As we ring in the New Year as Winter Champions (gotta say it while it lasts!) and seeing how it is nearly midseason, I thought it would be fun for us to share our favorites of the season so far. In May, we chose a few of our favorites post-season, so now I’d like you to share your favorites pre-season up until now, including the SuperCoppa, Champions League matches and exhibition matches. Below are my favorites, be sure to share yours, too!
Favorite match
Barcelona 2nd leg at the San Siro. The loss that felt like a win. Our boys played like they were invincible that day, against all odds. And even if we lost Nesta in that match, we gained respect in Europe, including from our opponents and to some degree ourselves. The Lecce game where we woke up and came back from 3-0 at the half to win thanks to Boateng’s hat trick is a close second for me.
Favorite goal
How do you choose? Our season to date could be a Serie A goals of the year highlight reel. But it’s got to be Boateng’s goal vs. Barca in November for me. Equal parts skill, genius, and intuition, it still takes my breath away. His celebration was pretty awesome, too. Of course Boateng’s and Nocerino’s hat tricks definitely deserve a special mention as well.
Favorite player
Can I say pretty much the whole team? It would be easier to list the disappointments, but even then, they’ve all had their moments. In truth, though, I must pick Ibra. Not only is he literally head and shoulders above the rest, he is still improving as a player and a teammate and tends to carry the team on his big Swedish back. With 11 goals and 2 assists just in Serie A, he’s Milan’s leading scorer, too.
Most improved player
While I would like to include the surprising and refreshing performances of the fan unfavorite Bonera, I have to give this one to Nocerino. As a new player, he was a bit of an unknown for us, even having watched his performances at Palermo and Juve. And he had a bit of a rocky start, but has exploded on both defense and offense, our second highest scorer with 6 (almost 7!) goals. If his season ended now, he could rest on his laurels, but gratefully, we can anticipate much, much more from him.
Biggest heartbreak (injury, blunder, loss, etc.)
Again, so many, it’s tough to choose. But I chose the word heartbreak for a reason, as the loss of Cassano due to his heart problem is gutting both emotionally and in our lineups. Particularly since news just hit that he will miss the rest of the season, being unable to train on the pitch until June. It couldn’t happen to a more wonderful guy, and a piece of my heart (as well as my avatar!) is with him! Get well soon, Fantantonio!!
Now it’s your turn to pick! Copy and paste these categories into the comment box, add your choices & any comments you wish.* You guys always come up with great choices & things I’ve forgotten due to my feeble brain.
Favorite match
Favorite goal
Favorite player
Most improved player
Biggest heartbreak (injury, blunder, loss, etc.)
*Feel free to post video links or pics of your choices by simply pasting them normally within your comment, no editing or approval required.
AC Milan are currently training in Dubai!
Next match is the Dubai Challenge Cup exhibition game vs. PSG on
Wednesday January 4, 2012 7:30pm AST or 11:30am EST
This post inspired by the music of Interpol