Round 15 Selection Diego Milito DOB: 12 June 1979 (29 years old) Clubs: Racing Club (1999–2004), Genoa (2004–2005), Real Zaragoza (2005–2008), Genoa (2008–present) Country: Argentina National team: 16 caps, 4 goals Position: centre-forward Peak: 2005/06 - 2008/09 (128 appearances, 77 goals) Style of play Diego Milito is a traditional number 9 and like the majority of Argentinian strikers, Milito is technically more adept than most, a skill that serves him well in front of goal. He is not only a natural striker, but can also hold the ball up superbly and is a massive threat from set pieces. Chipping an on-rushing keeper and scoring from an impossible angle are also part and parcel of his game, with his speed and stamina capable of tiring even the best defences. The Argentine has fired home at least 15 league goals in each of the last five seasons, and if you supply him he will not miss. There are few more natural finishers in world football – right foot, left foot, with his head – he is super clinical inside the box. Milito is the consummate professional, a team player and an excellent leader, who showed these skills in his time as club captain of a Zaragoza squad going through a difficult period on and off the pitch. Milito's durability is also evident, as one has to go back to the 2001/02 campaign for the last time Diego Milito played fewer than 30 games in a season (for Zaragoza he has played 36 and 37 respectively), and this despite the strain of playing the odd international fixture in Argentina. Profile Diego Milito was born in the Bernal province of Buenos Aires and cut his footballing teeth with the Racing Club de Avellaneda where he won the 2001 Apertura tournament. During his five seasons there, he managed 34 goals in 137 matches. That is an average return for a striker, but it was enough to persuade Genoa, who were in Serie B at the time, to take a chance on him in January 2004. Il Principe - the Prince - as he was known due to his resemblance to the former Uruguayan international Enzo Francescoli, took an immediate shine to the European style of football. After two very successful seasons, where he scored 33 goals in 59 matches in Italy, Genoa were relegated down to Serie C1 as a punishment for an alleged matchfixing case in the final match of the 2004–05 season. Due to this, Diego Milito was forced to leave Genoa, and he joined brother Gabriel at Real Zaragoza. Diego again showed his potential in Spain, scoring 4 goals in the first semi-final of the 2006 Copa del Rey to beat Real Madrid 6-1. He finished the season as Real Zaragoza top scorer with 16 goals in the Spanish first division. Diego was entrusted as the club captain at Real Zaragoza in 2007. Milito was one of the top scorers in the La Liga 2006-2007 season. He scored 23 goals, two less than the top goalscorer Ruud van Nistelrooy and 3 behind European Golden Boot winner Francesco Totti. His goals helped Zaragoza to a sixth place finish in the league. As of January 2008, Diego was averaging better than a goal every two games for Real Zaragoza, a statistic he also achieved with Genoa. On September 1, 2008, just a few minutes before the transfer window closure time, Genoa completed the transfer of Diego Milito from Zaragoza, after the Spanish team were relegated to Segunda División. His agent Fernando Hidalgo confirmed Milito chose explicitly to return to Genoa despite having received more lucrative offers from other major European clubs. He made his debut on September 14. against A.C. Milan. Genoa won this game 2-0 with Milito assisting the first goal and scoring the second. On November 9, Milito scored his first hat-trick for Genoa in the 4-0 victory against Reggina. He scored his second hat-trick on May 3, against Sampdoria to help Genoa to a 3-1 win.
Round 15 Name: Jussi Jääskeläinen D.O.B: 19/4/1975 Place of birth: Mikkeli, Finland Position: Goalkeeper Clubs: MP, VPS, Bolton Wonderers Caps: 49 Career Jääskeläinen started his career in 1992 with MP but career took off when he went to Bolton in 1997 and he has been a vital part of the Wanderers' EPL campaigns throughout the 00s. In 2002, he was voted the EPL's Best Goakeeper by Barclaycard and in 2007, he was voted Bolton's "Player of the Year" and "Players' Player Of The Year".
Round 16 Name: Alessandro Faiolhe Amantino AKA Mancini D.O.B: 1/8/1980 Place of birth: Ipatinga, Brazil Position: Right-Winger Clubs: Atletico Mineiro, Portuguesa, Sao Caetano, Atletico Mineiro, Venezia, Roma, Inter Milan Caps: 6 Career Having started at Atletico Mineiro, it was at his second stint at the club that brought him to the attention of Franco Baldini, Roma's sporting director. Despite a poor loan spell at Venezia, Fabio Capello gave him a chance and throughout his stint at Roma, he proved to be an excellent winger with great dribbling ability and the capability to score spectacular goals. He was a member of Brazil's Copa America-winning squad in 2004 and won the Coppa Italia twice with Roma.
