Does teamwork makes the dream work? Are unison and organisation the most important attributes in football?

Leicester, Wales, even Iceland have exceeded all expectations this year thanks to esquisite tactics and undeniable desire. On the other hand the likes of Belgium, England and Chelsea have slumped miserably despite the likes of Hazard, De Bruyne and Rooney in their squads. Is great teamwork and 'a plan' the key to success nowadays or is individual brilliance a must in every team?

Leicester City:

Achievements 2015/2016: EPL Champions, PFA player of the year (Riyad Mahrez), Third top scorer (Jamie Vardy), Only lost 3 games.

Notable performances: 2-1 vs Chelsea, 2-0 vs Liverpool, 3-1 vs Manchester City

Key men: Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, Ngolo Kante, Robert Huth, Wes Morgan

Mahrez has been linked with Barcelona and Arsenal

Leicester became only the 6th team to win the Premier League when they surpassed the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham to the title in what was a dramatic season. Leicester adopted a 4-4-2 set up which worked a treat, each and every player had an endless work rate and they were not afraid to attack the 'big' clubs. Leicester had the ability to shut up shop at the back with a back four of: Fuchs, Morgan, Huth and Simpson, which was largely unchanged. Alternatively they were immense going forwards through the industrious Vardy or magic Mahrez. Whilst many will say they won the title due to their competition's incompetence it must be argued that Leicester played as a team since every player knew their role inside out. At the same time they would not have won without the individual brilliance of Mahrez and even Vardy who created goals out of nothing to propel Leicester to the very top. Surviving without Kante and perhaps Marhez will be Leicester's next challenge ...

Wales:

Achievements 2015/2016: 2nd in EURO qualifying, Top of Group B Euros, Progressed to the Semi-Finals Euros 2016.

Notable performances: 1-0 vs Belgium (Qualifying), 3-0 vs Russia, 3-1 vs Belgium

Key men: Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen, Ashley Williams, James Chester, Ben Davies

Reaching the Euros alone was an achievement in itself for Wales, progressing as far as the Semi Finals was truly remarkable. Wales built from the back of a 5 man defence which was at times impossible to break down, in front of them were the complete midfielders in Allen, Ramsey and Ledley, up front was none other than Bale and the impressive Kanu too. Chris Coleman set up the same way every match with a large focus on staying tight on the back and hurting opposition on the counter attack or from set pieces. Along with perfect tactics the Welsh team had passion and desire in abundance, something that perhaps Belgium or England were lacking? Similarly to Leicester Wales had individuality in addition to team spirit, the star quality of Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale who their main goal threats.

Iceland: 

Gylfi Sigurdsson is a CAM for Iceland

Achievements 2015/2016: 2nd in Euro qualifying, 2nd in Group F, Quarter Finals, only team to score in every Euros game, showcasing wonderful celebrations.

Notable Performances: 1-0 vs Netherlands (Qualifying), 1-1 vs Portugal, 2-1 vs Austria, 2-1 vs England.

Key men: Gylfi Sigurdsson, Radja Sigurdsson, Aron Gunnarsson

Iceland were not only the surprise of the tournament but also became everyone's favourite team. Equipped with a fearless mentality, looping throw ins and frightening celebrations, the country with 330 000 went about challenging Portugal, Hungary, Austria and England before succumbing to host's France. Iceland played with 2 up front despite this they were rarely exposed and looked more than solid at the back with Radja Sigurdsson impressing on more than one occasion. Unlike Leicester and Wales Icealnd can't boast they have fantastic quality like Bale or Mahrez, Gylfi Sigurdsson, the Swansea midfielder, is regarded as their best player however he didn't stand out significantly at the Euros. All the same good organisation and playing to their strengths meant Iceland exceeded everyone's expectations.

Ultimately a plan is key, whether it be to sit back like Wales or attack on the counter like Vardy, however on top of this you need some flair and brilliance to either create and finish chances. By consequence the likes of Bale and Mahrez are the most influential figures since tactics are built around them and their undeniable skills.