Joe Allen has been named in the Euro 2016 Team of the Tournament for his superb performances that helped guide Wales to the semi-finals.
UEFA’s official Euro 2016 Twitter account tweeted the team today, which also includes world-class performers such as Antoine Griezmann (who scored six goals in total), Toni Kroos and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose Portugal team lifted the trophy Sunday evening.
Allen’s spot in the XI indicates how much his stock has risen during Wales’ run. The 26-year-old’s contract expires in 12 months’ time, but most Liverpool fans want his deal renewed.
Since the turn of the year, Allen’s form hit an upward curve, culminating with a run of excellent outings at the Euros, proving that he can cut it on the biggest stage.
Allen was used as a deep-lying playmaker, linking defence and attack and helping his side maintain possession, choosing the right time to play a more telling, forward pass.
In short, he was excellent, and if he can maintain that level for Liverpool next season we’re onto a winner. In Jurgen Klopp’s 4-2-3-1 formation there’s only one spot available for Allen, beside Emre Can in the double-pivot – but Liverpool’s captains Jordan Henderson and James Milner both want that role too, not to mention new signing Marko Grujic.
Once he returns from his time off, it’ll be mighty interesting to see what happens with Allen, who is attracting interest from Sevilla and Swansea (via Goal).