Xavi wins Euro 2008 gong

Spain midfielder named Player of the Tournament

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 30th June 2008

Xavi Spain v Italy

Xavi: Star of the show at Euro 2008

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Xavi has been named as the Player of Euro 2008 after inspiring Spain to glory in Austria and Switzerland.

The Barcelona midfielder was judged to be the central figure in Spain's success as Uefa made their decision on Sunday evening.

"It was him who gave the team its tempo," said Uefa technical director Andy Roxburgh.

Xavi made five appearances in the tournament, missing only the 2-1 victory over Greece in Spain's final group game as qualification to the quarter-finals had already been assured.

He scored the opening goal against Russia in the last four and was consistently impressive in all Spain's other matches.

The 28-year-old was again a key player in Vienna on Sunday as Spain secured a 1-0 final win against Germany.

Xavi, who has now played in 63 internationals, provided a precise pass for Fernando Torres to score the crucial goal.

Squad

Uefa have also announced their 23-man squad of the tournament and, not surprisingly, Spain are the best represented country with nine players.

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and Torres of Liverpool have both been included, along with top scorer David Villa.

Germany have three players in the list, while semi-finalists Russia have four.

Six Premier League stars have made the cut, with Michael Ballack, Edwin van der Sar, Jose Bosingwa and Luka Modric joining Fabregas and Torres.

However, there is no place in the squad for Portugal and Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

Influential

Roxburgh felt Xavi stood out from the successful Spain squad.

He added: "We think he epitomised the Spanish style of play - he was extremely influential.

"We are not all that surprised, because for more than a decade now the top youth teams in Europe have been Spanish and we have been watching Xavi and others in this squad from a very young age.

"Torres scored the winner in a youth final, and Fabregas was the star of the under-17s. In this tournament, Fabregas' influence in the periods when he did play was extremely significant."

Roxburgh added that Torres has proved himself one of the top players in Europe.

"Clearly he's a match-winner - he's a fantastic front player - very fast, powerful, brave and he's a finisher. His movement is excellent as well," said Roxburgh.

"To say anyone is the best player in the world is a difficult one, but he is one of the big talents we have in European football."

He also singled out Germany captain Ballack for praise.

"Ballack was a major influence on Germany all the way to the final and he scored the best set-play goal of the competition with his free-kick against Austria," said Roxburgh.

Uefa squad of Euro 2008

Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Edwin van der Sar (Holland); Jose Bosingwa (Portugal), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Carlos Marchena (Spain), Pepe (Portugal), Carles Puyol (Spain), Yuri Zhirkov (Russia); Hamit Altintop (Turkey), Luka Modric (Croatia), Marcos Senna (Spain), Xavi (Spain), Konstantin Zyryanov (Russia), Michael Ballack (Germany), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Lukas Podolski (Germany), Wesley Sneijder (Holland); Andrei Arshavin (Russia), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Russia), Fernando Torres (Spain), David Villa (Spain).

Comments

John Norton (Liverpool fan) says...

I have to agree with the players chosen, but for somebody like Senna (virtually unknown in england, ireland) to stamp his presence on the european stage was immense,what a player, his all round play was a lesson for every kid watching.

Posted 20:58 30th June 2008

Anthony Ndawula (Arsenal fan) says...

Some of the palyers dont augur well to me. Surely Lahm was a mess,what was Bosingwa's contribution,having seen all the games i think torres was lost most of the time and only woke up in the final.

Posted 19:40 30th June 2008

Barry Mcrar (Celtic fan) says...

No Artur Boruc? Clearly the standout keeper of the group stages.

Posted 17:50 30th June 2008

Jim Ball (Chelsea fan) says...

Where is Arda Turan? he had a really good tournament for Turkey.... as did Semih... Surprising they aren't in the 23 whilst people like Lahm are!

Posted 17:46 30th June 2008

Ismail Laher (Liverpool fan) says...

I think David Silva should have been included in the 23 man squad.

Posted 17:34 30th June 2008

James Murphy (Arsenal fan) says...

im so pleased that Ronaldo did not make the squad of 23 clearly he is not the match winner everyone thinks he is so clearly he is not the best player in the world. I think they got it right with Xavi he was the best player along with Iniesta and Torres were the ones who tried to play simple beautiful football NO TRICKS OR STEPOVERS RONALDO !!!!!!!!!!!

Posted 14:30 30th June 2008

Philip Gregory (Manchester United fan) says...

Well Well seems like Ronaldo is being regarded as yesterdays fish n chip paper and it comes as no surprise as the media now have a proper footbal story to tell. The Spanish were simply the best football team and every one of their players deserve to take a bow. To mis quote a current politician "players come and players go " ( but the Country or Club they play for will go on forever).

Posted 14:30 30th June 2008

Edem Ngelengele (Arsenal fan) says...

Arjen Robben, Benzema and Robin Van Persie should have also been included in the squad.

Posted 14:15 30th June 2008

Anthony Craddock (Chelsea fan) says...

Can't really argue with that!!! Nice to see Fernando Torres praised. He really is class and brings a lot to the Premiership for his style. A bit unsure about Philip Lahm though, felt he was a bit hit and miss. Ballack was immense for Germany though!

Posted 14:11 30th June 2008

Domininc Grubb (Aston Villa fan) says...

Every player in the list features from a team that reached the quarter finals. Some great players have been missed out, the most noticeable for me being artur boruc. I dont believe this represents the best players in the euro but more the best teams in the euro. Let the people choose!

Posted 13:58 30th June 2008

Simon Fitzgerald (Manchester United fan) says...

Phillipp Lahm are you kidding??? Did they see him play? , I think UEFA have had to many cocktail parties

Posted 13:15 30th June 2008

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