A mix of experience and emerging talents characterizes Denmark’s entry into UEFA Euro 2024, making it the kind of team that is likely to pose a serious threat to any opponent that they meet. What remains is whether or not they can demonstrate in these games against Slovenia that indeed they deserve to be taken seriously as contenders whose objective as such must necessarily involve leaving their mark on any competition. Slovenia’s strategy is expected to be based on good defense, fast breaks, and making set plays count as they take on Denmark—a match where they can prove how tough they are in the face of difficult challenges.

Read: All-time Top Goalscorers of UEFA Euros

Match Details

• Match: Denmark vs Slovenia - UEFA Euro 2024

• Date: 16/6/2024 (Sunday)

• Time: 9.30 pm

• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Arena, Germany

How to watch Denmark vs Slovenia UEFA Euro 2024 match?

The Live streaming of the match between Denmark and Slovenia of UEFA Euro 2024 will be on the Sony Liv app. The Denmark vs Slovenia football match will also be telecast live on the Sony Sports TV network in India.

Denmark vs Slovenia: Head-to-Head stats

Denmark and Slovenia have faced each other 6 times. Denmark has been the dominant side, winning 5 of those 6 matches while Scotland will be looking for their first win against the Danish.

• Matches: 6
• Denmark won: 5
• Slovenia won: 0
• Draws: 1

Denmark vs Slovenia: Last five matches

Team News

Denmark:

Focus on tuesdays first @UEFAEURO qualifiers game 🇩🇰#ce10 https://t.co/BAcwpgR8Ca

— Christian Eriksen (@ChrisEriksen8) March 23, 2019

Denmark will start their UEFA Euro 2024 journey group-stage match against Slovenia. They are all desperate for a win in this fixture that will take place as both fight for a place in the knockout phase. to secure a precious win, Denmark must depend on their experienced squad that performed well during the qualification stage.

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel's experience will be vital to the Danish side heading to the Euro tournament. With a solid defense and attacking prowess, Joachim Andersen will take up the right-back position. The key to Denmark’s defensive stability are the organizational skills and aerial dominance of center-back and Captain Simon Kjær.

As for Andreas Christensen, he partners with Kjær as center-back for composure and has a good ball-playing skill set at their back. Like his right-back counterpart, left-back Joakim Mæhle is also known for his attacking prowess and will be expected to provide width and support in the final third.

In the midfield, defensive midfielder Thomas Delaney is an essential figure when it comes to destroying an opposing team’s game using his quickness and anticipation skills. On the other hand, central midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg acts as the link between the defenders and those who are meant to attack by being a player who moves from one penalty area to the other. In addition to this, attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen’s splendid passing ability and accurate set plays may disorganize enemy defenders and create scoring chances.

Coming to the forwards, right wing-forward Andreas Skov Olsen's speed and capability to get into the box are going to be important as he is the one who will make an attack wide drawn from the right flank. Along the left-wing forward Jonas Wind, who is both direct with pace as well as good at dribbling and can pull off defenders that could be far apart to create opportunities for his teammates;

Striker Rasmus Højlund will be conducting the attack and maintaining line-up standards, this young striker has been extremely effective and will serve as Denmark’s major striker leading in terms of goals scored.

A switch between 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 formation usually characterizes the Danish playing system that lays much emphasis on the proper balance between strong defense strategy and dynamic offensive play. This configuration takes care of two things: first, Denmark’s midfield dynamism makes them strong enough to break their opponents’ defensive lines at any time; secondly, two full-backs provide help when necessary at both wings of attack. Kasper Hjulmand, the coach, is known for his flexible tactics where he keeps changing formations and strategies depending on who his side is playing.

Read: Euro 2024: Every squad of the UEFA Euro 2024

Slovenia:

🧤⚽️🇸🇮#SrceBije 🇸🇮 | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/h1pBJipdJz

— NZS | FA Slovenia (@nzs_si) June 13, 2024

Meeting for the 6th time Slovenia faces Denmark.

