European Footballer of the year Nominations

[Dodge]

Aimar (Valencia), Ballack (Munich),
Beckham (Real), Buffon (Juve) Campbell
(Arsenal), Casillas (Real), Chivu
(Roma), Deco (Porto), Del Piero (Juv)
Dida (Milan)

Elber (Lyon), Eto'o (Mallorca), Figo
(Real), Giuly (Monaco), Henry (Arsenal)
Ibrahimovic (Ajax), F Inzaghi (Milan),
Kahn (Munich), Kluivert (Barca)

Koller (Dortmund), Kovacevic
(Sociedad), Larsson (Celtic), Makaay
(Munich) Makelele (Chelsea), Maldini
(Milan), Mutu (Chelsea), Nedved (Juve),

Nesta (Milan), Kahveci (Sociedad),
Owen (Liverpool), Pauleta (PSG), Pires
(Arsenal), Raul (Real)

Carlos (Real), Ronaldinho (Barca),
Ronaldo (Real), Salgado (Real), Scholes
(ManU), Shevchenko (Milan), Thuram
(Juve), Toldo (Inter), Totti (Roma)
Trabelsi (Ajax), Trezeguet (Juve),

Van Nistelrooy (ManU), Vieira
(Arsenal), Vieri (Inter), Wiltord
(Arsenal), Zambrotta (Juve), Zidane
(Real)

____________

Aparently Colm Foley was 51st on the list

[NigeSausagepump]

Seems to me like they pick the same list every year and recycle it. What the hell is Sylvain Wiltord doing in it?! He's not even the best sub at Arsenal let alone one of the top 50 players in Europe.

[Coltron]

I really cant agree with that more, i mean when u have to put Wiltord on the list not only does it show that ur reachin the bottom of the barrel but it degrades such a prestigous award.

On a brighter note my vote would to a defender for his pivotal role in winning the European Cup

Coltron says: Give it to Maldini.

[Dodge]

Myself I'd go for Nedved

[SÓC]

Isnt the list compiled by a French football mag or something, hence some French players in it how perhaps shouldnt really be there.

[fergalr]

This time next year we'll be celebrating that the Duffer has made the list.

[Dodge]

France Football run it but its voted for by journalists from all around Europe

[Plastic Paddy]

For his all-round consistently excellent performances, and not just for scoring goals, it's got to go to Henrik Larsson.

(I'll get me coat...)

PP

[Shed End John]

Originally posted by Dodge
F Inzaghi (Milan),


Shevchenko (Milan),

IMO, a close call between these two. Both had excellent seasons, won some big games on their own (including the heart-stopping 3-2 win over Ajax; some match that was); and obviously played a HUGE part in AC winning the European Cup. Both deserve it, maybe Shevchenko will get it.

[Éanna]

how that diving little tap-in merchant Inzaghi got in I don't know. Likewise Wiltord (Cows arse, banjo etc.,) Beckham (European marketing icon of the year) and Larsson (How could he not score loads?!).

I reckon Raul should get it. How he has been overlooked for so long? Probably the most consistent striker in Europe over the last decade along with Batistuta AND the Spanish record goalscorer- he's not even 30 yet!!! A true football legend.

[Shed End John]

Originally posted by Éanna
how that diving little tap-in merchant Inzaghi got in I don't know.

Simple, he tore defences the length and breadth of Europe apart in leading AC Milan to eventual glory. Not such a bad player for a small man, full of heart and running, up there with the best of them.

[Plastic Paddy]

Originally posted by Éanna
...and Larsson (How could he not score loads?!).

Have you ever watched him play? I'm not being flippant with my question, because if you have, you'll know that scoring goals is only a part of his game. He is an excellent provider for others, reads the game superbly and is comfortable pushing forward on either flank as well as in the centre. He's delivered more assists this season than any other Celtic player. And still found time to be the leading goalscorer in Scotland.

The man is a legend, and wouldn't look out of place among the list of players with such an award. Some chance though.

PP

[Shed End John]

Originally posted by Plastic Paddy
And still found time to be the leading goalscorer in Scotland.

The man is a legend, and wouldn't look out of place with such an award. Some chance though.

Probably something to do with the fact that the SPL isn't of the most exacting standard in the world now, is it?

[Plastic Paddy]

Now come on John. People in glass houses and all that. Although in years to come, we may see JOF's name added to that list.

As (I believe) Alex Ferguson once said, "you can only beat what's put in front of you". Larsson does on whatever stage he plays. Internationally, in Europe and also domestically, the man has proven himself at the very top.

He'd get my vote anyway. (OK, I'm only slightly biased in this regard...)

PP

[Beavis]

I'm not looking through Celtic tinted glasses but hasn't this man done enough to finally prove any doubters wrong.He's doing it in the Champions league and as again Fergie said 'the highest standard of football in the world'.PP is right,he's not just a goal scorer,for example the 2 assists against Lyon with pinpoint crosses.
I fail to see the argument against Larsson.Yes a very poor league and yes he's demolished it but surely now it has been shown he can do it at the top aswell (World Cup also)

[Dodge]

Larrson got in because of the UEFA Cup run. Likewise Deco of Porto.

I couldn't care less about Celtic but I think he's deserving of his place in the top 50

[Macy]

Think Larrson's done a lot more than Wiltord, or even St Michael.....

If Raul get's it I'm not sure it would be based on the last year....

My vote (unsuprisingly) goes to Ruud - 27 goals in 29 Champions league games...

[Seanie]

I think it's between van Nistelrooy, Nedved and Shevchenko. I think Nedved will shade it - he was so desperately unlucky to miss the final after almost single-handedly dragging Juve through

[DolansWaistcoat]

Sorry to say it but Henrik will never be regonised as one of the greats of the modern game(though he is brilliant),he should have left celtic long ago imo.

[Junior]

Originally posted by DolansWaistcoat
Sorry to say it but Henrik will never be regonised as one of the greats of the modern game(though he is brilliant),he should have left celtic long ago imo.

I see what your saying and that is one perspective, however he has scored goals 100's of goals domestically, in the CL and Uefa Cup, for his country in WC's and European Championships. He is idolised by the Celtic support, plays in front of 60k every other week for a wonderful club, why should he have left?? He certainly WILL be regarded as one of the modern greats by this football fan.

In my eyes Matt LeTissier was one of the greats of the modern game, however he achieved far less with Southampton, than Henrik has with Celtic. But his Loyalty to Southampton has to be admired and respected.

As a Celtic fan I've resigned myself to losing Larsson at the end of this season, looks likely he'll go to Spain. It will be interesting to see how he gets on in a much superior league, I hope he does well.