At the end of a fabulous season, with records broken by the great and the good, Dave Taylor picks his final best XI from round 38.
Antonio Rosati [Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”106″>Fiorentina]
At the end of a fabulous season, with records broken by the great and the good, Dave Taylor picks his final best XI from round 38.
Antonio Rosati [Fiorentina]
In only his third game the on-loan Napoli ‘keeper showed no nerves when saving a point in extra time, diving to stop Alessio Cerci’s penalty. Unafraid to come for the ball he also blocked several other strong shots. Fundamental.
Sime Vrsaljko [Genoa]
A thorough menace down the right flank making all three of Roma’s left-sided players concentrate on defence instead of attack. Always looking and finding space, his buccaneering runs saw him dominate and end with several menacing crosses. Essential.
Henrique [Napoli]
The Brazil international played in the centre of the defence and was a real powerhouse closing down the normally irrepressible Luca Toni. At 27 the former Barcelona player has proven to be an excellent buy and was totally positive throughout. Adaptable.
Fabian Monzon [Catania]
Could not be contained as he ruled the left flank and stuck to his task superbly. Made a handful of dribbles into dangerous areas while never ever neglecting his defensive duties and also had a 100 per cent pass completion. Colossal.
Jose Callejon [Napoli]
Scored the opener after running on to a perfect pass from Dries Mertens to bang home his 15th League goal of the season and also set up Duvan Zapata’s second goal. Taken off at half-time but had already done the damage. Purposeful.
Claudio Marchisio [Juventus]
Always looking to be involved, he caused problems for Cagliari throughout. He thoroughly deserved his goal with a gorgeous volley from the centre of the box after controlling the ball to scream it into the top of the net. Analytical.
Andrea Pirlo [Juventus]
Opened the scoring with an archetypal Pirlo free-kick that the ‘keeper failed to stop as it rebounded in off his shoulder. Always up with the game it was his delightfully placed corner that helped set up Federico Llorente’s goal. Beautiful.
Dries Mertens [Napoli]
The Belgian was absolutely unstoppable, scoring two clinical goals as well as setting up another two and tearing Verona’s defenders apart, never giving them a second’s respite. Showed his alertness when pouncing on a back pass to score his first. Impeccable.
Lorenzo Insigne [Napoli]
Too hot to handle and although the Napoli-born hero didn’t score he had a couple of near misses. Set up Mertens’ second goal with a perfect pass and was totally unselfish and relentless the whole game. Essential.
Gonzalo Bergessio [Catania]
Despite having nothing to play for the 29-year-old Argentine fought for every ball and never gave an inch to the opposition defenders. First set up Francesco Lodi’s goal before scoring a nerveless penalty in the last minute. Adversarial.
Antonio Di Natale [Udinese]
If he retires he could not have wished to go out with a bigger bang, scoring a hat-trick, each one of them a gem and representative of Toto’s effectiveness throughout his career. Perhaps could and should have scored six or seven. Immeasurable.
Special mentions: Duvan Zapata [Napoli], Federico Llorente [Juventus], Adil Rami [Milan], Juan Cuadrado [Fiorentina], Victor Obinna [Chievo],Marco Andreolli [Inter], Giannis Fetfatzidis [Genoa], Nigel De Jong [Milan].