Round 16 Selection Fabio Grosso DOB: 28 November 1977 (31 years old) Clubs: Chieti (1998–2001), Perugia (2001–2004), Palermo (2004–2006), Internazionale (2006–2007), Olympique Lyonnais (2007–present) Country: Italy National team: 41 caps, 3 goals Position: left-wing-back, left-back, left-winger Peak: 2004/05 - 2007/08 Style of play Fabio Grosso is a tall defender (190cm), and although he may lack some speed, he makes up for that by his strength, positioning and intelligence on the pitch. His well-timed, effective runs forward from his defensive position often cause problems for opposition defence's and allied with his reliable passing and accurate crossing, this raiding left-back is a great attacking threat. Profile Fabio Grosso is an Italian World Cup-winning footballer, who currently plays for Ligue 1 team Olympique Lyonnais and the Italian national football team. He is remembered around the world for scoring the dramatic late winner against Germany in the 2006 World Cup semi-final and scoring the winning penalty in the shoot-out that won the trophy against France. Grosso was born in Rome, yet hails from Chieti in Abruzzo, where his family soon returned. After a number of seasons with Renato Curi Angolana, an amateur team of the Abruzzo Eccellenza division, Grosso debuted at professional level with Chieti of Serie C2. At the time he was an attacking midfielder, and scored 17 goals in 68 appearances. He then joined Perugia of Serie A in 2001, and was first capped for Italy in 2003. At Perugia he was transformed into a left back by coach Serse Cosmi. Grosso signed for Palermo in January 2004, when the Sicilian team was still playing in Serie B. Grosso is a left wing back or left back, who can play also in the role of left wing. He is also a free kick and corner specialist. Grosso joined Internazionale for a fee reported of €5.5 million on 6 June 2006. On 8 July 2007, Grosso officially signed a four year deal with French team Olympique Lyonnais after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms. He was given the number 11 shirt. Grosso was a member of the victorious 2006 World Cup team. He was tripped in the penalty area and was awarded a controversial penalty against Australia, and on 4 July 2006, he scored the first goal against Germany in the 119th minute with a curling right into the top corner from the edge of the box and famously ran around and screamed "I don't believe it!" as his teammates celebrated. During the final on 6 July 2006, he scored the winning penalty against France giving Italy their fourth World Cup. Grosso was also included in Roberto Donadoni's European Cup team in 2008. Grosso is still the first choice left back in Marcelo Lippi's Azzurri. Honours Internazionale Serie A: 2007 Coppa Italia (runner-up): 2007 Supercoppa Italiana: 2006 Lyon French Ligue 1 Championship: 2007–08 French Cup: 2007–08 French Super Cup: 2007 International FIFA World Cup: 2006
GringoTex and kb1171 makeup selection: Wesley Sneijder Club:Real Madrid Country:Netherlands Position:AM
Andrei Arshavin Clubs: Zenit St. Petersburg, Arsenal FC Country: Russia Peak Years: 2005 through to 08/09 Known for his versatility, flair and goalscoring. the current arsenal man, arshavin, has been among the best players in the russian league, if not the best, for the last 4 years and arsenals, without a doubt, since joining up with the gunners . his best displays, for russia, have come under hiddink who quickly spotted him as the danger man and has given him the keys to the attacking rover free-role. soccernet profile wiki
Round 16: Gareth Barry, Midfielder Clubs: Aston Villa Country: England Known for his field generability, defensive prowess and goalscoring. the current aston villa man, barry, has been among the best players in the english league, if not the best, for the last 4 years and aston villa's, without a doubt, since joining up with them. If only England had paired him up with Gerrard instead of Lampard for the past few years...
My selection of Round 16: Sylvain Wiltord Country: France Position: Striker, Winger Clubs: Rennes, Deportivo de La Coruña, Bordeaux, Arsenal, Lyon, Marseille Peak Years: 2000 to 2008 Wiltord was capped 92 times scoring 26 goals by France. Almost all of his caps came during this decade. He was perhaps best remembered for his tying goal vs Italy during the stoppage-time of the Euro 2000 final. Soon after scoring that important goal, he was signed by Arsenal for a club-record £13 million in August 2000. He repaid Arsenal by scoring the only goal in Old Traford against Manchest United that sealed the 2001–02 Premier League title for Arsenal. He played 104 times, scoring 32 goals for Arsenal. He sometimes partnered Henry on the attack, but for most of time, he played on the right wing. He was voted at #33 for Gunners 50 Greatest Players. He returned to France with Olympique Lyonnais in 2004 where he won three straight Ligue titles. Then, he moved back to Rennes and then Marseille last January.
