Standout Performers From The Nations League Quarter-Finals

The quarter-finals of the Nations League delivered pure drama, with high-scoring thrillers and moments of individual brilliance lighting up both legs. If there was one common theme across these matches, it was the sheer unpredictability and the emergence of standout performers who left their mark on the tournament.

In this article, we break down the key performances from the eight nations that battled it out for a place in the semi-finals. From game-changing displays to rising stars making a statement, get ready for some fascinating insights and names to watch in the coming months.

Joshua Kimmich – Germany
1 Goal + 4 Assists | RB

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Delivering a midfield maestro performance resulting in 1 goal and 4 assists is Kimmich normalcy, he was certainly on top of his game – dictating the tempo, intelligent operating in spaces and his world class ability to pick out the right pass at the right time

Joshua Kimmich had the audacity to reintroduce the famous action of a “corner taken quickly” whilst Donarumma was not mindful which saw Musiala see him catch strays. Whether under pressure or in spaces, Kimmich’s German sniper vision and intelligence sees him keep his side always in the attacking motion

A midfielder being versatile to invert from RB and hold build up + creative duties is not normal, Kimmich makes it look normal. Deliveries from dead ball situations are brilliant and his ability to cross the ball from strange angles and carve open defences ended up making the difference yet again.

Nico Williams – Spain
1 Goal | LW

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Everytime he represents the national team, he looks like a different player – action oriented, ready to take on challenges and help his team overcome a game. Nico’s double footed prowess helped him establish threat from isolated areas of the pitch – majorly through his dribbles + cross from both feet and the shots at goal

Transitional power in carrying the ball at defences with pace and unpredictable patterns of running helped Spain negotiate through the Dutch side dominating possession. Channel running in spaces by taking defenders on a pace battle, acting as a wide passing lane or even inverting onto the goal saw him benefit with shots and crosses

For a player functioning in a possession heavy side, Nico Williams demonstrates great resilience in tracking back, blocking passing lanes and putting in the work rate to dispossess players. Ended up leaving the pitch with winning 7 duels in the second leg (most across any player)

Xavi Simons – Netherlands
1 Goal + 1 Assist | AM

A game changer cameo from Simons, saw him carry the Dutch responsibilities on his back in the second leg. Substituted in by Koeman whilst trailing as an attacking change, Simons made the difference with an assist within a minute + a penalty won which he converted in extra time.

He also managed to score his penalty in the shoot out, however his teammates missing their penalties reflected in them narrowly avoiding to qualify. Xavi Simons is one of the most talented #10s in world football – tactical understanding + all round profile is gifted and playmaking coded.

As a passer of the ball, Xavi demonstrates resilience in possession – dictated the tempo, played quick exchanges between the lines, moved constantly to beat his marker and made a difference on the half turn. The incisive threaded pass to Maatsen in the game displayed his execution in crunch time, flawlessly flaunting his technical ability

Dean Huijsen – Spain
1 Assist | CB

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If you’d not been told Huijsen’s making his debut for the Spanish national side, you’d believe he’s a veteran in the heart of defence – that’s how reliable he was in the two games. Came on as a substitute for the injured Cubarasi in the first leg and his technicality from the first line of build up made the difference.

Huijsen’s accession has been phenomenal this season, the consistency and intelligence in performances at his age have warranted a special modern day CB in this era. Defensively, Huijsen exhibited elite spatial awareness and positioning to cut out danger and read play

Calculative risks and fearlessness in passing reflected in his brilliant long ball assist to Yamal in extra time, keeping Spain in the tie. As a defender his front footed approach in progressive passes and carries help the team elevate their supremacy on the ball – all this whilst being 6’5 and at 19y/o

Lamine Yamal – Spain
1 Goal | RW

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The Spanish star-boy was once again at the end of key actions for his national side. In the first leg, Yamal’s aggressiveness in dispossessing Hato resulted in an assist that saw Spain lead the fixture. The 17y/o teen managed to score an absolute belter of a goal in extra time to keep the game ticking for Spain.

The technique in finishing, sleek movements in making the run and calmly collecting the ball was enough to signify what’s coming next. Yamal’s shift of body while receiving in isolation against the Dutch defenders was a key pathway for progression – his low centre of gravity and sneaky balance to change directions let him get the better of the defender.

The directness in taking on players helps him creatively find methods to dribble/cross from either feet, controlling possession with actions that see him hold the ball for longer and bait defenders into pressing. The final action and technicality always tend to make the difference

Lamine Yamal also continues to lead the charts for most successful dribbles in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season – 101

Micheal Olise – France
1 Goal + 1 Assist | RW/AM

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Scoring a direct freekick in crunch time whilst trailing a knockout, what are the odds of a player doing that? Micheal Olise embraced the occasion and stepped up for Les Bleus, seeing them narrowly make it past a competitive Croatian side.

A performance that saw a talent deliver his potential as a dynamic playmaker, covering multiple positions between the two legs. As a playmaker, Olise’s left foot helped him change directions, drive key passes between defences and dribble with flair and technical brilliance

Nuno Mendes – Portugal
1 Assist | LB

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Another occasion in which Nuno Mendes solidified his presence as one of the most complete fullbacks in Europe. A dominant display on both halves of the pitch saw him take his country over the line against a strong Danish side.

Defensively he looked really strong – used his pace to nullify wider threat, anticipated play with his sharpness and helped the Portuguese side maintain a god defensive line. His intensity and athleticism on the pitch was unmatched, making his individual brilliance rise to levels

An attacking contribution in the 86’ minute of the second leg saw their side take the game to extra time. The way he can barge forwards from the left flank and deliver pin point crosses is simply superb. Mendes managed to create the most chances in the second leg of the fixture (5), all this from LB – telling us how he can play a role in the attacking sequences for sides

Conclusion:

Stepping up when it mattered the most was the common theme between these talented list of players – these performances paved the way and not only shaped the outcomes of their respective matches but also highlighted their growing influence on the international stage. With France, Spain, Portugal and Germany qualifying, it’kk be intriguing to see which of these players will prove to be decisive again