The latest ESM team of the Month is;
Rene Adler
Bayer Leverkusen
Votes ***
Staked his claim to become the nationalmannschaft’s first choice keeper with a an impressive and solid month which included a confident performance in his senior debut versus Russia.
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John Terry
Chelsea
Votes *****
A strong start to the season by both Chelsea and England, for whom Terry remains a hugely inspirational figure. It is no coincidence that Chelsea have conceded the least goals in the Premier League so far this season.
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Jamie Carragher
Liverpool
Votes *****
Liverpool have by all accounts under-achieved in the last decade, and this season have made there best start in a long time, in the centre of defence Carragher has been superb. Was outstanding in Liverpool’s ending of Chelsea’s run of 86 games unbeaten at home.
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Maicon
Inter
Votes ***
The Brazilian defender has continued where he left off last month for Internazionale, as his wing play has been a great asset to Mourinho.
This is the second month in a row he’s made the ESM team of the month.
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Marek Hamšík
Napoli
Votes ****
The Slovakian has again impressed in Serie A this month, scoring four goals from midfield already this season. He has been a major figure in Napoli’s high-flying start in Serie A this season.
This is the second month in a row he’s made the ESM team of the month.
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Xavi
Barcelona
Votes ****
Pep Guardiola has got his team in gear and Xavi Hernandez Creus has been a central figure in a great month for the Camp Nou club. His Style and panache is impressive, but not as impressive as the way he’s controlled the Barca games.
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Geovanni
Hull
Votes ****
A player that has failed to impress whilst promising so much for the majority of his career has found his feet in the unlikeliest of places. Hull took a gamble on the Brazilian when they were promoted, and have reaped the rewards with a number of key and also spectacular goals.
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Samuel Eto’o
Barcelona
Votes *******
Had a ‘for sale’ tag slapped on him over the summer as Barca looked to cash in on their top individuals so they could build a team. But the Cameroon striker stuck around and has proved he’s happy to function as a team and answer his critics. Scored a load of goals and exceptional ones at that.
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Wayne Rooney
Manchester Utd
Votes *****
Scored freely for both club and country, finally looking like he might fulfil the potential he showed as a young teenager. Scored and created all sorts of goals, maybe his new stream-line haircut helped.
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David Villa
Valencia
Votes *****
The Spain striker has been consistent this month, consistently brilliant. He actually scored half of Valencia goals in their first nine La Liga games.
Despite resisting overtures in the summer from ‘bigger’ and richer clubs, he will be the subject of much speculation agin in January.
This is the second month in a row he’s made the ESM team of the month.
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Vedad Ibišević
Hoffenheim
Votes *****
The Bosnian star of 1899 Hoffenheim’s meteoric rise to the top of the Bundesliga in their debut season, has continued to play a crucial role. Has been involved with most good things 1899 have done, and sits top of the scorers chart.
This is the second month in a row he’s made the ESM team of the month.
Every month journalists from each member of the European Sports Magazines group (ESM) vote for the 11 players who have impressed them the most from across the continent’s top leagues.
The players with the most votes make the overall team.
The magazines in the ESM are;
A Bola (Portugal), Don Balon (Spain), Fanatik (Turkey), Foot (Belgium), Gazetto Dello Sport (Italy), Kicker (Germany), Sport Express (Russia), Tips Bladet (Denmark), Voetball International (Holland) and World Soccer (UK).
There is no particular formation set – but generally they tend to try and name at least 3 defenders, 3 midfielders and 2 attackers, and always and only 1 goalkeeper.
