Scotland’s 2024 Nations League campaign was a story of trauma and triumph and will end in the play-off game that ultimately decides how it is viewed in the years to come.
Starting the campaign with late defeats to Poland, Portugal and Croatia, Steve Clarke’s side looked all but set for relegation until a stirring 0-0 draw against Portugal in October gave them some hope of avoiding the drop.
However, morale-boosting wins over Croatia and Poland earlier in the week have handed the Tartan Army a huge shot in the arm, with Andy Robertson’s injury-time header in Warsaw relegating Poland and handing Scotland one last chance at avoiding the drop from League A with a Nations League relegation play-off to come against a League B runner-up.
But who were Scotland’s best performers from the Nations League 2024 campaign? Who shone the brightest and proved themselves worthy of the acclaim following their confidence-boosting campaign against some of Europe’s elite sides?
Here are the top 10 highest rated Scotland players from the 2024 Nations League campaign, according to popular football statistics website FotMob.
5. 6th: Billy Gilmour
The boy has turned into a man and is one of Steve Clarke's most important players. His Nations League displays have proven as such, with the Napoli man one of Scotland's highest rated players at 7.03. Started every game, scored one goal, had a 88% passing success rate and won 71.4% of his aerial duels. | PA Photo: PA
6. 5th: John McGinn
So often the Scotland hero, his goals against Croatia and Poland proved pivotal to Scotland finishing third after a difficult start to the Nations League. Started only 50% of the games due to injury, but was ranked at 7.07 for his displays, winning over half of his duels, creating four chances and completed 82.8% of his passes successfully. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
7. 4th: John Souttar
The Rangers defender kept two clean sheets in four games and was particularly impressive in the draw against Portugal. Was rated at 7.10 for his display, picking up a key assist in the last minute win over Poland. Won 76.9% of his aerial duels, 86.1% passing accuracy and made 10 recoveries. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. 3rd: Kenny McLean
The Mayor of Norwich took the place of Callum McGregor in midfield following the Celtic's midfielders international retirement and played superbly. Started all six games and was ranked at 7.16 for his performances. Grabbed one assist, had an excellent 89.4% passing accuracy rate and won 65.1% of his duels. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group