My sixteenth pick is: RB/CB Christian PANUCCI Country: Italy Club(s): Inter Milan, Chelsea, AS Monaco, AS Roma Best years: 2001-2008 Panucci settled at Roma after a great deal of travelling throughout his career. He has been with the Roman club since the 2001/2002 campaign. Since then, he has been a key player and one of the reliable leaders of his team. Honours AS Roma Coppa Italia: 2007, 2008 Supercoppa Italiana: 2007
Round 16: Kevin8833 and Friend (semillag I believe his username is) select... Giuseppe Rossi of Manchester United, Newcastle, Parma, Villareal and Italy. Rossi is a young and talented striker with great technical ability, finishing instincts, and a low center of gravity with great quickness that makes him a very dangerous attacking player. Rossi brings a lot of energy and creativity with a knack for finding the net. Rossi's accomplishment's include 2008 Olympics Golden Boot Winner and 2005 Football League Cup Title.
comme and frasermc - 16thRd Selection Javier Saviola - River Plate; Barcelona; Monaco(loan); Sevilla(loan); Real Madrid & Argentina Saviola made his debut as a 16yr old playing for River Plate. A precocious talent who had pace, plenty of ability and was a lethal taker of chances. In three seasons with River Plate as a teenager he averaged better than a goal every other game. So good was his form that he won both the Argentinian and South American footballer of the year in 1999 at the tender age of 18. He was soon heading off to Europe and the glamour of Barcelona. 21 goals in all competitions in his first season bode well. He followed that up with 20 in his next season. Rijkaard arrived and although Saviola rattled in another 19 goals he was deemed surplus to requirements and went on loan to Monaco. After a season in France he returned to Spain and joined Sevilla, again on loan. He helped the Andalucian club win the UEFA cup, scoring 4 times on their march to the final. Despite strong competition Saviola has appeared for his country on no less than 44 occasions.
Argentine Soccer Fan’s 16th Round Pick: Massimo Ambrosini Clubs: Cesena, Vicenza, Milan Country: Italy Position: Midfielder Characteristics: A strong and versatile midfielder who’s a great tackler, works hard, fights for every ball, great at recovery, rarely loses possession, and has an excellent air game. Career (from wikipedia) Ambrosini began his career with Serie B side Cesena and graduated to their first team at the age of 17 during the 1994–95; season. Milan coach Fabio Capello then won the race to sign him the following year, and despite facing tough competition to break into the all-star Milan side, Ambrosini was given a handful of games as the team romped to the Serie A championship. Only used marginally more in 1996–97, Ambrosini was sent on loan to Vicenza, where he was a key member of the team that successfully preserved their Serie A status. Recalled to the San Siro, Ambrosini at last made a first-team place his own as Milan won back the Serie A championship in 1999. A regular the following term, he then saw his chances limited by a troublesome knee injury before returning to full fitness to help Milan win the Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League, where he replaced Rui Costa in the 87th minute at Old Trafford. In 2003–04, although unable to establish himself as a first-team starter due to a series of niggling injuries and a loss of form, Ambrosini made 20 Serie A appearances and one goal - predominantly as a substitute - as Milan captured their 17th Serie A championship. In March 2005, he renewed his contract at the San Siro, committing himself until June 2008. In 2004–05, he struggled to break into Milan first team, and only made 22 Serie A appearances, scoring one goal. However, it is his late goal that took Milan to the UEFA Champions League final. With Milan losing 2–0, a scoreline which would have sent the match to extra time as Milan defeated PSV with the same score in the San Siro, Ambrosini scored a header in second half injury time to bring the score to 2–1 and give Milan the 3–2 aggregate lead. PSV immedeately responded with a goal of their own to tie the aggregate score at 3–3, but Milan advanced to the final on the away goals rule. However, Ambrosini missed the final in Istanbul with yet another injury as Milan were defeated on penalties by Liverpool. In 2005–06, he again suffered a series of injuries which limited him to just 13 Serie A appearances and one goal, thus making him out of contention for Italy squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. In 2006–07, Ambrosini fully recovered from his