Slovenia's crucial player, Jan Oblak is a top-notch goalkeeper because he has an outstanding ability to save shots and control his team’s penalty area. Right back Zan Karničnik is recognized for his defensive stability and his capacity to assist offensive moves which will lead to fending off Denmark’s left-wing threats. In the center of Slovenia's backline, Miha Mevlja has a powerful physique and is a key figure in the air. Jaka Bijol who is used to playing as a midfielder has proven to be a versatile central defense player with good passing skills and tackles as well. Athletically vigorous and relentless, Left Back Petr Stojanović has to maintain a balance between his duties in defense with helping push the attacks of Slovenia.

In the midfield, with his experience and skill in controlling defenders, defensive midfielder Jasmin Kurtić plays an essential role in disrupting the attacks of opponents and starting the forward movements for Slovenia. Central midfielder Sandi Lovrić combines defensive astuteness with a sense of flair in making short passes and long shots, thereby making the defense and attack meet. Attacking midfielder Benjamin Verbič’s ability to see and find room will be crucial to creating chances.

Benjamin Šeško moves quickly and cuts inside a significant threat from the right wing that will cause concern among defenders while Josip Iličić has both great creativity and shot-taking abilities meaning he terrorizes opposition defenders any time he plays for his national team as an attacker; To convert all these great opportunities created during games into successful goal scoring opportunities in football strategy requires accurate finishing skills combined with good positional play, especially inside opponent’s penalty box hence making Andraž Šporar essential for this role in the Slovenian national team.

Coach Matjaz Kek's strategy often involves compact defensive organization and exploiting the speed and creativity of his wingers on the counterattack hence the country typically sets up in a 4-2-3-1 formation concentrating on a solid defense base accompanied by quick transitions; playing with Kurtić and Lovrić screening the defense Slovenia will probably seek to maintain discipline and compactness at the back when playing with Denmark.

Read: Spain vs Croatia UEFA Euro 2024 Match Preview, Head-to-head, Po

Possible XI's: 

Denmark's possible starting lineup:

Schmeichel; Andersen, Kjær, Christensen, Delaney, Kristiansen, Wind, Olsen, Eriksen, Højbjerg, Højlund.

Slovenia's possible starting lineup:

Oblak; Karnicnik, Mevlja, Bijol, Stojanović, Kurtić, Lovrić, Verbič, Šeško, Iličić, Sporar.

Fantasy Team Prediction:

Schmeichel; Højbjerg, Hjulmand, Poulsen,Sesko, Lovric, Wind, Eriksen,Højlund, Šeško, Iličić,

Lamine Yamal came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy and made his first-team debut for FC Barcelona in 2023 at just 15 years old. He quickly became an important player and won the Kopa Trophy the next year.

He also rose fast with the Spainish National Team, playing for youth teams before making his senior debut in 2023. At 16, he became the youngest player to play and score for Spain.

He took part in Euro 2024, helping Spain win the tournament and earning the Young Player of the Tournament award.

Read Also | La Masia graduates currently playing for FC Barcelona

Club Records | FC Barcelona

La Liga Records 

1. Youngest Player to Debut for Barcelona

Since making his professional debut in 2023 at just 15 years 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days old, the fleet-footed forward has quickly become a key part of Barcelona's attack. He has scored 22 goals in 98 appearances for the club.

2. Youngest Starter in La Liga for Barcelona

Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to start a La Liga match for Barcelona on August 20, 2023, at the age of 16 years and 38 days. He surpassed the previous record of Fabrice Olinga, who started his first La Liga game for Malaga in 2012.

3. Youngest Player to Record an Assist for Barcelona

Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to record an assist for Barcelona in La Liga during the 2023-24 season. At 16 years and 45 days old, he achieved this record against. 

4. Youngest Goal scorer for Barcelona

Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga history at just 16 years and 87 days old, netting his first goal against Granada and breaking the previous record held by Fabrice Olinga.

