Shooting Stars

Robben

In all of Holland’s warm-up matches, one player has caught the eye more than any other, a rejuvenated winger Arjen Robben. The 24-year-old has been nippy. Fast and direct, he has displayed a willingness to dribble past opponents whenever possible. Fresh from success in the La Liga at Real Madrid, a fit Robben raring to go is certainly not good news for rivals. Ronaldo

Portugal`s Cristiano Ronaldo has the skill to set Euro 2008 alight.

Ronaldo, 23, who has just won a Champions League and Premier League double with Manchester United and been named England`s Footballer of the Year for the second straight season.

What’s more, he would be desperate for this silverware and rest the ghosts of 2004 to rest for ever. Ribery

Franck Ribery has taken over Zinedine Zidane`s mantle as the creative midfielder for France and, although his busy style is in total contrast to Zidane`s, his impact is just as lethal.

Having just won a league and cup double with Bayern Munich, Ribery would be crucial to pre tournament favorites France fate in the tourney. Luca Toni

A threat on the ground or in the air, Toni possesses great off-the-ball movement. The Bayern Munich man will hope to follow up a good season in Bundesliga with a strong showing for the Azzurri.

Toni would be the key if the reining world champions look to get past the Group of Death. Ballack

Though he did not exactly set Stamford Bridge alight with his performances, Ballack’s talismanic presence in the field was chiefly responsible for Chelsea’s mini revival.

Very strong in technique and good in the air, he has the uncanny knack deliver for Germany.