injury. He wasn't an immediate first-team choice, but following a series of stunning performances, he eventually made it and forced Carlo Ancelotti to change his formation from 4-3-1-2 to 4-3-2-1 (alternatively, 4-4-1-1). He has scored two decisive goals from his head in Serie A, against Sampdoria and Atalanta B.C.. He was also a key member to Milan's victory over Bayern Munich and Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League, balancing the game for Milan through his vision and leadership skills. It was also his vision that ensured Milan a place in the final. Having stolen the ball from Manchester United, Ambrosini immediately passed to a free Alberto Gilardino. Gilardino scored to make it 3–0, thus ending United's hope of winning the trophy. Ambrosini originally intended to join Fiorentina due to lack of first-team choice, but changed his mind after the Champions League semifinal against Manchester United. He renewed his contract with Milan until 2010. Shortly after, he started in the final of the 2006–07 Champions League and played a strong game in Milan's 2–1 win over Liverpool. In Paolo Maldini's absence, Ambrosini was once again the stand-in captain for the European Super Cup Final against UEFA Cup winners Sevilla FC, which Milan won 3-1. Ambrosini was Milan captain in the absence of Paolo Maldini throughout the 2007-08 campaign. In this campaign, Ambrosini scored four goals. He scored decisive goals against Palermo and Empoli, and played very well in the in the home leg of the Milan derby against Inter on May 4, 2008, setting up the second goal for team-mate Kaka and putting in an excellent performance throughout the game, which Milan won 2-1. Unfortunately, despite winning 4-1 against Udinese on the final day of the season, Milan could only finish fifth and qualify for the UEFA Cup 2008-09. During the 2008-2009 campaign, Ambrosini was once again a regular fixture in the Milan starting lineup, making 26 appearances in the team's Serie A campaign. During a pre-season friendly tournament against Juventus, Ambrosini was the Man-of-the-Match as he netted twice to secure a Milan victory. His second goal was a superb effort into the roof of the net, past a bewildered Alex Manninger. This season was also memorable for him as he had managed a season total of 8 goals (1 in the UEFA Cup), more than he has scored in any season in his career with Milan. The goals included a brilliant header off David Beckham's free kick against Lazio, and a well-placed goal in a 5-1 win over Torino. Ambrosini also scored his first brace in a competitive fixture in a 3-2 loss to Roma during Maldini's final home game, and received a standing ovation from the home crowd despite being sent off by the referee for a second yellow card. An influential figure in the Milan team despite his lack of prominence, Ambrosini looks set to inherit the armband when Maldini retires at the end of the 2008-2009 season. 355 appearances and 31 goals for AC Milan. 416 appearances and 31 goals total in his club career. 35 caps for Italy. International career Ambrosini made his international debut in April 1999 against Croatia and was part of the Italian squad at the 2000 Summer Olympics and at Euro 2000, which ended with an appearance as a substitute in the final loss to France. Ambrosini was unavailable for selection for the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals through injury and then failed to break into the squad for the Euro 2004 finals. On 16 August, 2006, Ambrosini earned his 23rd cap for Italy after almost 2 years of absence from the Italian squad. For this match, he was given the captain's armband by coach Roberto Donadoni in the absence of regular contenders for the armband. He was called up to Italy's squad for Euro 2008, but has not been called up since Marcello Lippi was put back in charge, despite putting in battling displays for his club. Highlights during the 1999-2009 time frame: Milan * Serie A: 1999, 2004 * Coppa Italia: 2003 * Italian Super Cup: 2004 * UEFA Champions League: 2003, 2007 * UEFA Super Cup: 2003, 2007 * FIFA Club World Cup: 2007 309 appearances and 32 goals for ACMilan this decade. National team * European Football Championship Runner-Up: 2000
Round 16, 206th pick overall Mikaël Samy Silvestre Clubs (in the 2000's): Manchester United, Arsenal Country: France Silvestre is adept as both a centre-back and a left full-back, though he has stated that he prefers playing in the centre. Silvestre's most positive attribute is his pace, and he often sets up scoring opportunities. He is also noted for his crossing and tackling abilities.
