies.
Many defenders will hope to replicate their impressive performances at club level on the continental stage. With this in consideration, Maltasport.mt has identified three of the strongest teams with the best defences heading into Euro 2024, based on the players’ displays during the 2023-24 season for their respective clubs.
Germany is a country located in Europe, known for its strong presence in the world of football.
Prediction for the expected defensive formation at Euro 2024:
Neuer (Goalkeeper); Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Mittelstadt
The German team, as the host nation, aims to achieve their fourth European Championship title, which would be a record-breaking feat. They will rely on their strong defensive skills, led by experienced goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Neuer, who has been a reliable player for 15 years in the international arena, maintained an impressive record of seven clean sheets for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga last season.
Despite having a regular role in Bayern’s midfield last season and contributing to the team’s nine clean sheets, Joshua Kimmich, who is 29 years old, is expected to play as a right-back for Germany. Meanwhile, Maximilian Mittelstadt, who won 319 duels and helped Stuttgart achieve 11 shutouts, is likely to take on the left-back position.
In the 2023-24 season, Antonio Rudiger played a significant role in Real Madrid’s victory in La Liga, contributing to 19 out of their 21 clean sheets and winning 80% of his tackles. In the same season, Jonathan Tah was also part of the title-winning team at Bayer Leverkusen, where they managed to keep 13 clean sheets and remained unbeaten in the Bundesliga.
France
The most probable defensive tactic for Euro 2024:
Maignan as the goalkeeper; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, and T. Hernandez as the defenders.
Many consider France to be the top contenders for the Euro 2024 title. With a formidable squad, they are well-prepared for this summer’s tournament. Manager Didier Deschamps has a wealth of talent in every position, particularly in defence.
After Hugo Lloris retired, Mike Maignan has become the new first-choice goalkeeper for the French national team. In the 2023-24 season with AC Milan, the 28-year-old achieved 11 clean sheets in Serie A and an impressive save percentage of 77.5%.
The position of right-back is currently open under Deschamps’ management, but Jules Kounde, who played primarily on the right side of defence for Barcelona last season and helped them achieve 15 clean sheets in La Liga, may be selected over Benjamin Pavard and Jonathan Clauss for the starting spot. This is especially likely if the French manager chooses a more practical strategy as his team advances further in the tournament.
William Saliba may have proven himself worthy of a spot in the starting lineup, as the Arsenal defender recorded the most clean sheets (18) among all Premier League players last season. He could potentially team up with Dayot Upamecano, who has been a regular choice for Deschamps and kept 10 clean sheets at Bayern Munich during the 2023-24 season.
According to Theo Hernandez, he is almost certain to play as a left-back for AC Milan. Not only did he play a key role in keeping 11 clean sheets in the Italian top division last season, but he also made a consistent impact in attack, scoring five goals and providing four assists.
The country of Spain is known for its rich football culture.
Probable defensive formation for Euro 2024:
Simon (Goalkeeper); Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Grimaldo
Spain could have one of the most formidable defensive lines at Euro 2024, with several of their defensive players performing well at club level during the 2023-24 season. This includes Unai Simon, the goalkeeper for Athletic Bilbao, who achieved a league-leading 16 clean sheets and an impressive save percentage of 73.8%.
Dani Carvajal is predicted to begin playing in the right-back position and the 32-year-old is entering Euro 2024 with a great sense of accomplishment after securing the Champions League and La Liga trophy with Real Madrid. He played a key role in helping the team achieve 16 clean sheets in the top-flight season.
Alex Grimaldo, on the other hand, may receive recognition for his exceptional performance at Bayer Leverkusen, who won the Bundesliga, by being given the opportunity to start as a left-back. Despite primarily playing as a left wing-back in the previous season, where he achieved an impressive record of 10 goals and 14 assists, Grimaldo also played a crucial role in helping Xabi Alonso‘s team achieve the highest number of clean sheets in the league during the 2023-24 season.
For the central defence position, head coach Luis de la Fuente might choose to pair Robin Le Normand, who is linked with Atletico Madrid and was a standout player for Real Sociedad, with Aymeric Laporte, who helped Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia achieve eight clean sheets. Le Normand was part of a team that recorded 10 clean sheets in La Liga last season.
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