Who will win the 2009 Samba Gold?

Written by Nicholas Savage , 29.11.2009

Why these thirty players? Why them and not others? One thing is certain: one of them will win the 2009 Samba Gold and it will not be an injustice. Many Brazilians find success in European football, but they alone deserved to be nominated for this rich year with the Confederations Cup and a happy end off the World Cup Qualifications in 2010 but also in the European championships and cups that cannot be played without Brazilian players. Now you have to choose. Vote wisely!

In the goal, Julio César became indispensable both to Seleção and at Inter Milan, where he earned the Italian championship. It only remains for him to win the Champions League. With the Auriverde shirt, he is regarded as a saviour. Very strong in his line, focused on long-distance kicks, he is considered as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Its a long time since the Brazilian National Team had a goalkeeper playing at this level. André Santos arrived this summer from Fenerbahce in Turkey. Athletic player with great technique, he continues to help much in offensive actions as it used to do in Corinthians. With Dunga, he came to hold the Seleção. He has now a famous competitor named Michel Bastos on the left side who is playing in a more offensive position at Lyon. Playing in Lille, he was the best point guard of the French championship last season.

What both sides!

On the other side of the field, we can find a fantastic duo with the genial Maicon (Inter Milan) and the brilliant Daniel Alves, who often pitch their moves with Lionel Messi at Barcelona. Champion of the Spanish League, winner of the Champions League, he won everything this year. Also playing as winger, Marcelo, discovered at Fluminense and now at Real Madrid played with inconsistency, but is always able to make a difference with fantastic gestures. Maxwell was one of the revelations of Inter Milan before signing with Barcelona where he has more difficulty to become titular. We can not forget Filipe, King at Deportivo La Coruna.
In central defence, experience surrenders to Lucio, who moved from Bayern Munich to Inter Milan, where he built a superb rapport with his colleagues in the team Julio Cesar and Maicon. In Werder Bremen, Naldo is a star. Always determined and acting with great discipline, the player became indispensable in the former team of fellow Brazilian Diego.

Brazilians that give muscle to the game

Carlos Dunga was the reference for defensive midfielders when he played in Europe. Today, many Brazilian players stand out in midfield. In the "Premier League”, Liverpool revealed Lucas, a skilful player, Manchester United have confidence in Anderson, formed at Gremio, the experience of team captain Gilberto Silva is focused on Olympiakos of Greece with Zico as coach. He is a key part of the squad of Dunga. Felipe Melo has the same importance for Juventus. Combative, always well placed, it is still a fantastic player in the middle of the field. He came to be essential also in the squad. On the sides, Elano joined from Manchester City for Galatasaray in Turkey. He has guaranteed a place for the next World Cup. Ramires arrived recently in Portugal and has won over Benfica’s fans.

Kaka, Diego, Ronaldinho ...

Left back with a lot of experience, Fabio Aurelio play's a more offensive role in Liverpool. Diego was a King at Werder Bremen, he is trying now to gain success in Italy. He has adapted and showed his ability. Kaka, winner of the Samba Gold 2008 when playing for Milan, was received as a Galactico from his new team Real Madrid. Without him, Brazil would have won the Confederations Cup this year. He is the playmaker of the team. Ronaldinho won the confidence of Leonardo and Berlusconi in Italy. He's found finally his rhythm. At Manchester City, Robinho was the main playmaker of the team before getting hurt. Barca are struggling to sign him.

Hulk and Graphite, the revelations

In Eastern Europe, the Brazilians are considered as precious stones. With Spartak Moscow, Alex plays very well, he weighs heavily on the minds of the adversary. The former player of Inter de Porto Alegre was quick to adapt to the cold in Russia and was called by Dunga.
In Donetsk Fernandinho is the owner of Shakthar game there are already many seasons. He is regarded as the best player in Ukraine. He also won the UEFA Cup.
In the attack, Hulk is the main revelation of the Portuguese league and FC Porto. He is an athletic player that weighs heavily in the opponent's court, finally won the trust of Dunga against England. With thirty years, Grafite is the top scorer for Wolfsburg in Germany and won the title of champion of the Bundesliga last season.
The big surprise of Monaco is called Nenê. The midfielder regained his form and became the best scorer of the French championship. Pato is more confident with the game system proposed by Leonardo in Milan

The return of Zé Roberto

With one of the highest salaries in Brazil Nilmar left the Brasileirão to come back in Europe. He left International to try to forget his time at Lyon. He signed with Villarreal and has shown his offensive qualities. Zé Roberto is 35 but has still an extraordinary physique. Today in Hamburg, he continues to stand out and argues for a place in the World Cup.
The last named on our list is Luis Fabiano. Halfway through the season he almost left the Sevilla to play in Milan. King in Andalusia, he became a vital player in the squad with his performance during the WC qualifying and the Confederations Cup where he finished top scorer. He just needs a continental title to become an international star.

Voting will start December 1st on Sambafoot.com!


>> Read more:

:: Samba Gold Rules
:: Kaka won 2008 Samba Gold
:: 2008 Samba Gold Results