5. Youngest Goal scorer in La Liga History

Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in La Liga after scoring against Granada in Barcelona's 2-2 draw.

6. Youngest Player to Score a Brace in La Liga

On 11 February, in the game versus Granada, the Barcelona wonder-kid set the new record as the youngest scorer of a brace in La Liga. He did it at the age of 16 years 213 days.

7. Youngest Player to Feature in El Clasico

Lamine Yamal is the youngest player ever to appear in a Clasico in the 23-24 season at the age of 16 years and 107 days.

Read Also | Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time

8. Youngest Goalscorer in El Clásico History

Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest goal scorer in El Clasico at just 17 years and 105 days old, on  October 26, 2024, netting the third goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, surpassing Ansu Fati's record.

9. Youngest Player with 10+ Goal Contributions in La Liga

Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in La Liga history to score 10+ goals in La Liga at the age of 16 years and 213 days.

10. Youngest Player to Reach 50 Official Games for Barcelona

Lamine Yamal is the youngest player in FC Barcelona's history to reach 50 official games. He achieved this milestone on May 19, 2024, at the age of 16 years, 10 months, and 6 days.

11. Youngest Player to Reach 100 Appearances for Barcelona

Lamine Yamal made his 100th appearance on April 30, 2025, in a UEFA Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, at 17 years old.

12. Most Dribbles Completed in a Single La Liga Match

In a single La Liga match, Lamine Yamal has completed the most successful dribbles this season, reaching 11 against Alaves, surpassing Lionel Messi's record of 10 dribbles in 2007. No other player has completed more than 7 successful dribbles in a single La Liga match the current season.

Champions League Records

1. Second-youngest player to feature in the UEFA Champions League 

Lamine Yamal became the second youngest player to feature in the Champions League against Antwerp at 16 years and 68 days, only behind Youssoufa Moukoko at 16 years and 18 days.

2. Youngest player named in a Champions League starting lineup

Lamine Yamal holds the record for the youngest player to be named in a Champions League starting lineup. He was 16 years and 83 days old when he started the game against Porto on October 4, 2023.

3. Youngest player to play in the Champions League knockout phase

Lamine Yamal became the youngest-ever player to appear in the knockout stage when he started the round of 16 first leg against Napoli, aged 16 years 223 days.

4. Youngest player to score a goal in a Champions League semi-final match

Playing his 100th game at just 17 years and 291 days old, Yamal became the youngest player to score in a Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, overtaking the record set by Kylian Mbappe, who was 18 when he achieved the feat in 2017.

Read Also | Champions League winners list since 1955/56

International Records | Spanish National Team

1. Youngest Player to Debut for Spain

Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to play for Spain on September 8, 2023, against Georgia at 16 years and 57 days in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier, breaking Gavi’s record at 17 years, 62 days.

2. Youngest Goal scorer for Spain

Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer for Spain at 16 years and 57 days. He netted a goal in his debut match against Georgia in the 2024 Euro Cup Qualifier breaking Gavi's record.

3. Youngest Goal Scorer in a UEFA Euro Qualifying Match

Became the youngest goal scorer in his debut match against Georgia, to score in a Euro Qualifier. He broke Gareth Bale's previous record at 17 years and 83 days.

Read Also | Top 5 Goal scorers of UEFA Euro 2024

UEFA Euro 2024

Lamine Yamal was a key player in Spain’s Euro 2024 win. He scored 1 goal against France and provided 4 assists, showing great skill and confidence for his age. 

His performances helped Spain win their fourth European title, and he was named the Young Player of the Tournament for his standout play. 

Hello and welcome to another UEFA Nations League, tonight we will bring you all the updates of a heated clash between Portugal and Denmark in UEFA Nations League second leg at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal.

Denmark will be in the away turf so this fixture will be difficult matchup for them. However, Denmark won previous leg with a 1-0 win over Portugal thanks to Ramus Hojlund's late winner. Despite, Diego Costa's brilliant performance Portugal failed to win the previous leg. 

On the other hand, this will be a home game for Portugal. Moreover, Denmark won the previous leg, Portugal is not just to away from the game.

