Jamie Carragher names the one player who should have won Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament instead of Rodri

Jamie Carragher has named the one player who should have won the Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament award instead of Rodri.

Spain beat England 2-1 in the final of Euro 2024 to win their first European Championship title since 2012.

Lamine Yamal, who set up Nico Williams for their opener, won the Young Player of the Tournament award after his scintillating performances in Germany.

As for the Player of the Tournament, Rodri took home that prize as he was substituted at the break in Sunday’s final after picking up an injury.

But the Manchester City midfielder, who was crucial under Pep Guardiola last season, shone for his national team at Euro 2024.

Carragher, however, believes Rodri’s fellow midfielder Fabian Ruiz was better this summer.

Replying to a journalist hailing the 28-year-old, Carragher said: “Ruiz was better in this tournament.”

Ruiz has often been overlooked during his time with the national team, but he stepped out of the shadows to become a vital player for Luis de la Fuente at Euro 2024.

He scored two goals in Spain’s Euros-winning campaign as he starred in midfield.

Fabian Ruiz in action against England in the final of Euro 2024. Image: Getty

During the tournament, De La Fuente hailed Ruiz, calling him an ‘exceptional player’ in glowing praise.

“Fabian is an exceptional player, world class,” said the Spain boss. “I would love it if people were aware of the football potential in this country and we appreciated and valued that: we have a brilliant generation and great, extraordinary trajectory in football.

“Fabian is a representation of all those players who have been in the shadows and should get media recognition for everything they are doing.”

Ruiz has plied his trade away from Spain after coming through the ranks at Real Betis.

He joined Napoli in the summer of 2018 before signing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.