Ranking the 10 best players at Euro 2016 so far

Familiar names, breakout stars and, uncommon as it seems to be in the modern game, even some love for defenders.

Here are the 10 best players at Euro 2016 so far.

10. Pepe (Portugal)

Renato Sanches exploded onto the scene against Croatia and Cristiano Ronaldo single-handedly carried Portugal to the knockout stages with his performance against Hungary, but neither has been consistently dominant. No, that title goes to football's most distinguished jerk. Pepe has easily been the Selecao's best performer, a rock in central defence who has reminded everyone that when he isn't raking his cleats down someone's calf, rolling around, or faking injury, he's a fantastic defender.

9. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Shunted out to the wing by inept manager Marc Wilmots for large portions of the competition, Kevin De Bruyne showcased his game-changing playmaking ability when allowed to roam freely in his natural, central position. Among those who reached the knockout stages, only Dimitri Payet topped the ginger star's 4.6 key passes per 90 minutes. He didn't find the net in France, but his splendid service from dead balls and his ability to craft chances for teammates were vital to Belgium's quarter-final run.

8. Jerome Boateng (Germany)

Aside from a momentary lapse in judgement against Italy - though it admittedly could have been fatal to his team's survival at the tournament - Jerome Boateng has been a colossus for the Germans. His goal-line clearance against Ukraine was a feat of pure athleticism that few others can match, and he has been vital in anchoring Die Mannschaft's tournament-best defence. His stunning volley against Slovakia and range of passing have showcased his attacking value, too.

7. Leonardo Bonucci (Italy)

Equal parts stopper and creator, Leonardo Bonucci showed the world why renowned bench boss Pep Guardiola thinks so highly of him. A stunning assist to Emanuele Giaccherini in the victory over Belgium was one of the tournament's best, and the Juventus stalwart combined those types of incisive passes with an innate ability to read the game and snuff out opposition forays forward. A true modern defender.

6. Aaron Ramsey (Wales)

It's a shame that Aaron Ramsey will miss Wales' historic semi-final clash through suspension, as the bleach-blonde midfielder has been among the best in his position at Euro 2016. Gareth Bale has garnered much of the praise, and that's not unfair, but Ramsey - who is tied for the tournament lead with 4 assists - has been just as integral for Chris Coleman's lot.

5. Antoine Griezmann (France)

The top scorer at the competition, now sitting on four tallies after his delightful dink over Hannes Thor Halldorsson in the quarter-final destruction of Iceland, France would be watching the tournament on the couch by now if not for Antoine Griezmann's exploits. The diminutive attacker's second-half brace in the Round of 16 against Ireland turned a potentially shocking loss into a comeback triumph, and the Atletico Madrid hitman will now surely be eyeing the Golden Boot. With a pair of assists as well, no player at the Euros has directly contributed to more goals (6) than Griezmann.

4. Mesut Ozil (Germany)

Though he boasts modest numbers through five matches - one goal, one assist and a pair of missed penalties - Mesut Ozil has been the key, ever-present cog powering Germany's attack. The most dangerous passer at Euro 2016, the 27-year-old has been allowed to flourish in his natural role between the lines in Joachim Low's side, providing the link between Toni Kroos and whichever Mario is deployed up front.

3. Dimitri Payet (France)

On the periphery of the team coming into the competition, Dimitri Payet has evolved into arguably the most integral member of Les Bleus' squad; manager Didier Deschamps dropped both Paul Pogba and Griezmann in the team's second match to accommodate the West Ham midfielder after he stole the show in the tournament opener. With three goals - highlighted by the stunning last-minute thunderbolt against Romania - and a pair of assists, Payet is certainly a consideration for the tournament's best player.

2. Toni Kroos (Germany)

Germany's midfield maestro. It speaks to Toni Kroos' brilliance that Italy manager Antonio Conte devised a game plan based heavily on limiting the 26-year-old's influence. Eder had one job, and one job only in their quarter-final contest: staple himself to Kroos in an effort to disrupt his ability to receive the ball and slice open the backline with a trademark delivery. It worked to some extent, but the Real Madrid man still managed to complete 104 of the 111 passes he attempted. Thus far, he is miles ahead of the competing field, leading the tournament with 548 completed passes. (Switzerland's Granit Xhaka is second, a full 131 behind). To be clear, these are not flaccid lateral balls or passes back to the defenders; Kroos' 2.6 key passes per 90 are fourth-best among players still in the tournament.

1. Gareth Bale (Wales)

Simply the best. The free-kicks get much of the attention, and rightly so, but Bale has been the driving force behind Wales' remarkable, unprecedented run to the semi-finals in every facet of the game. When he's not scoring, he's creating havoc for the opposition (ask Northern Ireland), and his blistering pace on the counter makes him a constant threat (ask Jason Denayer). That he's been able to forge such a strong showing is doubly impressive when you consider that opposing managers are surely crafting large parts of their game plans around stopping him. It's not overly complicated, what the ponytailed phenom is doing, but its frightening in its effectiveness thus far.