Top 10 Players From The 2015 U21 European Championships

9. Simon Tibbling (Sweden)

Simon Tibbling began Sweden's campaign as a substitute but his skilful performances saw him cement his place in the first team as the tournament developed. The 20-year-old who plays in midfield for Groningen (where Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben also started his senior career) showed his quality during Sweden's semi-final against Denmark where he controlled the pace of the game and shut down opposition counter-attacks on multiple occasions. It was the midfielder's versatility that was particularly impressive as Sweden started to progress throughout the competition. Coach, Håkan Ericson's tactics were strictly regimented and Tibbling's strong ability to read a game became an important factor as Sweden continued with their bullish style. Ericson played the Groningen midfielder on the left side against Portugal where he grabbed the crucial equaliser that saw Sweden progress to the semi-finals. The Groningen midfielder played on the left against Portugal, scoring the crucial equaliser that sent Sweden through to the semi-finals ahead of Italy. Against Denmark he was given the freedom to drift across the midfield and put in some great work down the right flank. His energy and technique was exceptional and he was very much a key part of Sweden's smothering philosophy. At times he did the work of two men, winning the ball from the opposition and driving forward to assist his strikers.