Ones to watch in the Semi Finals : Germany

Ahead of the Euro 2016 Semi Finals I will be highlighting three players from each of the four teams : Portugal, Wales, Germany and France, who are likely to have a strong influence in the outcome of such crucial fixtures.

Germany 

Manuel Neuer 

5 games. 4 clean sheets. One remarkable player. Neuer is often forgotten as one of the World's greatest players when superstar names such as Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo are thrown around. However Neuer always, always, performs on the big stage as if errors are not a part of his vocabulary. The Bayern keeper will be threatened by the likes of Payet, Griezmann and Giroud yet the 30 year old will undoubtedly have the self-belief that he can prevent the golden boot contenders from making a mark. Penalties and Neuer go together like penalties and well, Germany, beating Neuer's looming frame is just half the job for the spot kicker, overcoming the keeper's oozing confidence is the hardest part. Expect an exceptional and fearless display from undeniably the World's greatest keeper.



Toni Kroos 

The man with the ball always at his feet. Kroos is the Xavi of 2016, a player with the vision and execution to dictate the game and create chance upon chance. The Real Madrid man will be up against Pogba and Matuidi in the French midfield, German boss Low will be hoping that Kroos and the experienced Schweinsteiger are not overpowered in the centre of the park. Expect France to try and press the Germans as a unit at times to try and dispossess the World Champions however that is unlikely to unnerve Kroos who has a 93% pass accuracy to boast. Furthermore Kroos has made more passes than anyone else at Euro 2016, epitomising his tidy playstyle.

Mesut Ozil

Despite missing two penalties Ozil has been fairly impressive this tournament in an at times underwhelming German attack when compared to their free scoring World Cup squad, now most notably including a misfiring Muller. The 27 year old has got a goal and assist to his name, including a crisp strike against the Italians, marking past Chiellini and Buffon is no easy feat. Ozil completed 90% of his dribbles in his last match whilst almost 70% of his through balls found their target. Most surprisingly of all was the fact Ozil regained possession 11 times, usually Central Attacking Midfielders are content to wait for the ball however Ozil adopted the German's high pressing methods to great effect. Expect the Arsenal man to continue in the same manner against France, pressing the likes of Pogba, whose desire to travel with the ball from deep could leave him vulnerable to onrushing Germans.