Round 16, 207 overall Marc Overmars Clubs: Arsenal, Barcelona, Go Ahead Eagles Country: Holland The soccer equivalent of a switch-hitter, Marc Overmars had the rare ability to use both his feet with equal precision and power. He combined this ambidexterity with blazing speed to launch offensive excursions into opposition territory for powerhouse club teams such as Ajax and Arsenal as well as the Dutch national team. Starting the decade in question with Arsenal, Marc Overmars was the known as probably the paciest player in world football; somebody that could create a run from midfield, and burn a hole through opposing defenses. At the time he was arguably the best winger in the world, and after scoring 13 goals in 99/00, he became the most expensive Dutch football player of all time, joining Barcelona for £25mn. During his first year at the Nou Camp after having helped Holland reach the Euro 2000 semi-finals (where they went out to Italy on penalties), Overmars continued to be the same force down his flank, bagging eight goals in the league campaign and helping Barca to the Champion's League semi-finals in the process. However, injuries would badly blight two of his next three seasons, although when fit Overmars was still one of the most dangerous players on the field at any given time and he did go on to play 66 league games during this spell for the Blaugrana. By 2004 however, the injuries had become too much for Overmars and sadly, he retired only shortly after his 31st birthday in 2004. During his international career he amassed 86 caps, scoring 17 goals. In 2008 though, Overmars returned to football at 36 years of age, playing for Go Ahead Eagles in the Dutch second division; a testament to the man's love of the game, and his unsatisfied hunger to play deep into his thirties. Meep.
Round 17, 208 overall Olof Mellberg Clubs: Racing Santander, Aston Villa, Juventus Country: Sweden After starting his career with Swedish side Degefors FC, Mellberg soon after joined domestic powerhouse AIK in 1997 and made such an impression that after only 10 months, he had been swooped upon by La Liga outfit Racing Santander. Mellberg did struggle initially with the change in playing cultures, but soon adapted and by 1999 was putting in such impressive performances that rumours of a move to a league contender such as Barcelona or Valencia began to come about. With these talks never materialising, Mellberg moved to Premiership club Aston Villa in 2001. Immediately making an impact and marking himself out as one of the top CBs in the league, Mellberg would go on to play with Villa teams that were at times completely anaemic in attack, yet always managed to be safe in their league positions due in no small part to Mellberg's play at centreback or rightback, whichever he was asked to play. It was this commitment and selflessness that would help Mellberg win the Swedish player of the year award in 2003, finishing ahead of some far more eye-catching attacking talents Henrik Larsson, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Freddie Ljungberg. As captain of the club from 2003-2006, Olof had the full respect of his teammates, the fans and the management, but stepped down from the role in 2006 to allow it to be handed over to local lad Gareth Barry. He would continue to be stand-in captain in Barry's absence, and over the span 2001-2008 was the best CB to play in England outside of the 'big four' teams. In the summer of 2008 after seven years at Aston Villa, Mellberg eventually got his wish to play for one of Europe's biggest clubs, as he was signed by Juventus on a Bosman transfer shortly before his 31st birthday. Such was the respect for Mellberg at Villa Park that even though Bosman's often lead to fall outs between players and fan, this was quite the opposite. On May 3 in one of the last games of the season against Wigan, they celebrated "Olof Mellberg day" and in his last game ever for the club against West Ham a few weeks later, Mellberg gave every single fan in the stadium a Villa jersey with his name, number and a 'Thanks 4 Your Support' message (4 being the number he wore for the club. Internationally, Mellberg made his debut for Sweden in 2000, and would be go on to be a key figure for his country over the decade, helping them qualify to and give some good performances in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 European Championships, as well as the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. He would go on to captain his country up until the 2006 World Cup also, when he relinquished the armband due to controversy involving fighting between himself & Ljungberg. He is presently 9th in the Swedish all-time appearances list, with 89 games over 9 years.
