Page 19 - Soccer360 Issue 104

CENTER BACK (CB) RUBEN DIAS
The Portuguese defender earned the title of the world’s best center-back due to his outstanding form post-injury, playing a crucial role in Manchester City’s Treble. Jamie Carragher even suggested Dias deserved the EPL Player of the Year award over Erling Haaland.
LEFT BACK (LB) ALPHONSO DAVIES
The left-back position sees little contention against the fantastic Alphonso Davies, a key contributor to Bayern Munich’s 11th consecutive Bundesliga title.
MIDFIELDER (CM) KEVIN DE BRUYNE
A key figure in Manchester City’s Champions League triumph, De Bruyne has consistently been one of the world’s best midfielders over the last decade.
MIDFIELDER (CM) RODRI
Despite being a holding midfielder, Rodri’s impactful performances, including a winning goal in the Champions League final, have earned him recognition and even Ballon d’Or shouts.
MIDFIELDER (CM) DECLAN RICE
Rice captained West Ham United to the club’s first major trophy in more than 40 years in 2022/23. The England ace’s inspiring leadership and powerhouse midfield displays were key to the Hammers’ UEFA Europa Conference League success. West Ham’s dramatic 2-1 final win over Fiorentina proved to be Rice’s last game for the club, with the 24-year-old subsequently joining London rivals Arsenal for a whopping 105 million Pounds where he is thriving under the management of Mikel Arteta.
FORWARD (RW) LIONEL MESSI
Widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, Messi carried Argentina to World Cup victory and made a stunning start to his Inter Miami career,
contributing to 16 goals in his first 11 games.
The Norwegian striker, part of Manchester City’s successful
campaign, surpassed 50
goals and continues to be a prolific scorer this season,
aiming for another 40+ goal season.
FORWARD (LW) KYLIAN MBAPPE
At just 24, Mbappe’s incredible speed and goal- scoring ability led to another Ligue 1 title, along with the best player of the season award, after scoring 41 goals and providing 10 assists in all competitions.
Kylian Mbappe has proved himself multiple times in his young career
Ruben Dias of Manchester City reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez looks on during the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa
Munich’s Alphonso Davies celebrateS after a goal during
a German Bundesliga soccer match
Rodri of Manchester City reacts during the English Premier League match between Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion
FORWARD (ST) ERLING
HAALAND
DID YOU KNOW?
Rodri’s excellent Nations League performances were recognized with the Player of the Tournament award.
Declan Rice
of Arsenal in action during the English Premier League match between Arsenal and Sheffield United
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne
DID YOU KNOW?
Kevin De Bruyne has been named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season in each of the past four campaigns.
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