After another exciting and hard fought weekend Dave Taylor picks his Best XI from Round 34.
Gianluca Curci [Bologna]
After another exciting and hard fought weekend Dave Taylor picks his Best XI from Round 34.
Gianluca Curci [Bologna]
Constantly tested and stood up to everything. He had no chance with Paul Pogba’s goal, but foiled him on several other occasions. Well positioned to save Andrea Pirlo’s free kick and was absolutely stunning when tipping Mauricio Isla’s thunderbolt away. Awesome.
Davide Astori [Cagliari” data-scaytid=”7″>Cagliari]
Winning offsides, blocking shots, making crucial tackles and interceptions he faced off all the Genoa forwards with ease. Had a hand in seeing Moussa Konate and Giuseppe Sculli subbed, while he also made a sensational goal-line clearance from Alberto Gilardino. Responsive.
Leandro Castan [Roma]
Another no-nonsense display from the big Brazilian, who simply outmuscled Fiorentina at every turn. He led the line perfectly without his Moroccan partner and his determination and ability in the air helped the Giallorossi into the Champions League. Tremendous.
Rolando [Inter]
A watertight performance from the 28-year-old and good enough to earn a place in the Portuguese World Cup squad. He also caused a few problems in the Parma area and scored the opener with a bullet-like header. Aware.
Juan Iturbe [Verona]
The 20-year-old winger was in blazing form, testing Andrea Consigli several times. Totally unstoppable, his pace and trickery was far too much for Atalanta and made the assist for Luca Toni’s winning goal after a Gareth Bale-like burst of speed. Integral.
Antonio Candreva [Lazio]
Best player on the field with his Mission Impossible moment as his sublime ‘cucchiaio’ from the penalty came at an important time. Finally delivered the sucker punch to rescue Lazio with a well-taken last minute goal. Influential.
Esteban Cambiasso [Inter]
If anyone wanted to see a perfect defensive midfielder they needed to watch the 33-year-old against Parma. Organised attacks, almost scored twice and destroyed most of Parma’s forays into his zone with a man of the match display. Powerful.
Paul Pogba [Juventus]
Forever looking to cause the maximum damage with the minimum of moves and displayed almost Ibra-like skills at times. Always willing to shoot, he had seven attempts with three on target including his sumptuous strike from 15 yards. Irresistible.
Adel Taarabt [Milan]
Always troubled a poor Livorno and showed his threat with an early powerful strike just off target. More than made up for that as he doubled Milan’s lead from a right-footed screamer and continued to be a real menace. Compelling.
Jose Callejon [Napoli]
Another great game by the Spanish forward who scored the opener with an awesome volley inside the area. Set up a couple more good chances, especially a sublime long cross-field pass for Lorenzo Insigne and was explosive throughout. Intoxicating.
Mario Balotelli [Milan]
A little slow to start, but woke up and after a couple of teasers he ‘fought’ his way into space to smartly head in the opener. Continued to dominate, some might say bully, and set up the third goal. Significant.
Special mentions:Lorenzo Insigne [Napoli],Samir Handanovic [Inter], Gonzalo Bergessio [Catania], Domenico Berardi [Sassuolo], Gianluca Pegolo [Sassuolo], Giorgio Chiellini [Juventus], Sebastian Giovinco [Juventus],Marco Sau [Cagliari],Radja Nainggolan [Roma] Adem Ljajic[Roma]