Top 5 Forwards Euro 2016

Clinical finishing. Instinctive movement. Aerial threat. 
A striker must possess a handful of these qualities to make a defender's job more and more difficult. Which forwards (Left  Wing, Striker, Right Wing) impressed in France this summer?

5) Alvaro Morata: Spain

Similarly to Iniesta this Spaniard has been all but forgotten about after Spain's premature departure. Many were questioning whether Morata had it in him to replicate Fernando Torres's fine display at the 2008 Euros, Morata certainly had a large impact. The 23 year old entered the tournament as a Juventus player however Real Madrid activated a return clause of £23 million after some impressive performances. Three goals in four appearances is a very good return for the fairly inexperienced striker who has only featured 13 times for Spain. Morata finished second top scorer which is very respectable since Griezmann and Ronaldo featured in 3 more games than him. Morata has all but confirmed himself as Spain's number 1 striker.

4) Olivier Giroud: France

Giroud started off the tournament well, a crucial header vs Romania saw him confirmed as France's first choice target man ahead of Gignac. However Giroud had more to his game than goals, his link up play with Griezmann was first class most notably against the Republic of Ireland. Giroud got himself a brace and assist against Iceland to relieve a burden of criticism off his back yet this didn't last long as he was blasted for his sluggish pace against Germany. Giroud will be disappointed not to have more of an impact in the final, he could only fire straight at the in form Patricio, however this should not dent an honorable campaign for the Arsenal man.

3) Dimitri Payet: France
Payet started out as player of the tournament thanks to a curling strike vs Romania followed by a fantastic solo effort. However the West Ham star faded as France progressed further, he failed to get on the ball as much against stronger opposition such as Germany and Portugal and subsequently didn't register a goal or assist in either. However 3 goals for a wide man must still be applauded and Payet's value is till on the rise.

2) Gareth Bale: Wales
Bale became the third player to score two free kicks at a single tournament, Ronaldo watch and learn. Furthermore Bale provided an outlet for Wales at every opportunity, the Madrid talisman was not afraid to carry the ball at shaking defenders. Bale can't be disappointed with his own performance in which he did everything to see Wales progress as far as possible. Wales will be hoping that their star man can stay fit and help them get through to the 2018 World Cup.

1) Antoine Griezmann: France
It was impossible not to let Griezmann to top this list after the Madrid forward won the Golden Boot by a margin of 3 goals with 6 strikes to his name. Griezmann has shown both his capabilities in the air and ground, furthermore Griezmann is content to run in behind or alternatively travel with the ball at his feet. At 26 years old he has age on his side ahead of Giroud and Payet and will surely be an integral part to their squad as they try and improve on their Final loss at the World Cup.




Notable Mentions: 

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal
Eden Hazard: Belgium
Graziano Pelle: Italy
Luis Nani: Portugal
Harry Kane: England