2020 – 21 UEFA Nations League Team of the Tournament
As the Matadors finished runner – ups, the EURO 2020 champions, Italy, finished 3rd as they beat Belgium 2 – 1 in the third – place play – off. Read on to learn more about the 2020 – 21 UEFA Nations League Team of the Tournament.
The UEFA Nations League is a biennial international football competition which is contested by the senior men's national teams of the member associations of UEFA.
The tournament is mainly aimed at replacing the international friendly matches which had been played on 'FIFA Days', and also make them more exciting for the fans, and importantly, because of the economic advantages an organized tournament has over random friendly matches.
Moreover, in order to increase its importance for the contesting teams, the UEFA Nations League is linked with European qualification for the FIFA World Cup, although to a lesser degree than the UEFA European Championship qualifying play-offs: The first round of the World Cup qualification consists of ten groups.
The winner of each group will directly qualify for the World Cup. Each group's winner will directly qualify for the World Cup. Then the groups' runner – ups, plus the best two Nations League group winners – that were not among those groups' runner – ups - have to compete in the second round.
Let's take a look at how the tournament is played: a total of 55 European national teams who are members of UEFA take part in the tournament. There are 4 leagues in the competition (A, B, C, and D).
Leagues A, B and C all consist of 16 teams, which are divided into four groups of four teams for the group phase. The remaining seven teams, in League D, are split into two groups, one of four and the other of three. During the group stage, teams face all their group opponents in home and away fixtures.
The four teams who win the groups in in League A will advance to the knockout Finals phase. These 4 teams play in a knockout format which consists of the semi - finals, a third – place – play – off, and of course, the final match.
The semi – finals rivals are determined by means of an open draw. The group winners in the other three leagues will all be promoted for the next edition of the league.
The teams finishing fourth in the groups in Leagues A and B will be relegated. The teams finishing fourth in the League C groups will enter the play-outs in with the two teams defeated in those ties moving to League D.
The inaugural tournament was the 2018 – 19 version, at the end of which Portugal managed to win the first ever UEFA Nations League title upon beating
Netherlands1 – 0 in the final, with England finishing 3rd and Switzerland 4th.
The second – and most recent – version of the tournament was the
2020–21 UEFA Nations League
, where none of the 4 teams who were present in 2018 – 19 competition's final phase managed to achieve the feat in 2020 – 21: France national football team became the
UEFA nations league winner 2021
after they defeated Spain 2 – 1 in the final match.
In this article, we are going to reveal the names of the players who make it in the
2020 – 21 UEFA Nations League Team of the Tournament
.
2020 – 21 UEFA Nations League Team of the Tournament:
A number of players have had bright performances during the league, yet only 11 can be included in an XI. Read on to learn more about our Team of the Tournament for the most recent UEFA Nations League.
Goal keepers
The following is the Goal keeper of our Team of the Tournament for the most recent UEFA Nations League.
Hugo Lorris
Full name: Hugo Hadrien Dominique Lloris
Date of birth: 26 December 1986 (age 35)
Place of birth: Nice, France
Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s): Goalkeeper
Current team: Tottenham Hotspur
The 35 – year – old keeper,
Hugo Lloris, who captains French national team, raised the 2020 –21 UEFA Nations League's trophy after triumphantly doing so with the prestigious World Cup award in 2018.
The sweeper – keeper was a key player in France's conquest of the title. He kept 3 clean sheets within 8 matches for The Blues, and managed to make a total 24 saves throughout the tournament, including 3 in the final match against Spain.
Note: the goal keepers with the best Saves per Match ratio are as follows:
Ibrahim Sehic (4.8), Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dominik Livakovic (3.7), Croatia
Robin Olsen (3.3), Sweden
Rui Patricio (3.3) Portugal
Yann Sommer (3.2), Switzerland
Hugo Llorris (3.0), France
Manuel Neuer (2.8), Germany
Defenders
The followings are the defenders of our Team of the Tournament for the most recent UEFA Nations League.
Pau Torres
Full name: Pau Francisco Torres
Date of birth: 16 January 1997 (age 25)
Place of birth: Villarreal, Spain
Height: 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s): Centre-back
Current team: Villarreal
The 25 – year – old center back showcased one of the brightest individual performances from a defender in the tournament.
Under Luis Enrique's leadership, Spain national team plays a free – flowing football in which center backs play a pivotal role in organizing attacks from the defense line, and
Villareal's defender was one of the most dependable presences for Spain throughout the competition.
With the amazing record of 100.7 accurate passes per Match,
Pau Torresrecorded the best number among all players, 20 more than Toby Alderweireled who stood 2nd in that list. Moreover, Pau Torres made a total of 12 clearances and 6 interceptions during the UEFA Nations League.
He helped Spain reach the final match of the tournament, although the Matadors' young squad was defeated by French super stars in the final 2 – 1.
Presnel Kimpembe
Full name: Presnel Kimpembe
Date of birth: 13 August 1995 (age 26)
Place of birth: Beaumont-sur-Oise, France
Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s): Centre-back
Current team: Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint – Germain's defender,
Presnel Kimpembe, was a solid presence for France national team throughout 2020 – 21 UEFA Nations League, especially in the final match against Spain.