Round 17, 209th overall Massimo Oddo Clubs (in the 2000s): Verona, Lazio (c), AC Milan, Bayern Munich Country: Italy Massimo Oddo, Cavaliere Ufficiale OMRI, (born 14 June 1976 in Città Sant'Angelo, Pescara) is an Italian World Cup-, Champions League- and FIFA Club World Cup-winning- footballer, who plays for AC Milan in the role of right back. He is well known for his penalties and crossing. Peak years: 2003-2007 on Lazio Honors and awards: Club 2003–04: Coppa Italia (Lazio) 2006–07: UEFA Champions League (Milan) 2007: UEFA Super Cup (Milan) 2007: FIFA Club World Cup (Milan) International 2006: FIFA World Cup (Italy)
Argentine Soccer Fan’s 17th Round Pick: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar Clubs: PSV, De Graafschap, AGOVV, Heerenveen, Ajax, Real Madrid Country: Netherlands Position: Striker Characteristics: Huntelaar is a classic "number 9" striker[1] with good technique and athleticism,[2] who can score all types of goals with either feet and with his head. He has been compared in playing style to Marco van Basten. Career PSV In his first season at PSV, Huntelaar quickly established himself as a prolific goalscorer for their A1 youth team under coach Willy van der Kuijlen, scoring 26 goals in 23 games to become top scorer in the youth league.[7] In his second season at PSV, Huntelaar was added to the senior squad under coach Guus Hiddink. He made his first team debut on November 23, 2002 in a 0–3 away win over RBC Roosendaal, coming on as a second half substitute for Mateja Kežman in the 76th minute.[8]. However this turned out to be his only appearance for PSV. De Graafschap By the start of 2003 it was clear that Huntelaar’s path into the first team was blocked,[9][10] therefore he was sent out on loan to his previous club De Graafschap where his uncle was financial director.[11] He made his senior debut for De Graafschap on February 8, 2003, coming on as a substitute for Hans van de Haar against Roosendaal.[12] He made his only appearance in the starting lineup on February 16, 2003 as De Graafschap were beaten 1–5 by his future employers SC Heerenveen.[13] He then made his final appearance in the team on May 29, 2003 as De Graafschap lost 2–1 to Zwolle, confirming their demotion from the Eredivisie.[14] In total, Huntelaar made nine Eredivisie appearances for the Super Farmers, one as a starter and eight as a substitute, but was unable to score and De Graafschap decided not to extend his loan.[15] AGOVV At the start of the 2003–04 season Huntelaar was again sent out on loan, this time to newly-promoted Eerste Divisie side AGOVV under coach Jurrie Koolhof.[16] He made a good start, scoring on his debut for AGOVV against TOP Oss,[17] and then scoring a hat-trick in his second league game, against Heracles Almelo.[18] Huntelaar scored 26 goals in 35 league appearances, and finished the season as the division's top goalscorer as well as being named the Eerste Divisie's Player of the Season.[19] AGOVV would later go on to name one of the stands at their Sportpark Berg & Bos stadium the "Klaas-Jan Huntelaar stand" in tribute to his impact at the club.[20][21] Heerenveen At the end of his loan at AGOVV, Huntelaar turned down the opportunity to sign a new contract with PSV,[22] and Frisian club Heerenveen moved in to sign him for a transfer fee of €100,000. Huntelaar started the 2004–05 season by scoring on his Eredivisie debut with Heerenveen against AZ[23] and took his scoring tally to 10 goals in 17 games at the winter break. At the end of the season Huntelaar had scored a total of 17 goals in 31 matches, helping Heerenveen qualify for the UEFA Cup. In the 2005–06 season Huntelaar continued where he had left off in his first season at Heerenveen, and by the winter he had scored 17 goals in 15 matches at which point top clubs from Holland and abroad began vying for his signature. Huntelaar signed for Ajax, the club he had supported as a child. Heerenveen received €9 million plus future incentives for the player with 15 percent (€1,35 million) of the fee going to PSV,[24] as a result of a training compensation rule imposed by FIFA.[25] Ajax Klaas-Jan Huntelaar with Ajax. Huntelaar made his Ajax debut after the winter break, and scored his first goal for the club against his former team, Heerenveen, in a KNVB Cup tie.[26] During February Huntelaar scored nine goals in seven matches for Ajax, including against Internazionale on his Champions League debut.[27] Huntelaar ended the season as top scorer for Ajax with 16 league goals in 16 appearances despite only joining in January, and also finished up as the Eredivise's top scorer with 33 league goals.[28] He scored a total of 44 goals in 47 appearances in all club competitions. Ajax finished second in the Eredivisie and Huntelaar featured in the Eredivisie Playoffs for Champions League qualification, scoring in consecutive matches against Feyenoord[29][30] as well as playing in the victory over Groningen to secure Ajax's place in the following season's Champions League.[31] In the KNVB Cup semi-final, Huntelaar scored a bicycle kick equalizer in injury-time against Roda, taking the game to extra-time. Ajax went on to win 4–1 with Huntelaar scoring another goal in the 109th minute.[32] In the final, against his former club PSV, Huntelaar scored twice to help Ajax win the KNVB Cup 2–1.