Giallorossi Yorkshire’s season review concludes with the individual awards for Roma’s players.
For the first time, fans had a say in the awards, as the Goal of the Season vote was made open to the public. The vote went right down to the wire, requiring a secondary Twitter poll.
Elsewhere, Giallorossi Yorkshire has chosen some familiar awards, such as Player of the Season, Most Improved Player, and to celebrate their inaugural season, there are four accolades for the women’s team.
Here are the winners in full.
Young Player of the Year – Nicolo Zaniolo
This one picked itself. Zaniolo took Serie A by storm in his first season in the top flight, finishing with four goals and two assists from 27 league appearances. The midfielder wasn’t afraid of a physical battle despite his lack of experience at a senior level, and became one of his team’s most important players with a string of impressive performances.
Old Player of the Year – Daniele De Rossi
It’s not just the young players who deserve credit. Without the influence of those nearer the end of their careers, the season could have been even worse. Antonio Mirante made a big contribution in goal, but the award has to go to De Rossi. In his final season with the club, he continued to give everything when he was on the pitch, as Roma won 10 of the 18 Serie A games he played in. Even at 35, his influence was clear to see.
Most Improved Player – Federico Fazio
Under Eusebio Di Francesco, Fazio showed the worst form of his time at Roma so far. The defender was losing his concentration and struggling with pace. The last part had always been an issue for him, but he had overcome it with his reading of the game. At the start of the season, though, it wasn’t happening. Cue Claudio Ranieri’s appointment and cue Fazio’s improvement. The Argentine was back to his best, making vital blocks and tackles as Roma closed the season on a nine-game unbeaten run.
Signing of the Year – Nicolo Zaniolo
Once again, Mirante falls just short of claiming an award in his first season with Roma. The goalkeeper is just beaten to it by Zaniolo, due to the lack of expectations that were on the teenager’s shoulders when he arrived. Nobody could have foreseen the contributions Zaniolo would make. And at less than €5m, he is looking like one of the shrewdest purchases in recent history. If Roma decide to sell him on in the future, they could make 10 times that.
Women’s Young Player of the Year – Giada Greggi
In Roma Women’s first ever season, a number of youngsters were a key part of the formula. One of those who showed maturity beyond her years was 19-year-old Greggi. A dynamic midfielder, Rome-born Greggi inspired her team with her work rate and creativity. No player contributed more assists for Betty Bavagnoli’s side over the season. Greggi even established herself as vice-captain despite her young age, and should be a leader for this side for years to come.
Women’s Most Improved Player – Flaminia Simonetti
Greggi’s fellow Rome-born midfielder was in and out of the side in the first half of the season, but Simonetti seized her chance when a couple of her teammates were out injured, and became a key part of the starting lineup in the final weeks. She played with a great determination, helping her to score five goals – bettered only by Annamaria Serturini.
Women’s Goal of the Year – Luisa Pugnali v Orobica
Roma Women’s debut campaign brought several impressive goals, with the February win over Orobica bringing two on the same day. Bartoli scored with an overhead kick, but just edging it for goal of the year is Pugnali’s strike from earlier in the match. The forward dribbled down the wing with intent, sending one opponent falling to the floor. Pugnali then curled the ball way beyond the goalkeeper’s despairing reach.
Which was our best goal from the weekend? ?
— AS Roma Women (@ASRomaWomen) February 18, 2019
❤️ Luisa Pugnali ☄️
? Elisa Bartoli ?#ASRomaWomen #ASRoma pic.twitter.com/LdbXLRLwe3
Women’s Player of the Year – Elisa Bartoli
Fiercely committed and with the ability to match, diehard Romanista Bartoli jumped at the opportunity to play for her beloved club. A clear choice for captain, she led by example throughout, marauding forward from her left-back position. It’s never clear how things will gel in a team’s first season, but the squad could not have asked for a better leader than Bartoli to guide them through it.
Men’s Goal of the Year – Stephan El Shaarawy v Inter
It was a close-run contest, as Cengiz Under’s strike against Frosinone tied with two El Shaarawy goals – one against Sampdoria and one against Inter – in the initial poll. The Italian’s strike against Inter just edged it in the second vote, and it was a deserving winner. El Shaarawy waited for his moment before sending the ball flying in.
Player of the Year – Stephan El Shaarawy
Of course, it was one of many great moments in El Shaarawy’s season. The winger finally established himself as a consistent game-changer, often inspiring his side when they were struggling. At 26 years old, he began to show leadership qualities, and his performances on the pitch proved how much he has matured in his three-and-a-half years with Roma. With just one year left on his contract, it’s essential that Roma keep hold of him, and that he keeps progressing as he has this year.
Congratulations to all the winners!
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