He had the most tackles (5) in the match with a success rate of 100%. Moreover, he made 8 ball recoveries and 3 clearances.
Overall, Kimpembe featured in 5 matches for the Blues in the tournament, made 17 clearances and 6 interceptions, and helped them to the conquest of the title.
Alessandro Bastoni
Full name: Alessandro Bastoni
Date of birth: 13 April 1999 (age 22)
Place of birth: Casalmaggiore, Italy
Height: 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s): Centre-back
Current team: Inter Milan
It seems like there can't be a list of best Team of a Tournament without an Italian defender. So here’s ours:
Alessandro Bastoni.
The 22 – year – old tall – statured center back was one of the most vital players for Azzurri during the competition. EURO 2020 Champions were defeated by Spain in the semi – finals and faced Belgium in the 3rd – place play off.
They overcome the Red Devils 2 – 1 in a game Bastoni shined in: 46 out of his total 47 passes during the match were accurate (98%), and he also sent 5 long balls with an accuracy of 100%.
In addition to play – making tasks, Inter Milan's defender was a bright presence in defensive set ups as well, where he made 6 ball recoveries, 5 clearances, and 2 interceptions, all in 1 match.
He has showcased a natural flair for being a dependable defender, and with regard to his age, Italian fans – especially Nerazzurri fans – have high hopes for his future.
Theo Hernandez
Full name: Theo Bernard François Hernandez
Date of birth: 6 October 1997 (age 24)
Place of birth: Marseille, France
Height: 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s): Left-back
Current team: A.C. Milan
A.C. Milan and French national team's left back has undoubtedly been one of the best players in the world in his position during the last year, and his luminous performances for the UEFA nations league winner 2021 in the final round has left us no choice but to name him in this list.
He was a starter for the Blues in semi – final and the final match, and appeared to shine in both. The attacking – minded defender scored the late winning – goal against Belgium in the semi – finals match in a game which France completed an astounding comeback and managed to win the game 3 – 2, having been 2 – 0 behind until 62nd minute of the game.
– who played mostly as a Left midfielder rather than a defender for France in the tournament – recorded 96% accurate passes in that match, made 2 clearances and 3 ball recoveries.
Moreover, the 24 – year – old versatile player replicated his outstanding performance in the final match as well, where he assisted Kylian Mbappe's wining – goal in the 80th minute, helping France accomplish another comeback and win the game 2 – 1.
He hit the woodwork once in that match, and sent a key pass. Moreover, Hernandez did his defensive tasks successfully and managed to make 2 clearances, 5 ball recoveries and won 4 ground duels.
He was indubitably one of the most determining presences for France in their 2 last games which led to the title conquest.
Midfielders
The followings are the Midfielders of our Team of the Tournament for the most recent UEFA Nations League.
Paul Pogba
Full name: Paul Labile Pogba
Date of birth: 15 March 1993 (age 29)
Place of birth: Lagny-sur-Marne, France
Height: 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s): Midfielder
Current team: Manchester United
Although he has not been having good days with Manchester United,
Paul Pogbahas never let down his national side.
He appeared in 6 matches for the Blues throughout the competition, scored 2 goals, provided 1 assist, and played a pivotal role in France's winning the 2nd version of the UEFA Nations League.
Pogba's performances in the semi – finals match against Belgium and the final match against Spain were undoubtedly 2 of the best individual performances of the tournament: During France's staggering comeback against Belgium, Paul Pogba had 85 touches, had 57 accurate passes of his total 63 passes (90% accuracy), sent 3 key passes completed 2 dribbles, recovered 5 balls, and hit the wood work once.
Moreover, he won 5 ground duels and 2 aerial ones. He also had the most tackles (2) in the match and was revered by pundits after the game.
Furthermore, the 29 – year – old strong – statured midfielder showcased a brilliant performance in the final match 3 days later, where he completed the most dribbles (6) and won the most duels (13) in the match.
Five of his seven long balls reached to the teammate successfully, and he also managed to recover 11 balls. Moreover, he sent 1 key passes, and recorded 42 accurate passes out of his total 51 (82%).
What Pogba displayed during the match was a perfect example of what a box – to – box midfielder must do on the pitch. He is an unquestionable component of the
2020 – 21 UEFA Nations League Team of the Tournament
.
Sergio Busquets
Full name: Sergio Busquets Burgos
Date of birth: 16 July 1988 (age 33)
Place of birth: Sabadell, Spain
Height: 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s): Defensive midfielder
Current team: Barcelona
The 33 – year – old defensive midfielder was officially named the Player of the Tournament at the end 2020 – 21 UEFA Nations League by UEFA.
He is currently captaining the team, as he did during the final round of the tournament. He featured in 5 games for his national team during the tournament, won 7 tackles, made 6 interceptions, and sent 6 key passes. He also completed 4 dribbles.
directed the ball with finesse and efficiency, controlled the midfield, and as always, impressed with his astonishing spatial awareness on the field. He has been the heart of Barcelona and Spain's tactical set ups.