[33] Huntelaar was named Dutch Football Talent of the Year and Ajax player of the year for 2005–06.[34] Huntelaar celebrating Ajax's victory in the Dutch Cup. Huntelaar was named as Ajax vice-captain for 2006–07[35] and became the first player to score a goal at Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium in a testimonial match for Dennis Bergkamp.[36] Huntelaar scored two goals in the Champions League qualifying match against F.C. Copenhagen, helping Ajax to a 1–2 away victory in the first leg, but a 0–2 home defeat in the second leg saw Ajax knocked out of the Champions League on aggregate. Ajax went on to play in the UEFA Cup, with Huntelaar scoring 7 goals in 7 matches, including against Werder Bremen who would knock them out in the third round. In the Eredivisie, Huntelaar ended the season with 21 goals as Ajax again finished second, and once more had to play in the Eredivisie Playoffs in order to secure Champions League football for the following season. Huntelaar scored two goals in the second leg of the semi-final against Heerenveen in a 4–1 aggregate victory,[37] and Ajax went on to beat AZ 4–2 on aggregate to secure a place in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.[38] In the KNVB Cup, Huntelaar scored four goals in six matches, including the equalizer in the final against AZ which ended in a 1-1 draw after extra-time. Huntelaar then scored a penalty in the ensuing penalty shoot-out decider to help Ajax retain the KNVB Cup with a 7–8 victory on penalties.[39] In 2007–08 Ajax were again knocked out of the Champions League at the qualifying stage , with Huntelaar missing a penalty in the first leg against Slavia Praha.[40] Ajax were also eliminated from the UEFA Cup by Dinamo Zagreb on away goals, with Huntelaar's two goals not enough to secure Ajax's place in the competition.[41] In the first Eredivisie match of the season Huntelaar scored four goals to help them past newly promoted De Graafschap in an 1–8 away victory.[42] Following the retirement of Jaap Stam in October 2007, Huntelaar was made temporary captain, pending the return of experienced midfielder Edgar Davids from injury.[43] On April 6, 2008, Huntelaar scored his 100th goal in the Eredivise with a hat-trick in Ajax's 4–1 win against De Graafschap. In the previous 25 years, only Dennis Bergkamp and Dirk Kuyt had managed that feat before their 25th birthday.[44] Huntelaar finished the season with 33 goals in 34 appearances, making him the top scorer in the Eredivisie,[45] and the first Ajax player to score 30 league goals in one season since Marco van Basten in 1986–87.[46][47] At the start of the 2008–09 season, van Basten was appointed as Ajax coach and named Huntelaar as the permanent first team captain of Ajax.[48] Huntelaar scored 9 goals in 15 appearances in all competitions before suffering torn ankle ligaments on November 9, 2008 in a league match against Sparta Rotterdam.[49] He would not play again for fully eight weeks later and it turned out to be his last game for Ajax.[50] Real Madrid At the start of December 2008, Real Madrid reached an agreement with Ajax to sign Huntelaar in the new year. Huntelaar joined Real Madrid in January 2009 for €20 million, rising to a potential €27 million. He made his debut on January 4, 2009 on his return from injury in a La Liga home match against Villarreal. He played for 56 minutes and made four further appearances as a substitute,[51] before scoring his first goal for the team on February 15, 2009 in a 0–4 away win at Sporting Gijon.[52] Real Madrid had planned to add both Huntelaar and fellow new signing Lassana Diarra to their 2008-09 Champions League squad, but both players had already featured in the same season's UEFA Cup for previous clubs Ajax and Portsmouth respectively. UEFA rules would allow only one of the pair to be registered[53][54] by February 1, 2009 and defensive midfielder Diarra was selected to play in the competition.[55] Huntelaar has since scored 8 goals in 14 appearances for his new club.[56][57] International career Youth squads Dirk Kuyt with Huntelaar in a training prior to Euro 2008. Huntelaar participated in the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship for the Netherlands under coach Louis van Gaal. The striker scored two goals in the tournament before the Dutch were eliminated in the quarter finals by Egypt.[7] Huntelaar was part of the preliminary Dutch squad prior to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, but was not chosen and instead participated in the UEFA Under 21 football championships in Portugal. Huntelaar was the top-scorer of the tournament with four goals,[58] including two in the final on June 4, 2006 as the Netherlands beat Ukraine 3–0.[59] Huntelaar was named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament.[60] In the aftermath, Huntelaar retired from the under-21 squad where he remains the all-time top goalscorer with 18 goals in 22 matches.[5] Senior squad Following his achievements with the under-21 squad, Huntelaar was selected by senior team coach Marco van Basten for the Dutch national squad's next friendly match, away against the Republic of Ireland on August 16, 2006. Huntelaar on his senior debut, scored two goals and provided two assists in the Netherlands 4–0 victory,[61] thus becoming the first Dutch player to score on his full international debut since Dick Nanninga in 1978.