Euro 2012: Top Five Players, Pass Masters Iniesta and Pirlo Lead Pack

As is always the case with international tournaments, Euro 2012 provided the platform for several players to prove themselves on a big stage. The competition showed us some players, both young and old, at their very best. Here's IBTimes UK's top five players of the championship -

5. Fabulous Fabio: Fabio Coentrao (Defender, Portugal)

The Portuguese wing-back had a wonderful tournament, tearing down oppositions' defences when he managed forward forays and also acting an aggressive presence in his team's backline, with several goal-saving tackles and clearances. The 24 year old's overlapping runs and link-ups with captain and Real Madrid team mate Cristiano Ronaldo was a strong feature of Paulo Bento's side's play this year.

4. Saint Iker: Iker Casillas (Goalkeeper, Spain)

Casillas conceded only goal in the tournament and broke Dino Zoff's Euro record of 494 minutes without conceding, setting a new record of 511 minutes to help his team retain their European crown. The 31 year old was untested for most of the campaign but pulled off massive saves whenever called upon, as seen against Italy and Croatia, and also made the crucial stop to deny Joao Moutinho in the semi final shootout. The Los Blancos captain has been the best shot-stopper in the championship and followed up his La Liga triumph by guiding his national team to their third successive major tournament title - an all-time record.

3. Super Mario: Mario Balotelli (Forward, Italy)

Balotelli scored three brilliant goals in Euro 2012 to become the tournament's joint top-scorer and also the only Italian to net three times in the same European championship. After an anonymous performance in the first two games, it seemed that the 21 year old thrived on the responsibility that Cesare Prandelli awarded him, with his semi final display. The Manchester City striker, who scored an astonishing volley against the Republic of Ireland, followed it up with a first half brace against the much-fancied Germans to send the Azzurri to the final. His second was an absolute scorcher that bulleted past Manuel Neuer after Italy launched a quick counter. Balotelli could not reproduce the magic in the final but his three goals stand witness to the controversial striker's unparalleled talent and skill.

2. Peerless Pirlo: Andrea Pirlo (Midfielder, Italy)

Pirlo was as good as ever and brought his Serie A winning form to Poland and Ukraine. The Juventus midfielder's inch-perfect through balls and over-the-top lobs from the deep were an absolute treat. The 33 year old showed that he can still take control and dictate the tempo of the game, with the match against England an example of that. He ran the show against Roy Hodgson's side and topped it with a Paneka penalty in the shootout. Pirlo, who scored from a trademark free kick against Croatia, was the talisman for Italy throughout and was one of the standout performers of the Euros.

1. Incredible Iniesta: Andres Iniesta (Midfielder, Spain)

Iniesta has surely been the player of the tournament. In a campaign where Xavi failed to hit his normal heights (with the exception of the final), Iniesta was part of everything positive that La Roja did. The Catalan was impressive on the left side of Vicente del Bosque's forward line, producing numerous turns and quick passes to trouble opposition defenders but was at his very best while controlling play from a deeper role. In a team that has the comfort and audacity to start with six playmakers, Iniesta produced several magical moments to make the tournament his own.