First leg's highlights: Denmark vs Portugal Highlights UEFA Nations League 2024-25 Quarterfinals Leg 1: Denmark clinched a victory over Portugal in the first leg thanks to Rasmus Hojlund's late goal | DEN 1-0 POR

So, sit back and relax, as we will bring you all the updates of the Portugal vs Denmark match in UEFA Nations League. Hello, I am Swastik Debnath, and I will bring you all the updates from the webdesk.

Hello and welcome to another international football night, today we will cover the high-intense clash between Denmark and Portugal first leg of the UEFA Nations League at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Denmark will be at their home which will be their advantage. Denmark booked their spot in the quarterfinals by winning a couple of games after playing six matches. They will be looking to take advantage of their home leg itself as the second leg will be played in in Portugal.

On the other hand, Portugal will be slightly out of advantage as this is their away fixture. Although Portugal has a star-studded lineup, and they are currently on a good run of form. 

This sets up an engaging match-up between two of the biggest powerhouses of European football in the UEFA Nations League 2024-25 Quarterfinals. So, sit back and relax as we bring you everything on the Denmark vs Portugal match from the web desk. 

This Is Swastik Debnath, with the buildup, news, LIVE updates, scores, and free commentary of the Denmark vs Portugal match in the UEFA Nations League 2024-25 Quarterfinals Leg 1 match. 

Football is a sport that often brings limelight to certain footballers but sometimes keeps many at bay. Around football discussions worldwide, these footballers are not mentioned often, even after achieving significant accolades. 

Talking about the underrated footballers in International football, we must understand that it is very different from club football. It is tougher to leave a mark except performing in the continental and World Cup-like tournaments in every four years.

However, these footballers have always performed masterfully well while donning their national kit, bringing noteworthy achievements to their respective nations. Still, they have remained underrated in the consideration of either the fans or the football pundits.

Sportz Point explores the top 20 most underrated players in international football in this special article. This list is not a rank, but a summarisation of some underrated footballers who deserve more praise. 

Top 20 Most Underrated Players in International Football

Angel Di Maria

• National team: Argentina
• Position: Right Winger
• Appearances: 145
• Goals: 31
• Assists: 32

Notable trivia: Angel Di Maria is not given the importance he deserves for the recent successes of the Argentina National team. The 36-year-old winger retired from international football in July 2024, leaving behind an unmatched legacy. 

Most importantly, Di Maria won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa America titles in 2020 and 2024, and the Finalissima 2022, as he scored in each of the finals for Argentina except for the 2024 Copa, showing his towering presence for the national team. 

Di Maria remained underrated for the gigantic presence of Lionel Messi as his teammate, but nothing can belittle his huge contribution to Argentina's recent success of winning four trophies in four years.

Thomas Muller 

• National team: Germany
• Position: Attacking Midfielder
• Appearances: 131
• Goals: 45
• Assists: 41

Notable trivia: Thomas Muller has 10 goals and 6 assists in 19 World Cup appearances for Germany. The attacking midfielder registered 5 goals and 3 assists in his first-ever World Cup campaign in 2010, earning him the Golden Boot.

In the following World Cup, Muller was pivotal in Germany's World Cup glory, having scored 5 goals and 3 assists. Although he lost the Golden Ball to Lionel Messi that year, Muller was undoubtedly the best player of the German team, along with Manuel Neuer and Miroslav Klose.

Muller won the 2014 World Cup and finished third in EURO 2012 with Germany, as he retired in July 2024 after Germany's elimination from the EURO 2024.

Olivier Giroud

• National team: France
• Position: Forward
• Appearances: 137
• Goals: 57
• Assists: 15

Notable trivia: Despite playing for a country that produced goalscorers such as Thierry Henry, Michel Platini, Karim Benzema, and David Trezeguet, Olivier Giroud tops the list of the all-time top scorers for the France national team with 57 goals.

