As the group stages come to a close and the tournament swiftly moves on the quarter-finals, it is important to note that whatever happens, some players have either re-established their reputations or announced themselves to the football world. Here are my top five:

Artur Boruc: The Celtic custodian had a terrific tournament and was by far and away Poland’s best player although this may have been partly down to the amount of work he had to put in during the three games. Boruc was the only barrier against wave after wave of German pressure in the first game but it was probably his performance in the second game that stood out. Austria piled forward in numbers and Boruc was the last and only line of defence. Amazingly, at half-time of the third game Poland still had a chance to qualify from Group B and this was only down to Boruc’s performance against Croatia. His excellent displays may well see him leave Parkhead this summer for a move to a more challenging league. Likely price: £8m, potential suitors: AC Milan, Tottenham.

Lucas Podolski: After a disappointing season at Bayern Munich, the Polish-born striker has used Euro 2008 as a platform to move away from the Bavarian club. Although reports of a move to Juventus and Spurs have been mooted, Podolski may be reluctant to leave just yet with mentor Jurgen Klinsmann returning to the club. Podolski has scored three goals in three games and has illustrated what a cultured left foot he has. As Mario Gomez has struggled, Podolski has reminded the football community that his performances at the World Cup two years ago were not a flash in the pan. Likely price: £10m, potential suitors: Juventus, Tottenham.

David Villa: Fernando Torres’s strike partner was always going to be in the shop window after Valencia’s problems in the past season. And Villa has taken his chances with aplomb with a masterclass in finishing that has impressed the whole of Europe. The hat-trick against Russia was good but the winner against Sweden was special. Villa showed calmness under pressure in injury-time of the second game, the flick through Petter Hansson’s legs was great skill and the finish showed no signs of nerves. The question is how much Barcelona or Real Madrid will pay this summer not if Villa will make the move. Likely price: £35m, potential suitors: Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Arda Turan: This has been a breakthrough tournament for the Galatasaray winger. As Turkey have established themselves as the comeback kings of the tournament Turan has played a key role in reversing the scores against Switzerland and Czech Republic. Against the Swiss he scored the winner in injury-time with a fine run and finish and against the Czechs he beat Petr Cech at his near post and set up the grand finale in which Kahveci Nihat took all the headlines. Turan has every chance of replicating his hero Gheorghe Hagi, the 'Maradona of the Carpathians' – there is no higher praise for a Galatasaray player. Likely price: £13m, potential suitors: Newcastle.

Andrei Arshavin: Guus Hiddink took a risk taking the Zenit St Petersburg schemer to the Euros with him suspended for the first two games. But never doubt the former PSV and Real Madrid manager at international tournaments. Arshavin was phenomenal against Sweden, running the game and making a massive difference to the whole Russian side. Manchester City and Everton have long been interested but if he can inspire Russia to a win over Holland he can pick his club. Likely price: £15m, potential suitors: Manchester City and Everton.