He sets his team's tempo, and was a vital player in Spain's squad and heled them reach the final of the Nations League and EURO 2020 during last year.
Attackers
The followings are the Attackers of our Team of the Tournament for the most recent UEFA Nations League.
Mikel Oyarzabal
Full name: Mikel Oyarzabal Ugarte
Date of birth: 21 April 1997 (age 24)
Place of birth: Eibar, Spain
Height: 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s): Winger, forward
Current team: Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad's 24 – year – old Winger was one of the best players of the tournament. Having scored 3 goals coupled with providing 2 assists within 6 appearances for Spain, Oyarzabal impressed football fans during the competition.
He also sent 5 key passes for his teammates. Oyarzabal assisted Spain's both goals in the 2 – 1 victory against Italy in the semi – finals match. He sent 4 key passes during that game and recorded one of his brightest performances for his national team.
In the final match against France, he shined again and scored Spain's goal. However, they ultimately lost the game – and the trophy – to the opponent.
Ferran Torres
Full name: Ferran Torres García
Date of birth: 29 February 2000 (age 22)
Place of birth: Foios, Spain
Height: 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s): Forward
Current team: Barcelona
was one of the
UEFA Nations league top Scorers 2021
with 6 goals alongside the Belgian Romelu Lukaku. He played in all of Spain's 8 games, and played one of the most pivotal roles in Spain reaching the final match.
He scored both goals in Spain's 2 – 1 victory over EURO 2020 champions Italy in the semi – finals and led his side to the final match. He was the top scorer of the Nations League finals alongside Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe with 2 goals.
However, the 'Alipay Top Scorer trophy' was given to Kylian Mbappe since he had provided 2 assists as well. Moreover, having averaged 87 Minutes per goal ratio, Torres was the 2nd best player of the tournament behind the Italian Domenico Berardi (68 Mins per goal) in that respect.
Furthermore, the 22 – year – old winger sent a total of 12 key passes for his teammates throughout the tournament.
Kylian Mbappe
Full name: Kylian Mbappé Lottin
Date of birth: 20 December 1998 (age 23)
Place of birth: Paris, France
Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s): Forward
Current team: Paris Saint-Germain
The French wonder kid,
Kylian Mbappe, has had a rise to stardom in recent years, and he is excelling at his game year after year. Mbappe's performance during the UEFA Nations League was extremely luminous: Mbappe netted 4 goals and provided assists to 3 further within 6 appearances for the Blues in the competition.
In semi-finals against Belgium, Mbappe set up Benzema's goal in the 62' while France was 2 goals behind, and later scored another goal himself from the penalty spot to help his team come from behind and ultimately win the game 3 – 2 with a startling comeback as Theo Hernandez scored the winning – goal in the 90th minute.
The match was Kylian Mbappe's 50th official cap for Les Bleus at the age of only 22 years and 9.5 months. Three days later, in the final game against Spain, he assisted Benzema once again to level the match 1 – 1, and later netted the match – winning goal and brought the title for his national team the first time after defeating Spain 2 – 1.
Upon scoring 2 goals and providing two assists in the Nations League Final round, Mbappe was awarded the tournament's Golden Boot, known as the "Alipay Top Scorer Trophy." In addition, Mbappe completed the most dribbles per Match (4.0) throughout the competition, possessing astonishing technique with the ball, quick feet, and lightning pace.
Moreover, he sent a total of 7 key passes for his fellow teammates. Football fans and pundits predict a marvelous future for the extremely gifted player.
Karim Benzema
Full name: Karim Mostafa Benzema
Date of birth: 19 December 1987 (age 34)
Place of birth: Lyon, France
Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s): Striker
Current team: Real Madrid
The French hit man seems to be at the peak of his career.
Karim Benzemafinally returned to France national team's list on May 18th, 2021, for the EURO 2020 after a more than 5 – year absence. He had not played in France's 6 group stage matches, yet he was a part of the squad for the final round.
In the semi – finals game against Belgium, he scored the blues' first goal and helped them come from behind and win the match 3 – 2. Upon doing that, Benzema scored his 32nd ever goal for France and over took Zinedine Zidane.
He later overtook David Trezeguet in the France scoring records as well and currently stand's 5th in that list with 36 goals. Back to the UEFA Nations League, the 34 – year – old striker scored France's first goal in the 2 – 1 victory over Spain in the final match and led his team to the triumph of the title.
Benzema was named the "Player of the Match" after the final match due to his bright performance. Having scored 2 goals in Nations League Finals, he was the joint top scorer alongside fellow teammate Kylian Mbappe and the Spanish Ferran Torres.
However, Mbappe was awarded the trophy as he had also provided 2 assists, and Benzema achieved the Bronze boot as he had played more minutes than Torres.
Most remarkably, upon achieving the UEFA Nations League title, Karim Benzema achieved his first trophy with France senior team, and also took his tally of team trophies to 27, making him the most decorated French player of all time.
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