Giroud's achievements are often overlooked both at the international and club levels, though he is one of the best French footballers of this generation. Giroud finished the EURO 2016 as the joint second-highest scorer, with 3 goals and 2 assists. 

Giroud was also part of the 2018 World Cup and 2021 Nations League-winning France team, providing significant contributions to the team. He also scored 4 goals for France in the 2022 World Cup. However, the striker retired from international football in July 2024.

Davor Šuker

• National team: Croatia
• Position: Forward
• Appearances: 68
• Goals: 45
• Assists: 6

Notable trivia: Davor Šuker is arguably the greatest Croatian footballer ever, leaving an unparalleled legacy behind him for the national team.

The year 1998 is popularly known as the 'Davor Šuker Year' among football fans, as the forward led the Croatia team to a third-place finish in the 1998 World Cup. He also scored 6 goals in 7 appearances in the tournament to earn the Golden Boot. 

Šuker also won the Silver Ball as the second-best player of the tournament in 1998 WC. He is the top Croatian goalscorer of all time as well, bagging 45 goals in 68 official appearances before retiring in 2002.

Antoine Griezmann

• National team: France
• Position: Attacking Midfielder
• Appearances: 137
• Goals: 44
• Assists: 38

Notable trivia: Antoine Griezmann achieved innumerable honours with the France national team, but sadly, is often not regarded as one of the greatest international footballers ever. 

Griezmann led France to a second-place finish in EURO 2016, scoring 6 goals and 2 assists to win the Golden Boot. He was also named the Player of the Tournament in that edition.

However, Griezmann achieved his first senior international silverware in 2018, when France won the World Cup in Russia. The attacking midfielder was crucial for the team with a tally of 4 goals and the tournament-most of 4 assists, also being named the third-best player of the tournament.

Apart from the 2021 UEFA Nations League title, Girezmann orchestrated the French attack in the 2022 World Cup, providing three assists to be the joint-top assist provider. However, he retired from international football in September 2024.

Sergio Busquets

• National team: Spain
• Position: Defensive Midfielder
• Appearances: 143
• Goals: 2
• Assists: 9

Notable trivia: We all are yet to see a central-defensive midfielder in modern football who has such a high IQ in reading the game, such as Sergio Busquets. 

Busquets was popularly called 'Octopus' for his immaculate passing ability and intimidating defensive screening without breaking a sweat most of the time. the Spanish midfielder became the heart of Barcelona but his contribution was often overlooked at the national team level.

In a star-studded midfield with Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, Busquets emerged as the only one of his kind, making significant contributions to Spain's World Cup glory in 2010 and EURO 2012 victory. Busquets retired from international football in December 2022.

Hugo Lloris

• National team: France
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Appearances: 145
• Clean sheets: 68

Notable trivia: It is said in football, that being a goalkeeper is a 'thankless job'. Goalkeepers are always the last guardian of a team, but their contributions are hugely overlooked. Hugo Lloris, the former French goalkeeper is a burning example of that sensation.

Lloris kept three clean-sheets in all 7 appearances for France in the World Cup 2018, leading the team to the final glory. The French custodian has kept a staggering 68 clean-sheets overall for France in 145 appearances.

He also captained the Les Bleus in three World Cup editions from 2014 to 2022. Lloris retired from the national team in January 2023, being the most-capped player for France in history.

Edin Džeko

• National team: Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Position: Forward
• Appearances: 139
• Goals: 67
• Assists: 29

Notable trivia: Edin Džeko is not often mentioned as one of the best international footballers in the modern era, only because he represents a country like Bosnia, that mostly fail to apear in big tournaments.

Yet Džeko, the greatest Bosnian footballer, led the Bosnia team to its first-ever World Cup appearance in 2014 after scoring a whopping 10 goals to be the second-top scorer in the qualification round.

He also scored 9 goals in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying round to be the second-top scorer in the qualification round as well. Džeko also ranks sixth among the active footballers with most international goals.

