Who will be the best attacking midfield schemer at EURO 2004?

[nirvaanfc]

The countries with the best chances at EURO2004 all have something in common the possession of a midfield genius who can run their play.

A schemer/playmaker would be someone whoruns the attacking side of midfield not really defending. An exception will be made for Michael Ballack since he plays a playmaker role but does amazing defensive work as well.
The likes of Robert Pires and David Beckham do not appear since they are more wingers.

[SirManchester]

Totti I say. I would love to say Ballack but he has been in terrible shape this season and if he isn't positioned right or playing the right formation I don't see him contributing too much.

[soji22]

Even though Zidane has recently admitted that he is currently playing his worst football since 1998-99, I expect him to stand up and be counted in Portugal. He turns 32 during the finals; this may very well be his international swansong. Also, he will want to wipe away the memories of France's acrimonious first round exit from Korea/Japan 2002. Portugal 2004 is Zidane's chance to bid au revoir to international football with an almighty bang.

[SwissGCZ]

Should Hakan Yakin regain his 2002-2003 Champions League form he could be one of the tournament's best...

[nirvaanfc]

Granted last year Hakan yakin was in inspirational form his fal from grace has been catastrophic.
He has moved from one of Europe's hottest properties to a squad member at Stuttgart featuriing as a sub mostly.
I believe as Hakan Yakin goes so will Switzerland.
The swiss rely heavily of Alexander Frei for goals can Hakan Yakin supply the ammo?

[nirvaanfc]

Michael Ballack's form has abandoned him and he looks a far cry from the German inspiration he was to lead them to the final in WC2002 (suspended for the final, maybe Germany would have won with himin squad)

Michael Ballack has become the true leader of the German national team and for Germany to challenge in a group boasting the Dutch and Czechs he must step and lead by example.

[nirvaanfc]

Zinedine Zidane will have a strong tournament and if he doesn't look for France to leave early on.

[sardus_pater]

It will be a fight between Totti and Zidane I guess.

Totti is better as a playmaker, he is the best around in one touch flying assists.
Zidane is better in dribbling.

Totti must still demonstrate his talent outside of the italian championship, Zidane is already a king.

[nirvaanfc]

Francesco Totti is still very unproven on the big stage.
Zinedine Zidane has conquered all before him and as such deserves his king title.

But this tournament could be the coming out party for Francesco Totti.
Totti has been the best creative player on the planet this past year and if current form continues will give Italy a true creative genius not seen at a major tournament since the great Roberto Baggio.

[afgrijselijkheid]

i think totti, valeron and van der vaart are set for big tourneys, but i think bulgaria's stilian petrov and russia's dmitry sychev could also show very well

[DayVeeCRO]

Niko Kranjčar from Croatia, (Dinamo Zagreb), remember that name!!

[afgrijselijkheid]

Niko Kranjčar from Croatia, (Dinamo Zagreb), remember that name!!


he wont be starting yet in portugal, will he?

[Offside2]

There are several. RvV, Snijder, Lampard, C. Ronaldo, Zidane

[SwissGCZ]

He has moved from one of Europe's hottest properties to a squad member at Stuttgart featuriing as a sub mostly.
Hakan is a sensible player and needs a very supportive environment to excel at the highest level. He has yet to experience that at Stuttgart...

The swiss rely heavily of Alexander Frei for goals can Hakan Yakin supply the ammo?
That would be correct, although Ricardo Cabanas and Stephane Chapuisat are also good for a trick or two. Marco Streller is also a very promising target forward...

[HV- 20]

he wont be starting yet in portugal, will he?
Well, it seems that everybody in croatia thinks he should play except the coach who is so indecisive about giving him a chance, because it would mean that one of the more experienced players is off the pitch, but I think he will have no other choice but to field him in Portugal.

I realise that Kranjcar isn't known to people outside Croatia and that you'll all probably say what are these croatian guys thinking of, speaking of him in this thread, but he is only 19 and the hunt to get im is already on by some of the largest clubs in Europe.
I like to think that I know something about football, and I predict a great future for him. we'll see...

Anyway, those of you who will have the chance to follow the U23 EC in germany in may can watch him and decide for yourself.

Zidane is something else, but out of those players in the forum I have to say Totti, although I dislike the guy because of his tendency to fall down easily, but the skill is unquestionable. I would choose Deco instead of him, but from what I've seen so far he will only be starting on the bench as a sub to Rui Costa.

[Offside2]

If I vote for Zidane, I fear the cup will go to France. But I think it will be Lampard or Gerrard. (England)

[mad theory]

I think Zidane will regain his form in time for Euro 2004.

But we must watch out for Deco because he's becoming one the up and coming stars at the moment..

But I think Gerrard or Lampard will either be the star playmaker of the tourny.

[Offside2]

I think Zidane will regain his form in time for Euro 2004.

But we must watch out for Deco because he's becoming one the up and coming stars at the moment..

But I think Gerrard or Lampard will either be the star playmaker of the tourny.

Do you regard Lampard or Gerrard better/higher? I think Lampard.

[HV- 20]

Lampard and Gerrard are great players, but there's a nice italian word for a player we're voting for - "fantasista", the real number 10 playmaker. None of them qualifies, nor does Beckham or Scholes, and that could hurt England. However, four players of such class working as a unit guarantees you one of the finest and most complete midfields outthere.

[Offside2]

The best playmaker would be Zidane. Although he lost some form, he should be able to grasp his old form again within a short time.