Following some spirited football, great goals and determined defending, Dave Taylor picks his best XI from the Week 18 games.
Michael Agazzi [Cagliari” data-scaytid=”2″>Cagliari]
Following some spirited football, great goals and determined defending, Dave Taylor picks his best XI from the Week 18 games.
Michael Agazzi [Cagliari]
If not for his numerous breathtaking saves this could have been a much bigger defeat. Anticipating, diving to the floor, tipping round posts, over bars, he did everything, while his point-blank save from Kwadwo Asamoah’s header was a show-stopper. Stupendous.
Gonzalo Rodriguez [Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”5″>Fiorentina]
The Argentinean defender was like a massive wall, barring the way to one and all. Also caused problems up field, narrowly heading over the bar at one point, but finally capped off a top class performance with a well-taken penalty.
Kamil Glik [Torino]
Returning after his red card against Juventus” data-scaytid=”8″>Juventus, the slippery Pole certainly made up for his transgression with an ultra-solid display. Granite-like and always in control, he played a major part in Torino’s first goal. Commanding.
Andreas Granqvist [Genoa]
Never allowing any of the Inter forwards a chance to get acquainted with the ball, he won everything in the air and pretty much everything on the ground. Making anticipatory tackles throughout the match, he completely stole the initiative. Assertive.
Alessio Cerci [Torino]
The visiting defence, especially Boukary Drame, simply had no answer for the bullish esterno. Menaced the goal on several occasions before setting up the perfect ball for Alessandro Gazzi’s screamer after a dynamic run. Impressive.
Marek Hamsik [Napoli]
One of Napoli’s few bright spots and used as playmaker due to Gokhan Inler’s absence. Always at the centre of the action and almost scored before his cross-shot was redirected into the goal by Christian Maggio. Influential.
Alessandro Gazzi [Torino]
A commanding midfield performance which saw him in full control with a simple but fearsome competence. Won several balls to set up attacks and scored with a right footer that ripped through the afternoon air. Dominating.
Senad Lulic [Lazio]
Played further up field in the absence of Antonio Candreva and lookedsupremely comfortable. It was following his magnificent run down the left flank that Hernanes ended up scoring the only goal of the match. Versatile.
Erik Lamela [Roma]
Playing in his first full game since injury, the Argentinean ace showed what everyone has being missing with his technique and goals. Scoring with two well-taken opportunities, his first was a typical screamer, the second a smart header. Unique.
Alessandro Matri [Juventus]
Set the game alight when he came on, showing exactly what a top striker should be with his lightning reactions. His first saw him grab a rebound, while he stole into position to slot home for the second. Archetypal.
Stevan Jovetic [Fiorentina]
Difficult to keep count of the number of goal attempts, but he did score twice. Perfectly placed to run onto Juan Cuadrado’s clever ball before driving it home for his first, while cheekily chipping a penalty for his second. Threatening.
Special mentions: Francesco Totti [Roma], Eugenio Togni [Pescara], Samir Ujkani [Palermo], Juan Cuadrado [Fiorentina], Nicolas Burdisso [Roma], Mirko Vucinic [Juventus], Yohan Benalouane [Parma].