Page 18 - Soccer360 Issue 104

2023 SOCCER360 AWARDS
DID YOU KNOW?
Haaland scored six Premier League hat-tricks in 2022/23 – the same number as every other player in the division combined.
BEST
GOALKEEPER (GK) EMILIANO MARTINEZ
RIGHT BACK (RB) KYLE WALKER
CENTER BACK (CB) JOHN STONES
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland scores a penalty during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City
Kyle Walker of Manchester City gestures
DID YOU KNOW?
Messi scored his 100th Argentina goal in a 7-0 victory against Curacao in March 2023. He is only the third player to register a century of strikes in men’s international football, along with Iran’s Ali Daei and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
THE
ELEVEN
Lionel Messi makes our top eleven once again.
The Argentine World Cup champion secured the prestigious Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper globally. Awarded during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, Martinez’s standout performance included a crucial penalty save in the World Cup final against France and a memorable stop against Kolo Muani in the 123rd minute. Additionally, his contributions helped Aston Villa secure a seventh-place finish in the Premier League, clinching a spot in the Europa Conference League—an achievement not seen for Aston Villa since the 2009/10 season.
Widely acknowledged as the finest right-back
in Premier League history, Walker’s exceptional defensive skills at Manchester City earned him the nod over Trent Alexander-Arnold for the right-back position.
From an unlikely choice two years ago to an indispensable part of Manchester City’s treble- winning season, Stones showcased defensive prowess and contributed to four goals.
John Stones (C) of Manchester City and teammates celebrate with fans
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