[62] Huntelaar (right) and coach Marco van Basten in training with the Netherlands prior to Euro 2008. After being left out of the squad for a number of games, he was recalled to the squad in October 2007 for the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying games against Romania and Slovenia.[63] Due to the suspension of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Huntelaar was in the starting line-up against Slovenia and scored his first competitive international goal in a 2–0 win.[64] Huntelaar was included in the Netherlands Euro 2008 squad, and scored in his only appearance in the tournament with the opening goal of their final Group C match against Romania in a 2–0 victory.[65] With the retirement of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Huntelaar became new Dutch national team coach Bert van Marwijk's first choice striker for the FIFA World Cup 2010 qualification match against Iceland in October 2008, and scored in a 2–0 victory.[66] Huntelaar has since taken his tally to 13 goals in 21 appearances for the Dutch senior squad. Highlights during the 1999-2009 time frame: Club Ajax * KNVB Cup – 2005–06, 2006-07 * Johan Cruijff Shield – 2006, 2007 International Netherlands U-21 * UEFA U-21 Championship – 2006 Individual * Eerste Divisie Top Scorer: 2003–04 * Eerste Divisie Player of the Year: 2003–04 * Eredivisie Talent of the Year: 2005–06 * UEFA U-21 Championship Top Scorer: 2006 * Eredivisie Top Scorer: 2005–06, 2007–08 * All-time leading Dutch Under-21 top scorer * FIFA Dutch Striker of The Year: 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2007-2008 For his career Huntelaar has scored 179 goals in 262 club matches. For the Netherlands he has scored 13 goals in 21 matches.
Round 17 Team SirManchester/ForeverRed select Martin Petrov Clubs: Servette, Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City Country: Bulgaria Position. Left Midfield
Round 17: Kevin8833 and Friend (semillag I believe his username is) select... Edinaldo Batista Líbano (born 2 April 1979, in Campo Limpo Paulista, São Paulo), commonly known as Grafite, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker for German Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg.[1] Grafite was topscorer of the Bundesliga this season with an impressive 28 goals in 25 appearances and in doing so playing a crucial role in the club's first ever Bundesliga title. Together with Edin Džeko, they formed the most successful strike duo in Bundesliga history. Honours * Campeonato Paulista in 2005 with São Paulo Futebol Clube * Copa Libertadores in 2005 with São Paulo Futebol Clube * FIFA Club World Championship in 2005 with São Paulo Futebol Clube * Bundesliga in 2008-09 with VfL Wolfsburg * Bola de Prata: 2003 (best attacker) * Bundesliga 2008-09 Top Goalscorer with 28 goals
My seventeenth pick is: OM Rafael VAN DER VAART Country: Holland Club(s): Ajax, Hamburg, Real Madrid Best years: 1999-2008 Profile in some minutes...
Owen Hargreaves, defensive midfielder, right back, and right midfielder from England, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United.
My 17th pick: Gabriel Heinze Postion: Left back, Centerback Country: Argentina Clubs: Newell's Old Boys, Real Valladolid, Sporting Portugal, PSG, Man Utd, Real Madrid Peak Years: 2003 to now Heinze began his career in his home country with Newell's Old Boys. He then signed for La Liga outfit Real Valladolid, After that, Heinze was loaned to Sporting Clube de Portugal, going unnoticed throughout the season, after which he returned for a further two Valladolid years. At the close of the 2001 season, Heinze moved to Paris Saint-Germain FC, where he amassed over 100 overall appearances in three seasons, also helping the capital side to the 2004 French Cup. In June 2004, Heinze joined Manchester United F.C. for a fee of £6.9m, and immediately established himself as United's first choice left-back. Heinze was injured in a UEFA Champions League match with Villarreal CF on 14 September 2005, and the consequence of Heinze's injury was Manchester United's signing of Patrice Evra as his left-back replacement. Due to United's injury problems, Heinze was used as a centre-back, partnering Wes Brown. He was made captain for their last two games of the season. On 22 August 2007, Heinze joined Real Madrid on a four-year deal, In his first season with Real he won La Liga and the Supercopa de España. Heinze first represented Argentina on April 30, 2003. The following year, he won a gold medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics. Despite injuried throughout 2005-2006 season, he was called up for Word Cup 2006.
Alexander Hleb A tall wirey player. the ex-stuttgart and arsenal playmaker is known for his world class close control, precise passing, ball retention and remarkable dribbling with the toe of his foot. this allows him to play wide, in midfield, as well as his favored role behind the strikers. He has been an important figure, in every peak season, even having some moments in 05/06, and has had long stretches of consistency and bottle. Clubs (during peak): Stuttgart & Arsenal Country: Belarus Peak Years: 03/04, 04/05, 06/07, 07/08