Michael Laudrup

• National team: Denmark
• Position: Midfielder
• Appearances: 103
• Goals: 37
• Assists: 14

Notable trivia: Michael Laudrup is often considered the greatest Danish footballer of all time, yet he doesn't always receive the full recognition that his remarkable talent deserves. He delivered outstanding performances for Denmark, scoring 37 goals in 103 appearances.

Laudrup won the 1995 Confederations Cup with Denmark, providing commendable performances throughout the tournament. German legend Franz Beckenbauer praised the Danish midfielder in the best possible way, saying, “Pele was the best in the 60s, Cruyff in the 70s, Maradona in the 80s, and Laudrup in the 90s.”

Gabriel Batistuta

• National team: Argentina
• Position: Forward
• Appearances: 78
• Goals: 56
• Assists: 14

Notable trivia: Gabriel Batistuta was nicknamed 'Batigol' for his ability to score from almost anywhere on the pitch with unmatched power and precision.

Batistuta was mostly recognized for his inhuman performance in the 1991 Copa America, as Argentina won the title and he was the highest goalscorer of the tournament with 6 goals. He won his second Copa with Argentina in 1993, scoring a brace in the final.

Although he could not achieve the coveted success in the World Cups, Batistuta was one of the greatest footballers for Argentina in the World Cups, with 10 goals in 12 appearances.

Andrea Pirlo

• National team: Italy
• Position: Midfielder
• Appearances: 116
• Goals: 13
• Assists: 25

Notable trivia: Current UEFA vice-president and former Polish footballer Zbigniew Boniek praised Andrea Pirlo by saying something that probably best defines the Italian midfielder. He stated, "To pass the ball to Andrea Pirlo is like to hide it in a safe."

Andrea Pirlo is inarguably one of the most prolific playmakers who ever graced the football pitch. Famous for his outstanding passing and free-kick skills, Pirlo was essential to Italy's victory in the 2006 World Cup. Pirlo won three man of the match awards in the tournament, most by any player in that edition. 

Retiring in 2017, Pirlo remains one of the supreme players who played exceptionally well at international levels, but the recognition was never enough to praise the midfied maestro.

Ronald Koeman

• National team: Netherlands
• Position: Defender
• Appearances: 78
• Goals: 14
• Assists: 10

Notable trivia: Ronald Koeman is often overlooked, but he was a top-tier central defender known for his exceptional passing ability and masterful free-kick skills. With a record of 238 goals across club and international levels, Koeman is the highest-scoring defender in football history. 

However, the defender was a crucial part of Rinus Michels' formidable Netherlands team in the 90s, which won the 1988 European Championship. He also won the Dutch Footballer of the Year award twice in 1987 and 1988.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

• National team: Netherlands
• Position: Forward
• Appearances: 76
• Goals: 42
• Assists: 12

Notable trivia: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is often overlooked among the contemporary Dutch stars of his generation. The forward is the third-highest goalscorer for the Dutch national team, with 42 goals.

Although he had a brief appearance in the 2010 World Cup, Huntelaar proved himself crucial for the team, scoring the most goals (12) in the 2012 European championship qualification round.

However, he was also a part of the Netherlands squad that finished third in the 2014 World Cup. He retired in 2021 but never got the recognition he deserved.

George Best

• National team: Northern Ireland
• Position: Winger
• Appearances: 37
• Goals: 9
• Assists: 0

Notable trivia: "Maradona Good, Pele Better, George Best" is the greatest quotation that can define how good George Best was. The Irish winger is also considered as the greatest footballer who never played in a World Cup. 

Despite having immense talent and potential, he is often overlooked in the discussion of the greatest footballers. He was named European Player of the Year in 1968, delivering consistent performance for his club and national team.

If he did not struggle with his self-destructing lifestyle, he may have achieved more accolades with Northern Ireland before retiring in 1982.

Gheorghe Hagi

• National team: Romania
• Position: Attacking Midfielder
• Appearances: 124
• Goals: 35
• Assists: 23

Notable trivia: Gheorghe Hagi was such a good player that he was nicknamed "Maradona of the Carpathians". The attacking midfielder was also called 'Regele', which translates to 'The King' for his immaculate shooting ability, playmaking skills, and vision on the pitch.

