THE BEST XI OF MARCH
A month more commonly associated with lucky green socks and emphatic Irishmen, frantic bracketing and late nights on the NCAA channel, March is of a greater significance for fans of The Beautiful Game. Leagues running in accordance with the FIFA calendar are settling into the final push of their seasons, relegation battles are heating up, and title races are being blown wide open, captivating us in more unexpected places than we ever could have desired (La Liga, Premier League; I'm looking at you). In Bundesliga, Bayern Munich surprised no one with their record-breaking title clinch, and saw their first match as champions dampened just days later, as the Bavarian side relinquished a draw to a fesity Hoffenheim. In England, Liverpool made up for lost time and briefly regained their place atop the Premier League table, thanks to their secret weapon, Luis Suárez, who left us, on more than one occasion, with our jaws touching the floor in awe and our thumbs fumbling over DVR rewind buttons. Across the pond, MLS fans are just easing into a season that looks bound to be filled with fiercely-contested matches, fresh kits, and renewed and refueled rivalries. More American eyes will be focused on another league in particular, this season, as well, with Norway's Tippeligaen snatching hold of some of our most amiable Yanks, most-recently Bob Bradley, with Mix Diskerud, Joshua Gatt, and Zarek Valentin already acclimated and looking to make waves, as well. March saw Lionel Messi crowned the King of FC Barcelona with his record-breaking goal tally, and Ralf Fährmann stun us with his acrobatic goalkeeping efforts, which made him the feisty hero for Schalke in the latest installment of the Revierderby, which ended in a worrying draw for Dortmund. Plenty of goals; plenty of saves. But who makes the cut for the final XI?
STARTING XI | 4-2-3-1
| RALF FÄHRMANN GOALKEEPER Whether in midweek Champions League showdowns against the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, or savory Saturday morning Bundesliga matchups, Ralf Fährmann performed with nothing short of sheer resilience for Schalke this month, and his efforts were anything but unnoticed. Whereas the goalkeeping position can often find itself distant to matches of particular offensive dominance, Fährmann's finesse and acrobatic distinctiveness added a dimension of dignity and grace between the goalposts for Schalke that transcended any scorelines, and spoke for itself despite the opponents. The dedication at which the German approached each and every dive and punch helped Schalke overtake second place (briefly) in the Bundesliga table this month, and keep a clean sheet in Revierderby against their metropolitan rivals, Borussia Dortmund. Three clean sheet victories and consistently enthusiastic performances throughout the month brought Fährmann to the forefront of the dazzling goalkeeping performances across the Bundesliga during March, and may have laid a stepping stone in his path to Brazil, with Jogi Löw reportedly interested in bringing in the Royal Blues' no. 1 for a spot in Die Mannschaft's this summer. |
LEFT BACK The month began well for Azpilicueta; a call in and a starting spot for La Furia Roja during the March 5 international break, and an emphatic José Mourinho professing his love of the Spaniard in an interview, claiming that he would willingly field with "eleven Azpis," if given the chance. César Azpilicueta's resilience, read of plays, distribution, offensive and defensive balance, and strength on the left flank has made him a staple in the Chelsea starting lineup this season. The 24-year-old has blossomed in his on-field persona since his initial inclusions in the Cheslea starting lineup, during Rafa Benítez' managerial tenure, into one of the most efficient, and on several occasions, most valuable Blues on the pitch. In the past month, the Spaniard faced the test of defending Didier Drogba in his return to The Bridge, a whirldwind combination for Chelsea supporters, to see their new era player meet the likes of their legend, recovering quickly, and tackling cleanly. With Ashley Cole out for the majority of March due to a combination of selection and injury, Azpilicueta was able to claim the Barclay's man of the match award (against Arsenal) and redefine the position of Chelsea left back. | |
[RIGHT] CENTER BACK As a regular contributor to Chelsea fans' matchday awe with his defensive style and consistency, when Gary Cahill converted from close range with a triumphant smash into the top netting of Fernando Muslera's goal during the second leg of Chelsea's round of 16 tie against Galatasaray, it's needless to say that Blues supporters were as ecstatic as the center back himself. Cahill and his fellow Englishman, John Terry, have worked to make their complementary relationship in central defense seem effortless since the start of the season, but the pairing's efforts were showcased this month, as Chelsea secured clean sheets in two of their London derbies (2:0, Spurs; 6:0, Arsenal). Cahill's level-headed approach and read of the game has saved Chelsea in the most vulnerable defensive scenarios, and inspired instant counterattacks with precise clearances and distribution. His ability to devise and execute textbook tackles that are valiant, smart, and all-ball, leaves us "ooh-ing" and "ahh-ing" at our televisions each matchday. For defending that is simply too efficient to comprehend, here's to you, Gaz. | |
| BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER CENTER MIDFIELDER Though the German's highlight reel will be adorned with sparkling, top-corner freekicks (see left) and match-saving, last-gasp headers, Bastian Schweinsteiger's influence on the Bundesliga Champions' midfield may have been an underappreciated key to the title success of Bavaria's kings. Blossoming, and taking more ownership of his role as a midfield fulcrum, Schweinsteiger's movement allows for more versatility in Bayern's central midfield, getting more effective engagement of all players. Schweinsteiger was fully-operative in his position, and regained his leadership, presence, and aura on the ball. His heroics may have been the key to securing the Bundesliga trophy with seven matchweeks to spare, as he was able to clinch an attractive 82nd minute header, derailing the confidence of a stoic Mainz in search of a draw during Matchweek 26 (March 22), a sure set up for the fireworks and trophy celebrations just days later, after another victory against Hertha Berlin. |
GRAHAM ZUSI C ENTER MIDFIELDER Even before his nomination as MLS' Week 4 Player of the Week, Graham Zusi had already adapted to the importance of his role as the attacking focal point of Sporting Kansas City's attack, a technical and tactical reference point around which the likes of Sal Zizzo, Benny Feilhaber, CJ Sapong, and Dom Dwyer have all revolved around and worked off of since day one. Being optimized by Peter Vermes on both the wing and the central attacker's position throughout March, Zusi has dictated the passing approach of Kansas City's offensive contingent since opening day, getting on the ball in the middle, or drawing defenders with movement out wide and near the endline, stretching the play for a more counter-based attack. As the "designated corner-kick taker" for the Blues of Kansas City, his set pieces have impacted his teammates significantly as well, though not only in Kansas. Last week, USMNT teammate Michael Bradley was happy to put a well-flighted signature Zusi cross into the back of the net, bringing the score to uno a cero just 15 minutes into USA's heated rivalry match against Mexico. San Zusi, as he's better known amongst the El Tri faithful, has put his heart and soul into midfield dictation and care with his passing, making him a surefire starter in the best XI of March. |
| ÁNGEL DI MARÍA OFFENSIVE LEFT WINGER Upon Ángel Di María's collapse in apparent discomfort around the 20th minute of the exuberant March 23rd rendition of El Clásico, the despair from the Madridistas of the Bernabéu, and millions others watching from computer streams and television sets around the globe, was nearly audible. The injury scare was fortunately a short-lived occasion, but the moment may have encapsulated, for fans of Los Blancos especially, just how impeccable and necessary of an addition to the starting XI Angel Di María can be. Under Carlo Ancelotti, the Argentine has regained and elaborated on his playing style, working off of Luka Modrić and Xabi Alonso, and fallen into a rhythm alongside the left flank. He's appied his maddening speed, shooting power, effortless Rabona assists, placement abilities, and delicate dribbling to the ever-evolving Madrid offense. March saw the midfielder clinch three assists total, one coming in Real's 5-0 rout over Rayo Vallecano just this past weekend, and the others in that memorable Clásico, to which Benzema found the end of. After surrendering two defeats in a span of just two days in this past week, Di María will be a pivotal man in carrying the team on the long road to La Décima this month, as well as making up for lost ground in the captivating Liga race. |
LIONEL MESSI SECONDARY STRIKER / "FALSE NO. 9" Including Lionel Messi in the best eleven of March was not only an easy decision, but an inevitable one. The midfielding maestro unfolded before our eyes in the past month, seeming to be fully unhindered from injury or obstacles of any sort, and he did so in great style, of course. The ever-fashionable Messi crusaded through Osasuna's defensive set-up during La Liga Matchweek 28, christening the scoreline at the Camp Nou just 18 minutes into the match against the stunned, florescent-kitted side, before a crowd of 71,764. As expected, the Argentine didn't stop at one, finding the net twice more with credit to his stellar, selfless cast of assist-men, and the illustrious goalscoring record was met before the whistle for halftime. In the Clásico weeks later, Messi was pivotal in exploiting the seams and gaps of the Real Madrid defense, much more so than during the last league Clásico (October 26), where the midfielder was criticised for his "anonymity," despite a Barcelona victory. Proving to be anything but anonymous in orchestrating Barça's attacking pressure during the universal rivalry, Messi was able to convert two penalties and break Blanco hearts across the globe once more with his supremacy. Love him or hate him, Lionel Messi has a set of the godliest statistics of our time: with 10 goals and two assists in 31 days, he's more than earned his stripes as the best central attacking midfielder in the secondary striker role of the month. | |
| JOAO PLATA OFFENSIVE RIGHT WINGER Currently sitting atop MLS' Castrol Player Rating Index, Joao Plata is one of the most influential, though shamefully unpraised, wingers of the start of this year's MLS campaign. The Ecuadorian has accumulated 207 minutes in three games since opening day on March 8th, a statistic partially depleted due to a sidelining injury acquired versus LA Galaxy, but in that time, he's recorded two assists, and found the net just as frequently. After his exit due to an apparent hamstring strain in the 27th minute during MLS Matchweek 3, the midfielder's presence and pace were missed greatly, leaving Grabavoy and Saborio more exposed and out of place than effective. Plata's emphatic performances and cross-field link-up plays with Saborio have been a breakthrough subject of praise for Real Salt Lake. His iconic quick-fire finish in Matchweek 2 (see video) that famously brought an abrupt conclusion to San Jose Earthquakes manager Mark Watson's sideline interview may just be the most savory moments of the midfielder's season start, coming just minutes after his assist to Kyle Beckerman to open Real Salt Lake's scoring against the SJ Earthquakes. Plata currently leads MLS in decisive passes (the highest tally of passes leading to direct opportunities on goal), and for that reason, we choose the pacy Ecuadorian wonder as our winger of the month. Get well soon, Platita. #Ánimo |
