Dimitri Payet

Payet sporting the French kit ———- Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7b/Dimitri_Payet_-_France_v_Armenia.jpg/361px-Dimitri_Payet_-_France_v_Armenia.jpg

With 9 goals and 10 assists in the English Premier League this season, Dimitri Payet has been in prime form for West Ham this season. With an already loaded squad, Payet will most likely see the majority of his time on the pitch as substitute. Didier Deschamps, the French manager has been high on Payet noting “He has a very particular style — he’s capable of making others play.” France are already considered to be among the early favorites, and by utilizing the production and skill of Payet, France could solidify their legitimacy. Along with Karim Benzema, Antoine Griezmann, and Paul Pogba, Dimtri Payet was recently nominated for an award recognizing the best French footballers playing outside of France. He was also selected to the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. Despite his recent form, Payet has only made 17 caps in 6 years for the French national team. However, he has played well in the opportunities given to him recently and he will be looking to continue his meteoric rise to stardom at the European Championship. Payet’s ability to distribute the ball and score from distance will see him playing time. Watch out for the “Free Kick Freak” come June 10.

Other Players:

Starters:

Forwards: Zlatan Ibrahimović

Midfielders: Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, Robbie Keane, Arda Turan

Defenders: Jordi Alba, Vlad Chiricheș, Ashley WilliamsTaulant Xhaka

Goalkeeper: The Gianluigi Buffon

Substitutes:

Forwards: Eden HazardJakub Błaszczykowski

Midfielders: Mesut ÖzilYevhen KonoplyankaGökhan Inler, James MilnerBalázs Dzsudzsák

 

Sources:

http://www.espnfc.us/european-championship/story/2838321/dimitri-payet-has-earned-spot-in-euro-2016-squad-deschamps

http://www.goal.com/en-us/people/france/11897/dimitri-payet/national?ICID=PP_11897

http://www.espnfc.com/barclays-premier-league/story/2855577/pfa-premier-league-team-of-year-has-four-players-from-leicester-and-tottenham%20Mahrez%20wins

http://www.espnfc.com/france/story/2860370/benzema-pogba-griezmann-payet-nominated-for-french-overseas-award

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimitri_Payet

 

Written By: Austin Tran and Chris Arora

How to cite this article: “Euro 2016 Key Players to Watch” Written by Austin Tran and Chris Arora (2016), European Cup 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/european-cup-2016-guide/ (accessed on (date)).