Serie A Team Of The Season
6/8/2005 12:28:00 PM
Here goes the Goal.com team of the season for the 2004/2005 Serie A campaign.
Serie A Team of the season (4-4-2):
Dida – It was always going to be a choice between the Brazilian shot stopper and Buffon, and the pick fell on Dida. Reason? Taking into consideration that they are both fantastic goalkeepers and maybe overall Buffon is better than Dida, throughout this season the Milan keeper was more consistent and proved decisive for the Rossoneri more than the Italian international was for the Bianconeri.
Cafu – His identity card says that he is 35 years old, yet he runs up and down the right side of the pitch as much (if not more) than a 20 year old does. Incredible stamina and speed for such a veteran player. Devastating with his accelerations and very important in Milan’s tactics.
Nesta – The Italian international rarely gets a match wrong, and when he does, the whole rearguard suffers. Fundamental and precious for Milan and the Azzurri as Lippi hopes that the former Lazio player can hold his form even next year for the 2006 World Cup. Unbeatable in anticipating opponents and always elegant in his movements.
Cannavaro – Many thought he was finished after two mediocre seasons with Inter, but then the move to Juventus proved fruitful both for the Bianconeri and the Italian national team captain. Rejuvenated as he found back his best form, leading the Bianconeri’s defence in being Italy’s least beaten rearguard.
Zambrotta – If consistency had a name it would be Zambrotta. Runs up and down the left hand side for the whole 90 minutes, proving important both for the offensive and defensive department. A fountain of crosses and assists. Unstoppable when he accelerates past the defenders.
Camoranesi – The Italian/Argentinean right winger was always regarded as a highly technical but inconsistent player. After this season he will be remembered as a technical and consistent player. Improved immensely as he became the most important player (along with Emerson) in the Juve midfield. His flair and sparks of genius turned on the style for the Bianconeri.
Emerson – A lot of dirty work and a great ball winner, bridging the defence and midfield. He might not be as technical or full of quality as other players in his role, but his quantity level is extremely high. An injury in the latter part of the season decreased his output, but nevertheless he fought back to help Juventus clinch its 28th league title.
Cambiasso – Another great defensive midfielder which Real Madrid let go. Everyone knew he was a good player, but no one believed he would be THAT good in his first season at Inter. Incredible all-round midfielder and probably one of the best revelations of this season.
Veron – He failed to make an impact in England, but on his return to Italy he proved why he was, and still is, regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders around. Great vision and technical qualities place him as one of the best Serie A midfielders.
Shevchenko – Has been playing consistently well for the past 2 and a half years. A complete forward and deservedly won the Golden Ball award last December. 22 goals (17 in Serie A and 5 in the Champions League) scored, despite suffering a terrible head injury and being sidelined for 6 weeks.
Ibrahimovic – He might not be the new Van Basten but he showed his class and (unexpected) goal scoring abilities to net 16 goals and provide a good number of assists for a fantastic season. If he can improve his finishing he will become one of the best players in the world, but he is still young and has room for improvement.
Reserves
Buffon
Maldini
Thuram
Pirlo
Kaka
Adriano
Lucarelli