Euro 2012

The 15 top players to watch in the 2012 UEFA European soccer championships.

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MF Andres Iniesta, Spain

Paired with Xavi in midfield, Iniesta's quiet consistency makes him one of the games most deadly passers. Registered nine assists for Barcelona during the club season, also scored the game-winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final.

MANU FERNANDEZ / ASSOCIATED PRESS

GK Petr Cech, Czech Republic

Considered one of the world's best netminders, the presence of his 6-foot-5 frame in net is imposing in itself. Though he did not have the type of season he may have had in 2011-12, Cech maintains a career 0.63 goals-against average for Chelsea and he guided it to a Champions League win by making a key penalty save in extra time.

Martin Meissner / AP

MF Arjen Robben, Netherlands

The feisty winger led Bayern Munich to the brink of a Champions League title and had 12 league goals this season. Was a key part of Holland's run to the World Cup final in 2010. er)

Martin Meissner / AP

F Robin Van Persie, Netherlands

The 28-year-old striker had a breakout season with Arsenal, scoring 30 goals in 38 games with the Gunners. Finished tops in the Premier League with 28 league goals, seven more than England's Wayne Rooney.

Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP

F Mario Balotelli, Italy

The highly-regarded 21-year-old striker could be the breakout star for the Italians -- if he maintains his head. Netted 13 goals for Manchester City in league play this season en route to the Premier League title and will see heavy rotation on the front line for Italy.

Fabrizio Giovannozzi / ASSOCIATED PRESS

MF Xavi, Spain

Playing behind Lionel Messi at Barcelona, Xavi racked up 10 goals and seven assists but is often considered the heart of the team for both club and country. His passing and vision has led him to third place finishes for the FIFA Ballon d'Or for world's top player in 2010 and 2011.

MANU FERNANDEZ / AP

MF Franck Ribery, France

Scored 12 goals and tied for the Bundesliga lead with 12 assists for Bayern Munich this season. The 29-year-old winger is still one of the most dangerous wide midfielders in the world.

Kerstin Joensson / ASSOCIATED PRESS

D Giorgio Chiellini, Italy

The Italians are often known most for their stout defensive play, and Chiellini is the latest in a line of reliable center backs. Started 34 games for a Juventus side that went undefeated en route to the Serie A championship.

Francois Walschaerts / ASSOCIATED PRESS

F Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden

The 30-year-old striker has long been around, but never has he had a season like this one for AC Milan. The cocksure finisher netted 35 goals in all competitions for the club, and he will look to replicate that success for his country this summer.

Felice Calabro' / ASSOCIATED PRESS

MF Mesut Ozil, Germany

The 23-year-old winger racked up 17 assists for Real Madrid this season, tops in La Liga. Was a breakout star at the 2010 World Cup for the Germans and his pace and creativity on the outsides will be must-watch this summer.

Arturo Rodriguez / ASSOCIATED PRESS

F Karim Benzema, France

The powerful forward was among the many threats for Real Madrid this season, scoring 21 goals in La Liga play (yet third on his own squad behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain) and adding seven goals and five assists in Champions League play.

Thibault Camus / AP

MF Luka Modric, Croatia

Has become one of the top midfielders in the English Premier League with Tottenham, and his ability to possess and hold the ball has made him a highly regarded prospect for the summer transfer window. A strong performance for Croatia would only reinforce his value.

Sang Tan / AP

MF Bastian Schweinsteiger, Germany

The midfielder is a key component of Germany's bid for a title. His energy and service has been vital to Bayern Munich's success, and Germany will lean on his leadership and work rate in the center of the park.

Martin Meissner / AP

F Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

His flair is outshined only by his uncanny goal-scoring ability. Hailed as perhaps one of the greatest ever, Ronaldo has been overshadowed in some ways by Lionel Messi, but his 46 La Liga goals and a title this season emphasize just how great the striker is for club and country.

Paul White / ASSOCIATED PRESS

F Wayne Rooney, England

Despite being suspended for the first two games of the tournament, the temperamental striker remains among the most vital players for any one team. Remains one of the world's top strikers, and scored 35 goals for Manchester United in all competitions this season.

SCOTT HEPPELL / ASSOCIATED PRESS

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