22 May 2011 09:00:00
Concacaf has churned out some great players in the past but this season’s final product has proven to be of the highest quality for some lucky teams. More than a few names will be remembered for helping their clubs reach new heights and breaking long-standing records.
From firing Manchester United to their 19th English top-flight title to captaining Hannover to a Europa League spot, Concacaf players made a big splash in Europe.
Goal.com reflects on the Top 10 Concacaf players in Europe for the 2010-11 campaign.
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10 – Brian Ruiz (Twente) Appearances: 32 Goals/Assists: 9/1 The Costa Rican attacker didn’t terrorise Eredivisie defences like last year but he can still hold his head high after the 2010-11 campaign. His nine goals helped Twente battle for the league title until the final matchday before conceding their crown to Ajax. |
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9 – Giovani Dos Santos (Racing Santander) Appearances: 15 Goals/Assists: 5/1 The loan move to Racing in January seems to have revitalised the Mexican winger’s career after failing to break into Tottenham’s first team. His five goals for the Liga outfit have been integral in their successful quest to avoid relegation. |
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8 – Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne) Appearances: 32 Goals/Assists: 2/1 The 31-year-old has been a tower of power in his first season for Saint. The USA defender has proven a calming influence at the back for the Ligue 1 outfit, who paid a measly €400,000 for his services in the summer. |
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7 – Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna) Appearances: 19 Goals/Assists: 2/1 The Mexican wing-back has attracted the interest of a plethora of clubs across Europe despite a hamstring injury that has hampered him this year. The 24-year-old has been his usual sensational self on the field but his limited appearances hurt the Liga outfit as they slipped to the ignominy of relegation. |
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6 – David Hoilett (Blackburn) Appearances: 27 Goals/Assists: 5/1 The speedy winger has been a revelation for Rovers and has really turned on the afterburners since January to give the English club a fighting chance of avoiding the drop. His sensational play has led some to proclaim he will be the face of Canadian football for years to come if he chooses to represent the Canucks. |
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5 – Carlos Salcido (Fulham) Appearances: 26 Goals/Assists: 0/2 The 31-year-old full-back had no trouble making the transition to the Premier League after spending four years in the Netherlands with PSV. The Mexican stalwart has been a model of consistency on the left hand side of defence for the Cottagers and has won the respect of fans and players alike with his hard-nosed approach. |
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4 – Steve Cherundolo (Hannover) Appearances: 34 Goals/Assists: 0/0 The dimunitive USA defender stood tall and proud for Hannover as they soared to new heights in the Bundesliga. They held the final Champions League spot for a large portion of the season before tailing off and clinching a Europa League berth. The captain’s tenacious play was a big reason for their surprising run. |
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2 – Clint Dempsey (Fulham) Appearances: 38 Goals/Assists: 13/4 The 28-year-old has enjoyed a breakout campaign at Craven Cottage. He broke the club’s Premier League scoring record earlier in the season with his 33rd strike for the Cottagers since joining the London outfit in 2007. He now also holds the mark for most goals in the EPL by an American (12). |
There you have it. Disagree with our selection? Let us know who you would have included in your top 10. As ever, we’re open to your suggestions and musings.
Continue reading here:
Top 10 Concacaf players in Europe 2010-11