The attacking midfielder was the heart of an exciting Romania team of the 1990s. Hagi put up a memorable performance for Romania in the 1994 World Cup, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists to lead the team to the quarter-finals, where they eventually lost against Sweden.

He retired in 2001 but still holds the record for the most goals scored for the Romania national team, alongside Adrian Mutu, with 35 goals.

Günter Netzer

• National team: Germany
• Position: Midfielder
• Appearances: 37
• Goals: 6
• Assists: 9

Notable trivia: Günter Netzer played an integral role in Germany's 1972 European Championship victory.
The midfielder provided two assists in the semi-final of the tournament, inspiring a 2-1 win over Belgium.

Netzer was also included in the 1974 World Cup squad for Germany. Although he did not play in the final, Netzer is still regarded as the first World Cup winner who, at the time of his victory, played for a club based outside his home country.

Despite not having many opportunities to represent the national team, he was often considered as one of the best German footballers in the 70s.

Hristo Stoichkov

• National team: Bulgaria
• Position: Winger
• Appearances: 83
• Goals: 37
• Assists: 8

Notable trivia: Hristo Stoichkov was the standout performer in the 1994 World Cup as he inspired Bulgaria to a fourth-place finish and was awarded the Golden Boot for being the top scorer with 6 goals. In the tournament, he scored in the shock wins against Argentina in the Group stage and against Germany in the quarter-finals.

Stoichkov, who re-defined the 'inverted winger' role in world football, scored 37 goals in 83 games for the Bulgarian national team before retiring from international football in 1999.

Gaetano Scirea

• National team: Italy
• Position: Sweeper Defender
• Appearances: 78
• Goals: 2
• Assists: 1

Notable trivia: Despite Franco Baresi's absence, Gaetano Scirea was pivotal in Italy’s victorious 1982 World Cup-winning campaign. The defender, who played mostly as a sweeper, remained underrated due to his contemporary Italian defenders. 

Playing for a country where the best defenders are born and brought up, Scirea always stayed out of the recognition. His untimely death at the age of 36 in 1989 also restricted his legacy.

Rudi Völler 

• National team: Germany
• Position: Forward
• Appearances: 90
• Goals: 47
• Assists: 18

Notable trivia: Rudi Völler was a very dependable player striker at both club and international levels. He came off the bench to equalize in the 1986 World Cup Final after scoring in the semi-final against France. Unfortunately, the Germans lost the final against Argentina. However, after four years, he played a crucial role for Germany that became World Champions in 1990, scoring 3 goals and 2 assists.

His contemporary Jurgen Klinsmann always received the highlight for the Germans, but it can not tear down his achievements with the national team. Völler's international goal-scoring record is impressive with a staggering 47 goals in 90 caps.

Matthias Sammer

• National team: Germany
• Position: Defensive/Central Midfielder
• Appearances: 51
• Goals: 8
• Assists: 3

Notable trivia: Matthias Sammer was sometimes overlooked compared to their contemporary Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini. However, he played a crucial role in Germany's victory at the 1996 European Championship, where he was named the tournament's best player. 

The midfielder also won the Ballon d'Or in 1996 and was also named the German Footballer of the Year in 1996, after earning the same accolade in 1995.

Hello and welcome to sports points another live coverage of Premier League football. Tonight, we will be covering the Premier League 2024-25 fixture of Manchester United vs Southampton at the iconic Old Trafford Stadium

This will be Manchester United's first home match of 2025 and Ruben Amorim and his men will be looking for a win since last month. However, United will be confident after knocking out Arsenal in the 3rd round of the FA Cup on Sunday.

On the other hand, the Saints have not won a game since their win against Everton in November last year.

So sit back and relax as we bring you all the live updates of this exciting fixture from our web desk. Keep refreshing the page to get new updates regularly.