Milan are a team who need no introduction for most football fans, but if you are new to the European football scene, and your first taste of the beautiful game on the old continent came this year in the UEFA Champions League, you would be forgiven for requiring a refresher course on the Italian giants.
Winners of the 2007 edition of Europe’s top club competition, the Rossoneri came fifth in Serie A last season, thereby forfeiting their place at the pinnacle of club football to Fiorentina. This left Milan with a clear and achievable goal for the current season, to win the Scudetto.
This Scudetto prize is elusive at this stage, and only a flop from Inter would allow their cousins to take the title, but the most successful club in the world have virtually secured Champions League qualification, and the team can look forward to their return to the competition for next season.
These final few weeks in Serie A will still determine Milan’s final spot in the Italian top-flight, but a second or third place finish is on the cards. In other competitions this season, Milan faltered earlier than expected, dropping out of the Coppa Italia at the hands of Lazio, before ending their UEFA Cup run against Werder Bremen due to the away goals rule, and a certain Brazilian goalkeeper.
Below is a list of five nominees in no particular order. I then cast my vote at the bottom before leaving it up to you, the readers, to have your say.
1)
Paolo Maldini: The captain is in his final season with the Rossoneri, and it will be a sad day for many football fans when the great defender hangs up his boots for good. His is, however, by no means a nomination only out of respect for a long and incredible career, but rather a testament to a great final season, where the number three led by example once again, playing over 25 games and defending with vigour at the ripe old age of 40-years-old.
2)
Christian Abbiati: The return of keeper Abbiati gave stability and protection to a defence that was full of holes during the last campaign. Despite suffering an injury that ruled him out of the last few months of the season, he has been a rock for the Rossoneri and his saves have been worth many points in the Serie A title race, keeping eleven clean sheets.
3)
Alexandre Pato: The youngster has been in fine form all season, scoring 14 goals in 32 Serie A appearances, while adding five assists to his statistics in the top-flight. The skilful Brazilian striker has mesmerised defences in the Italian league with his pace and spectacular dribbling ability, while completing his good work with powerful and accurate finishing.
4)
Filippo Inzaghi: Despite being injured for a few months during the current campaign, Inzaghi’s form in front of goal has been astonishing in the last two months, his exploits including two hat-tricks and 16 goals from 28 games in Serie A and UEFA Cup action combined, proving that experience is worth a great deal indeed.
5)
Kaka: No Milan list would be complete without mentioning the ever-present attacking influence of Brazilian midfielder Kaka. He has not had his best season, but his contribution has been undeniable, scoring 15 goals and providing six assists thus far in Serie A alone.
My vote: Alexandre Pato. My vote goes to the player who has been the most influential and consistent throughout the 2008/2009 season. Pato has impressed and is improving at a staggering rate with the Rossoneri, and it will be interesting to see how this youngster does in the years to come.
Who gets your vote as Milan’s Player of the Season? Goal.com wants to know what YOU
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