Fermin LopezLacazetteSoccerOlympic Games 2024

Olympics Football: Team of the Tournament

Photo of Nicky Nicky11/08/2024 - 05:47 am
Spain were the best football team at the Olympics
(Photo by Harriet Lander - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The Olympics Football Tournament delivered an exhilarating showcase of talent and drama, culminating in a breathtaking final where Spain triumphed over France with a 5-3 victory in extra time to claim the gold medal. Meanwhile, Morocco asserted their dominance in the bronze medal match with a resounding 6-0 win against Egypt.

Our Team of the Tournament is a blend of standout players from these four nations, highlighting the best performers who left their mark on the competition. Leading the pack is Michael Olise, who dazzled with his exceptional playmaking skills, scoring two goals and providing five assists, earning him the title of Player of the Tournament. This selection not only honors individual brilliance but also celebrates the collective effort and resilience displayed by these nations throughout the tournament.

Goalkeeper – Guillaume Restes (France)

Despite conceding five goals in the intense 120-minute final against Spain, Guillaume Restes was instrumental in France’s journey to the final. Prior to the final, Restes kept clean sheets all the way to the semi-finals, showcasing his reliability and resilience. His performance was marked by a solid 71% save percentage, which underpinned France’s resolute defense throughout the tournament. Restes’ efforts between the posts were vital in securing France’s silver medal, earning him a well-deserved spot in the Team of the Tournament.

Right-Back – Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

PSG’s Achraf Hakimi has earned his place in our Olympics Football TOTT after an outstanding performance that helped propel Morocco to a bronze medal. As one of the most established players in the competition (it’s a toss-up between him, Nicolas Otamendi and Julian Alvarez), Hakimi was a standout on the pitch, contributing two goals, an assist, and averaging 2.5 tackles per game. His remarkable display was capped by a dominant performance in Morocco’s 6-0 victory over Egypt, showcasing his defensive solidity and attacking prowess, making his country proud.

Hakimi led his Morocco team by example
(Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Centre-Back – Castello Lukeba (France)

Castello Lukeba was a defensive stalwart for France throughout the tournament, showcasing why he’s regarded as one of the brightest young talents in European football. The RB Leipzig defender excelled with a remarkable 93% pass accuracy, reflecting his composure and intelligence in building play from the back. His impressive ability to progress the ball was crucial in linking defense with attack.

Defensively, Lukeba was rock-solid, averaging 2.0 tackles per game and 5.7 ball recoveries per match. His blend of technical ability and defensive awareness made him a standout performer and a key component of France’s strong defensive unit.

Centre-Back – Loïc Badé (France)

Loïc Badé formed a formidable partnership with Lukeba in the Olympics, anchoring the French defense with poise and power. The 24-year-old center-back, who made 27 appearances in La Liga for Sevilla last season, brought his top-flight experience to the Olympic stage. Badé’s excellent positioning and timely interceptions were critical in snuffing out opposition attacks.

His commanding aerial ability made him a tough opponent in the air, whether defending set-pieces or attacking them. Badé’s consistency and leadership at the back were vital in ensuring that France’s defense remained resolute throughout the tournament, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best young defenders in Europe.

Left-Back – Sergio Gomez (Spain)

Sergio Gomez was a dynamic presence on Spain’s left flank in the Olympics, embodying the modern full-back’s role by contributing significantly at both ends of the pitch. His ability to transition from defense to attack seamlessly made him a constant threat. Gomez created two chances per game, showcasing his vision and crossing ability as he supported Spain’s attacking play. Defensively, he was equally diligent, making 2.3 tackles per game and consistently tracking back to thwart opposition advances. His work rate and versatility were instrumental in Spain’s successful campaign, culminating in their thrilling victory in the final.

Centre Midfielder – Diego Gomez (Paraguay)

Diego Gomez was the heartbeat of Paraguay’s midfield (sometimes also up top), playing a pivotal role in their journey to the quarterfinals. Though Paraguay was eliminated on penalties, Gomez’s influence throughout the tournament was undeniable. The dynamic midfielder contributed a goal and two assists, driving Paraguay’s attack with his creativity and vision.

Beyond the tangible statistics, Gomez was involved in numerous build-ups, creating countless chances for his teammates. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and his tireless work rate in both defense and attack made him one of the standout midfielders of the tournament, earning him well-deserved recognition despite Paraguay’s early exit. A post-Olympics move to Brighton seems to be impending…

Centre Midfielder – Fermin Lopez (Spain)

Fermin Lopez was a pivotal figure in Spain’s successful Olympics campaign, building on his earlier triumph at the Euros. The Barcelona midfielder elevated his game in the Olympics, scoring in every knockout match and finishing with an impressive tally of six goals and one assist. His influence extended beyond his attacking contributions, as he was a tough presence in the midfield, averaging 2.7 tackles per game. Lopez’s ability to perform under pressure made him a key player in Spain’s gold medal run.

Fermin Lopez, what a summer he has had!
(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Left Winger – Ibrahim Adel (Egypt)

Ibrahim Adel was a revelation for Egypt, playing a crucial role in their surprise run to the semi-finals. The dynamic left winger scored three goals in the tournament, including two against eventual champions Spain, showcasing his ability to shine on the big stage. Adel’s pace, skill, and finishing ability made him a constant threat, and his performances did much to raise Egypt’s profile in the Olympics, marking him as one of the standout players.

Striker – Jean-Philippe Mateta (France)

Jean-Philippe Mateta continued his excellent form from Crystal Palace into the Olympic Games, where he was one of the standout strikers. Scoring five goals, Mateta found the net in all the knockout matches, demonstrating his clutch ability in critical moments. His physicality, movement, and clinical finishing were instrumental in France’s journey to the final, making him one of the top forwards of the tournament.

Striker – Soufiane Rahimi (Morocco)

Soufiane Rahimi was the top scorer of the Olympics, netting eight goals and playing a crucial role in Morocco’s bronze medal success. Currently playing for Al-Ain in the UAE, Rahimi’s performances have undoubtedly caught the attention of European clubs. His sharpness in front of goal, combined with his ability to lead the line and create opportunities, made him a standout player throughout the tournament and a key figure in Morocco’s historic achievement.

Right Winger – Michael Olise (France)

Michael Olise, fresh off a high-profile £60 million transfer to Bayern Munich, lit up the Olympics tournament and was deservedly named Player of the Tournament. Olise was the creative heartbeat of France’s attack, contributing two goals and an impressive five assists, helping his team to a silver medal. His flair, vision, and composure under pressure made him an unstoppable force on the right wing. Olise’s performances were dripping with confidence and skill, further cementing his status as one of football’s brightest young talents.

Olise was exceptional in the Olympics
(Photo by Daniela Porcelli/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)

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Photo of Nicky Nicky11/08/2024 - 05:47 am