Rachel Corsie: Individual talent shining at Euro 2025
Some special players have been captivating crowds in Switzerland
As we hit the second round of matches at Euro 2025, we can start to get a feel for what every nation is offering up at this tournament.
Spain and France flew out of the traps; the Germans look like they’ll opt for a typically pragmatic approach of building into things; Sweden and the Netherlands got their job done – for now – while the first few sides have begun to fall.
Much of what we’ve seen has aligned with expectations – however, there are a few individuals who have really stood out and caught my attention in the first week of action.
The first to shine was Spain’s Vicky López. While she already had a glowing report coming into the tournament – expected to start ahead of the recovering Aitana Bonmatà and likened to Lamine Yamal – Euro 2025 has been my first chance to watch the Barcelona teenager live.
What stood out was her unwavering calmness and selflessness – not an easy thing to portray from behind a screen. Her first touch was flawless, her craft cunning, and her decision-making ruthless.
Midway through the first half of Spain’s 5–0 thrashing of Portugal, there was a moment that encapsulated it all. López danced inside the penalty area as the ball arrived through Portuguese bodies and, in a single touch – on the half-turn – she cushioned it with perfect weight and trajectory for Claudia Pina to run onto. It should have been an easy finish and a fitting end to just another spectacular Spanish move, with López at the heart.
In the end, López had to modestly settle for a goal and an assist. Her joy was showcased by the uncontrollable, childlike smile that beamed infectiously from the pitch. She looks like she’s having exactly the wonderful time you would hope and imagine.
Sticking with Group B, Italy’s Arianna Caruso seemed the only player particularly interested in making anything happen in their opening match against Belgium. Nonetheless, she more than made up for others’ lack of bravery or willingness. In their 1–0 win, she was at the centre of every attack, and after scoring a first-half winner, she became heavily involved in everything as the game continued.
The goal sparked confidence and, from there, she showed that her best attributes come when she can get at the opposition 1v1 – from either the wide area or centrally.
Caruso, who signed permanently for Bayern Munich this month, carried a distinctly creative and dynamic style that can be hard to find. It did not quite reap the same rewards in match two for the Italians, but she still topped the stats sheet again in dribbles attempted.
Italy will hope she can exhibit her good form, now that their fate nervously comes down to the final group game against Spain.
Perhaps more of an unlikely standout, Finnish goalkeeper Anna Koivunen also caught my eye. She is rather unlucky not to boast two clean sheets after conceding twice against Norway. That was thanks to an unstoppable own goal from Eva Nyström at point-blank range, followed by an even more unfortunate cross-come-shot from Caroline Graham Hansen that dropped in off the inside of the back post.
Koivunen, who plays with Djurgårdens IF in Sweden, has given two very astute performances across Finland’s first two clashes. Stature and bravery, big saves and sharp hands – the 23-year-old might just have put herself on the radar of clubs in the near future.
It would be remiss not to mention any of the French players from their opening game against England. While Delphine Cascarino mesmerised the audience and England’s back line, it was Sakina Karchaoui who left a lasting impression.
France often arrive at these tournaments with great expectation and often, disappointingly, leave after not quite reaching the expected heights. However, a fierce display a few nights ago suggests that they are very much in fine fettle.
Karchaoui seemed the catalyst of much of that. The most fouled player, and the player to win the most duels on the night, she was the heartbeat of the French midfield. Orchestrating the others around her both in and out of possession, it was a classy performance. Although a versatile player, she seems to have settled masterfully into central midfield. Her left foot: a wand. Her combative nature: a discerning weapon.
For France to go deep, both her ability and her role will be of paramount importance.
Not a definitive list, as many others have also made strong starts – but these are the few players who have, in moments, caught my breath in amongst the rest of the action.
There are so many other names that I could reel off who have also impressed in this first week of games.
We had German forward Klara Bühl and goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger stepping up in their opening win against Poland; Viv Miedema doing Viv Miedema things against Wales; and Oona Sirén and Eveliina Summanen displaying eye-catching and dominant midfield performances against Norway.
Elsewhere, many are speaking about the energy that a home crowd has given Switzerland, with Géraldine Reuteler and Sydney Schertenleib the most talked-about local stars. I’ve somehow yet to see either of their matches live – so that’s on my to-do list for the final Group A game.
I’m excited to see what excitement and drama the final round of group games will bring – and whether we’ll see some big names bounce back from a poor start to Euro 2025.