There are three categories on which to vote - Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season and Signing of the Season - and the nominations are below.
Player of the Season
Angelo Ogbonna
After finally making his Italy debut in November, it is no
surprise that Angelo Ogbonna is one of the nominations for Torino Player of the
Season. Arguably the most consistent player in the team, you would probably be
able to count the number of costly mistakes he has made this season on one
hand. His outstanding performance in September’s victory away at Sampdoria
cemented Toro’s position as promotion contenders, and despite playing over 3700
minutes this season, he has only received three yellow cards.
Migjen Basha
It is difficult to pick just one of Torino’s regular central
midfielders to be nominated for this award, but it is the Swiss-Albanian Migjen
Basha who gets the nod. A hardworking but talented player, Migjen has impressed
in his debut season and became a big fan favourite – as illustrated by the Undici Basha (Eleven
Basha’s) banner that has been seen at many games this season.
Mirco Antenucci
Despite scoring six goals last season after arriving in
January, there were still question marks regarding whether Mirco Antenucci was
worthy of the Toro shirt. However, those critics have been proved wrong, as ten
goals and numerous assists - from a player who began the season on the wing
have proved vital. His magnificent goal in April against Padova showed what he
is capable of, and he will be looking to demonstrate that in Serie A next
season.
Alen Stevanovic
After spending last season on loan at Toronto FC in the MLS,
it looked as though Alen Stevanovic’s days at Toro were numbered. However since
returning in the summer, the Serbian winger has flourished in Giampiero
Ventura’s 4-2-4 formation, so much so that he was briefly linked with an
unlikely transfer to Manchester United.
Rolando Bianchi
Many may disagree with this final nomination, but I have
decided to nominate Rolando Bianchi - perhaps not for his performance this
season, but for his displays in the previous two campaigns. His tally of eight
goals this season is disappointing by his high standards, but he did score
important winning goals against Ascoli, Vicenza, Sampdoria and Juve Stabia.
Bianchi’s contributions in the 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons should also not be
forgotten by Toro fans, as without his 43 goals in those campaigns, I dread to
think where Torino would have finished.
Young Player of the Season (23 or under)
Nnamdi Oduamadi
When Nnamdi Oduamadi arrived on loan from AC Milan in the
summer, not much was expected from the Nigerian winger - with many believing
fellow signing Simone Verdi to be the better prospect. However, ‘Odu’ has
looked good whenever he has been called upon, with his pace troubling many a
full back - and his tally of three goals in just eleven appearances is very
impressive.
Danilo D’Ambrosio
After signing in January 2010, it has taken a while for
Danilo to fulfil his obvious potential – however this season has undoubtedly
been his best in a Torino shirt. Despite not being first choice, he has done
well when called upon at full back, and scored a vital winning goal at Reggina
in November.
Matteo Darmian
Matteo Darmian has been one of Torino’s most consistent performers
this season and is a throwback to the full backs of yesteryear, whose ability
to defend outweighs their ability to attack. The former Milan defender also
chipped in with one goal against Empoli, and also impressed towards the end of
the season when forced to play at centre back.
Alen Stevanovic
The only player to be nominated in two categories, it is
difficult to believe that Alen Stevanovic is only 21 years of age. Whilst a big
money move away from the club looks unlikely on the basis of just one full
season, his magnificent goal against Modena showed what he is capable of.
Sergiu Suciu
Perhaps the surprise inclusion in this category, Romanian
midfielder Suciu only made four appearances for Toro in a season curtailed by
injury, but his contribution in one of those matches justifies his nomination.
Because it was Suciu who (against the run of play) scored the equaliser against
Sampdoria in September and provided the platform for Toro to win that match and
announce themselves has serious promotion challengers.
Signing of the Season
Giuseppe Vives
Many eyebrows were raised when Giuseppe Vives moved to
Torino in the summer despite being Lecce’s captain and a regular in Serie A.
Those eyebrows were raised even higher (almost to Carlo Ancelotti proportions)
when he struggled to nail down a place in the Toro starting eleven. However in
the second half of the season, Vives’ quality came to the fore, and a number of
excellent performances and crucial assists were a vital factor in Torino
gaining promotion.
Manuel Iori
Manuel Iori began the season in fine form after signing on
loan from Chievo, and his assist to Mirco Antenucci away to Nocerina illustrated
his potential as a regista. Unfortunately
his form did tail off towards the end of the season, but that was possibly due
to the fatigue after playing so many matches.
Kamil Glik
The term ‘uncompromising defender’ is probably the best
description of Polish international Kamil Glik, and he formed a fantastic
defensive partnership with the more elegant Angelo Ogbonna this season. Towards
the end of the season he used his fantastic heading ability to score two important
goals, and whilst he will be disappointed that he has not been included in
Poland’s 23 man squad for the Euros, that should not take anything away from a magnificent
season.
Alessandro Parisi
Experienced full back Alessandro Parisi has had some
troubling times on and off the field this season, but the fact he was one of
only five men to play over 3000 minutes for Toro this season justifies his
nomination. Although he is not the player he once was, on occasion he did display
the quality that helped him earn a solitary Italy cap in 2004.
Stefano Guberti
Many fans were excited when Torino were able to acquire
Stefano Guberti on loan from Roma in the summer, but unfortunately injuries
have prevented him from becoming a regular member of the team. However, despite
playing just eight matches – he was able to assist two goals and undoubtedly would
have contributed more had he not been unlucky with injury.
How to Vote
Now the important part, if you would like to vote in for these awards - all you need to do is send an email to torinoblogger@hotmail.co.uk and rank the five players from 1-5 in each category. The player who is ranked 1st will be awarded 5 points, and the player ranked 5th will be awarded 1 point - this should hopefully be the best and easiest way to crown a winner for each award.
E.G - If you believe that Alessandro Parisi has been the 'Signing of the Season' and Stefano Guberti is the least worthy of the players nominated - then your email may look like this.
1. Alessandro Parisi
2. Giuseppe Vives
3. Kamil Glik
4. Manuel Iori
5. Stefano Guberti
Hopefully I've made this as uncomplicated as possible, and remember to vote for all three categories in your email. The voting will end after the Serie B Playoff Final 2nd Leg on June 9th.
Excellent review!
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