With the Christmas break upon us we at Forza Italian Football thought it was an ideal time to pick the best eleven players in Serie A up until now.
The players who have made the most appearances in the Team of the Week for the first 17 rounds of the campaign have been selected and placed in the prestigious Forza Italian Football Team of the Week… so far!
We are aware that there is one more round to go before we reach the official half way point in the season but we felt the gap during the festive period was the best time to do this mid season review. The formation chosen is a 4-3-2-1.
Competition for places was certainly tough and a number of players in the same position had an equal number of appearances in our Team of the Week. In this case it was left to the writers discretion to choose the best candidate, but as ever, if you feel we have overlooked anybody please feel free to leave a comment.
Mattia Perin – Genoa (4 Team of the Week appearances)
Mattia Perin secured himself a position on our Team of the Season after some impressive performances for Genoa. After an excellent breakout season with Pescara last year he has confirmed his status as one of Europe’s best young keepers by continuing his fine form. There has been the odd mistake along the way but even the most experienced keepers make errors.
A special mention also goes to Rafael of Verona who like Perin has four appearances in our Team of the Week and has been crucial to Verona’s great start to the campaign. Ultimately Perin got the nod over him due to the fact he is playing in a slightly less successful team and is so good for his tender years.
Sime Vrsaljko – Genoa (3 apps)
Genoa secured themselves a bit of a coup when they secured the services of young Croatian fullback Sime Vrsaljko last summer. The 21 year old can play in a variety of positions in the back line but is best at right back. A strong defender and skillful when attacking he may well earn himself a move to a bigger club in the summer
Mehdi Benatia – Roma (3 apps)
The Moroccan has been many peoples signing of the season so far. Elegant, quick and good in the air, his playing style bears a striking resemblance to former AC Milan stopper Thiago Silva. Is handy in the opponents box too having netted four times already.
Leonardo Bonucci – Juventus (2 apps)
Another excellent campaign so far for Leonardo Bonucci. After a slightly slow start for the Bianconeri he was back to his usual elegant self, helping the Old Lady keep eight successive clean sheets prior to last weekends action.
Gonzalo Rodriguez (Fiorentina), Dario Dainelli (Chievo) and Danilo (Udinese) all also had the same number of appearances as Bonucci in the Team of the Week and deserve praise for their performances so far.
Yuto Nagatomo – Inter (3 apps)
The Japanese international has been on of Serie A’s most consistent wing backs for a few seasons now. Always looks to attack and seems to have a limitless amount of energy. Has already scored four times this season.
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- Pjanic – Roma
Borja Valero – Fiorentina (4 apps)
The Spaniard never seems to have a poor game. Was always an excellent player but seems to have taken his game to a new level this season. Technically gifted but also happy to defend and work for the team from his central midfield position. His importance to the team has been rewarded with being given the captains armband on occasions.
Paul Pogba – Juventus (3 apps)
Sir Alex Ferguson very rarely makes mistakes but one of them was certainly not giving Paul Pogba more of a chance at Manchester United. He showed his versatility and intelligence this season by playing in a number of positions, sometimes deputizing for Andrea Pirlo or taking up a more defensive role. Has scored five times already this season, including a goal of the season contender against Napoli. Still just 20 years old.
Miralem Pjanic – Roma (3 apps)
New coach Rudi Garcia quickly pinpointed Miralem Pjanic as one of the men to build his midfield around. The Bosnian had been on the outskirts of the team in the second half of last season but responded to the faith shown in him by taking on the responsibility of creating and dictating the tempo in midfield. Has served up a number of assists and found the net three times already. Just edged out fellow team mate Daniele De Rossi for a midfield spot.
Marek Hamsik – Napoli (3 apps)
The Slovakian s experience and ability took on extra importance to the team following the departure of Edinson Cavani. Is an expert at exploiting the gaps in the final third, scoring goals and providing assists from midfield. Can sometimes drift out of games but once matches get stretched and spaces appear he is lethal. Has been injured for the last few weeks,
Alessio Cerci – Torino (3 apps)
Alessio Cerci fended of strong competition from Luca Toni and Gervinho to secure the forward role in our starting eleven. All had three appearances in our Team of the Week but Cerci got the nod due to the fact he has scored the most goals and has consistently delivered man of the match displays for his side. Always seems able to beat his marker with ease and is a provider as well as a goal scorer
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- Rossi – Fiorentina
Giuseppe Rossi – Fiorentina (4 apps)
Has had to carry the burden of being the Viola’s main goal scorer after the injury to strike partner Mario Gomez and responded in stunning fashion with 14 league goals. Is the leagues current top scorer, and all this after being out of the game for nearly two years due to injury. Highlight’s would include scoring a hat trick against Juventus in round 8.
