Another league title for Juventus, another show of dominance and a rather lack of competition. After much backlash, Max Allegri achieved the bare minimum, and more. But there have been a few pleasant surprises in the form of Lazio, and a fair few disappointments particularly from the Milan based clubs.
And despite all the criticism, the Italian Serie A finished the season as Europe’s top scoring league. An impressive feat considering the word ‘boring’ is often associated with this once grand league.
Below we reveal all the players who have been recognised, via votes by you – the readers, as the best performers in the 2014-15 Serie A season.
Goalkeeper of the Year
Unsurprisingly, the winner here is the legend himself, Gianluigi Buffon. The great man would have won this award so many times if this website were older, but he’s making up for it now. Despite his age, Buffon continues to be the dominant man between the sticks for both club and country. His skills, along with his organisation have had a calming influence on the sturdy Juventus defence. Following the legend, from far behind, is his apparent successor. Viviano has long been considered the man to eventually step in and take the place so long occupied by Buffon, and he’s gained the reputation because of his performances. It’s a good sign for the peninsula is he can keep this up.
Defender of the Year
This was a very tough one. All the top 3 are very close to each other, and it looks like the readers had a hard time deciding which defender was the best. Clearly, the winner in this category is Juventus. With Chiellini and Bonucci, thei current center back partnership, flanking their on loan starlet Rugani, the Old lady has every reason to smile. The Juventus defence has been the toast of Europe this season, as they have shown that organisation and discipline can be beautiful too. Rugani too, has consistently been strong at the back for Empoli, earning a route back to his parent club. His mature defending, and careful risk free play have won him many admirers, including us, as we mention here.
Midfielder of the Year
The midfield zone is without doubt one of the most crucial in a game, especially with managers trying their best to win the middle of the pitch. This is where Felipe Anderson has been so effective for Lazio. The Brazilian has been played all across the front line, but has been most devastating in the middle. His amazing dribbling ability in the middle of the pitch has allowed Lazio to tear oppositions apart in the region, and as a result he’s got a bucket load of goals and assists. Marchisio is another exciting player here. He was the player slotted in to Pirlo’s position when the the latter was injured, and did a great job during the title run in. Full credit to him.
Forward of the Year
This was not the most difficult choice at all. Tevez has resurrected himself this season. Shuttling between the duties of a No. 10 and an out an out striker, Tevez has done a superb job. His energy, pace and creativity have been the key to a great counter attacking side. With the ball at his feet, he’s been absolutely incredible to watch as well. Following him, is once again, a player that looks set to end up at Juventus. Paulo Dybala’s playing style is quite similar to that of the winner, and his skill and pace have been too much for Serie A defenders to handle. He should do quite well at Juventus, and help them both domestically, and in Europe. Impressively, Luca Toni, the 38 year old veteran, has finished third. As the man who has shared the Golden Boot for the season, this is one man who certainly isn’t going gentle into that dark night.
Manager of the Year
At the start of the season, Juventus appointed Allegri, and Roam were cruising. This led a lot of people to believe that Serie A may see a title race again. Many congratulations to Allegri for proving all the naysayers wrong, and taking Juventus to the title easily. Surely, this vote has also given Allegri a large portion of credit for the Champions League performance, where Juventus have been one of the intelligent sides, and have varied their tactics well and effectively. Pioli finishing second is also a just result. Lazio have improved from 9th to 3rd in a year, leapfrogging teams like Fiorentina and Napoli is the process. Good signings, and good tactics can result in such success.
Talent Radar Young Player of the Year
Serie A is slowly but surely on the ascendancy, with clubs making efforts to improve the in game atmosphere, and the youth systems. The latter is showing effects already, as a number of top young players can be found plying their trade in the peninsula. The top 3 in our awards are all very capable players, with players like Rugani not even making the top 3. Anderson has been the driving force behind Lazio’s run to the Champions League, and rightly finishes in first. Dybala has won the attention of all in Europe, drawing comparisons to players like Aguero, and ending up with an impressive haul of goals and assists. Icardi too, has been a top striker in the Serie A, finishing tied winner for the Golden Boot.
Player of the Year
Once again, it’s an all Juventus show. All of the top 3 play for the winners, with the keeper, defender, and star striker dominating. The defence has been very strong, and they’ve managed to do well in Italy and in Europe, but the difference maker for them was Carlos Tevez. After throwing tantrums to avoid getting on the pitch, the Argentine has been incensed every time he didn’t get to play, with his energy and enthusiasm proving infectious. Tevez seems to have found a home at Juventus, which is a big positive for the team, and all his fans. Congratulation to him on this award!
More Reading:
2013-14 Serie A End of Season Awards
Premier League 2014-15 End of Season Awards
La Liga 2014-15 End of Season Awards
Ligue 1 2014-15 End of Season Awards
Bundesliga 2014-15 End of Season Awards
