Serie A 2011/12: Team of the season so far
With Serie A in the middle of its traditional winter break, we decided to take a look at the best performers in the Italian top division this season.
Goalkeeper
Udinese have conceded just 9 goals in Serie A this season (boasting the best defensive record) and Handanovic has been an absolute rock at the back for them. His handling and organizational ability complements his shot stopping perfectly and Udinese will be delighted that he has signed a new 5 year contract with the club at the start of the season.
Defenders
The Brazilian remains one of the most solid and consistent center backs in the Italian top division. He has attracted the likes of Barcelona in the past and with good reason. His reading of the game is second to none and Milan’s recent run of 7 clean sheets in their last 8 games is testament to Silva’s fantastic organizational play.
Napoli are known for their holy trio up front (Cavani, Hamsik, Lavezzi), but Paolo Cannavaro has provided some much needed stability at the back. His best performances have come in Europe this term, but he is an ever reliable center back who can put the fear of God into any forward coming up against him.
Nicknamed “Forrest Gump”, Lichsteiner has easily been the best right-back in Serie A this term. His marauding runs down the right flank have given opposition left-backs some serious cause for concern and he also has pace to burn. He scored the first league goal in Juventus’ new stadium against Parma.
Lazio left-back Lulic has quietly made a name for himself in Italy. He did not start life in the eternal city in the most convincing fashion, but he is the perfect example of hard work paying off. Lulic is one of the most improved players in the Italian top division and can be relied upon to give a hundred percent every time he steps on to the pitch.
Midfielders
The director of the Juventus symphony, Andrea Pirlo has been absolutely outstanding this season. He manages to bring the best out of his team mates with unerring brilliance – he did it for Shevchenko, he did it for Kaka and now he’s doing it for Juventus. He is a just a fantastic player who deserves more praise than he gets.
With 7 goals in 13 Serie A games this season, Claudio Marchisio has had an outstanding season so far. He scored 2 dramatic late goals in the win against Milan and has proven to be an extremely effective foil for Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal. Pirlo recognised his talent and has labelled him “Juventus’ future”.
The Uruguayan plays behind Napoli star Hamsik and is one of unsung heros in the Naples outfit. Hamsik might take all the headlines with his performances, but Gargano is the man in midfield who keeps the play ticking and his hard, combative style has endeared him to the Napoli faithful.
It was a tough call to make between him and Radja Nainggolan (of Cagliari fame), but Nocerino edges ahead, but only just. He was signed on deadline day and only managed to get into the team because of an injury crisis but Nocerino has made a name for himself during that time. He scored a brilliant hat-trick against Parma and is Mialn’s second highest scorer this season.
Forwards
AC Milan have looked average at times this season but the Ghanian international has been turning in some eye catching performances. His astonishing hat-trick against Lecce helped Milan complete one of the most amazing comebacks in recent times. They were 3-0 down at half-time before Boateng weaved his magical boot and led Milan to a 4-3 victory.
Di Natale has been a key factor in Udinese’s rise to the top of the Italian game – he has scored an incredible 57 goals in the last 2 seasons. He has started this season on fire, too, having already notched 13 strikers in a mere 19 games. Not only is he clinical in front of goal, but he has very quick feet and can leave defenders embarrassed in his wake.