Euro 2024 is nearly upon us, and the excitement is building as 24 nations gear up for this summer's tournament. While goalscorers often steal the spotlight, it’s often the sturdiest defenses that lead to success in major international tournaments. Let’s take a look at some of the meanest defenses in Europe based on current form.
Germany:
Host nation Germany will be hoping to build their bid for a fourth European Championship title on a solid defense. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who kept seven clean sheets for Bayern Munich last season, remains a reliable presence between the sticks.Although Joshua Kimmich usually plays in midfield for Bayern, where he helped secure nine clean sheets, he is expected to take the right-back position for Germany. On the left, Maximilian Mittelstadt, who won 319 duels and helped Stuttgart secure 11 shutouts, is set to play.
In central defense, Antonio Rudiger was pivotal in Real Madrid’s La Liga title win, contributing to 19 clean sheets and winning 80% of his tackles. He is likely to be paired with Jonathan Tah, who was a key player for Bayer Leverkusen, helping them go undefeated in the Bundesliga with 13 clean sheets.
Likely defensive setup: Manuel Neuer (GK); Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Jonathan Tah, Mittelstadt
Spain:
Spain boasts one of the strongest backlines at Euro 2024, with several defenders coming off impressive club seasons. Goalkeeper Unai Simon led La Liga with 16 clean sheets and a 73.8% save percentage at Athletic Bilbao.At right-back, Dani Carvajal enters the tournament on a high, having won the Champions League and La Liga with Real Madrid, contributing to 16 clean sheets. Alex Grimaldo, who had an outstanding season with Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 10 goals and providing 14 assists while helping secure a league-high 16 clean sheets, is likely to start at left-back.
In central defense, Robin Le Normand, a standout for Real Sociedad with 10 clean sheets, and Aymeric Laporte, who helped Al-Nassr achieve eight shutouts, are expected to form a strong partnership.
Likely defensive setup: Unai Simon (GK); Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, Alex Grimaldo
France:
France, favorites to win Euro 2024, have a wealth of defensive talent. Mike Maignan, who has taken over as France's number one following Hugo Lloris's retirement, kept 11 clean sheets in Serie A with AC Milan, boasting a 77.5% save percentage.Jules Kounde, who helped Barcelona to 15 La Liga clean sheets, is a strong contender for the right-back position, competing with Benjamin Pavard and Jonathan Clauss. Arsenal’s William Saliba, who led the Premier League with 18 clean sheets, is likely to start in central defense alongside Dayot Upamecano, who had 10 shutouts with Bayern Munich.
Theo Hernandez is expected to be the left-back, combining defensive solidity with attacking prowess, having contributed five goals and four assists for AC Milan, while also helping secure 11 clean sheets.
Likely defensive setup: Mike Maignan (GK); Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, T. Hernandez
With these robust defenses, Germany, Spain, and France are all well-equipped to make deep runs in Euro 2024, underscoring the importance of a solid backline in achieving tournament success. The likes of England and Portugal have notable absentees in their backline, which will likely affect their abilities to keep clean sheets.
Do you think any of these pre tournament favorites also have watertight defenses to aid their quest in winning EURO 2024?