LUIS SUÁREZ CENTER STRIKER You're bound to have done it at least once; we all have. In the euphoria of the moment following a display of unfathomable scoring prowess from Luis Suárez, coupled with the raucous chorus of response from the Anfield faithful and the subsequent screams from your match commentator, you've grasped helplessly for your remote control with one hand, your laptop or smart phone with the other, and performed one of the greatest footballing multitasks of all time: the "tweet-and-rewind." Each one of our Twitter timelines is littered with the occasional "SUÁREZZZZZ" or "GOLAZOOOOO" and even the ever-so-original "He's so goooooood" and as lovers of The Beautiful Game, we appreciate Suárez for making those tweets worthwhile. In March, the Uruguayan striker claimed all of our hearts, no matter how stubbornly, as he rose to the forefront of European scoring charts, now boasting 29 league goals, rectifying his title as the most feared and formidable offensive threat in England's top-flight. |
THE BENCH
| JERMAIN DEFOE CENTER STRIKER Just 17 minutes into his MLS career, Jermain Defoe had already opened his scoring account with Toronto FC, a written-in-the-stars tale of instant success, of sorts, for the Englishman and his new teammates, looking to usher in a new era of football in the crowning city of Ontario. Defoe's presence may be proving that not only does Toronto have a significant shot in the battle for the east, but perhaps for the Supporters Shield as well this season, with Bradley, De Rosario, and Júlio César (on loan) also showstopping newbies to adorn the Canadian side's roster sheet. The offensive powerhouses, and their world-renowned keeper, will look to develop and proudly display an attractive, worldly, and most-importantly winning style to their home crowd at BMO Field, and with two wins in March, the team is building a unique scaffolding, perfectly adept for evolution. |
BENNY FEILHABER CENTER MIDFIELDER Graham Zusi's clever-footed partner-in-crime in the Sporting Kansas City midfield throughout March, Benny Feilhaber may have been the most heartbreaking non-inclusion in Jürgen Klinsmann's 23-player MLS-exclusive roster to face Mexico early last week, especially following his call-up to camp in January. From the MLS season opener, Feilhaber's feisty approach to the ball and ability to dictate the midfield in a complementary style to Zusi's play has been eye-catching, and only evolved throughout the month. His 43rd minute stunner goal against Cruz Azul during Champions League must be lauded, for the brief glimmer of hope it preserved for MLS fans around the nation, although Cruz Azul's second half resurgence overtook the limelight and resorted Kansas City to a dignified bow out of the competition. | |
| MATS HUMMELS CENTER BACK The yellow men of North Rhine-Westphalia were able to steady their grasp on form in the past month, only relinquishing a single defeat and draw in the Bundesliga, despite consecutive losses in the Champions League. One player who was particularly determined to consistently perform to his best potential; none other than Mats Hummels. The German fullback was able to find a rare goal against Hannover, a game that Dortmund comfortably saw out with a three goal advantage and clean sheet, and nominations for the Bundesliga.com Team of The Week were cast almost unanimously in his favor. Hummels is so impressive when he engages in play through the middle of the field, taking on a creator's role, making the most of his versatility, and nearly functioning as a deep, central midfielder looking to play through gaps. |
LUIS ROBLES GOALKEEPER Despite Red Bulls' win-less start to the season, the composed, stone-faced resilience from Luis Robles has been praised by all of the Gotham City, and kept Red Bulls fans from getting too weary over the table standings. The American keeper has been the scaffolding of Red Bulls solidity, saving a total of 13 shots in four matches during March, earning the squad three one-point matches [in March] and keeping the loss tally down to just one. Coach Mike Petke couldn't have said it any better when he stated that the heroics of Robles' goalkeeping were the sole bail-out for the defending champions of the Supporters Shield, and in the absence of an offensive spark to find glory on the other end of the field, Red Bulls fans will continue standing strong with their stoic keeper. "Anytime our goalkeeper makes saves like that, you're always pleased with him. At the end of the day I think that he possibly did bail us out a bit today. They got behind us quite a bit, had some opportunities, but Luis did well." -Mike Petke, NY Red Bulls Manager | THIAGO MOTTA DEFENSIVE CENTER MIDFIELDER Thiago Motta may be one of PSG's greatest unsung heroes, solely for his ability to be so versatile. The central holding midfielder shines in any situation, working off of Jallet, van der Wiel, Digne, and Maxwell to start build-up plays from wide positions, as well as engaging Lucas and Javier Pastore farther up the pitch, and further accommodating new signing Yohan Cabaye to the melting pot of midfield talent at Parc des Princes. What made Thiago Motta such a sublime standout was his influence on attacks in the final third from his anchored position just in front of the back four. Against Lorient, the Italian international converted the sole goal of the match from closer range than his accustom, and his defensive reinforcement assisted the likes of Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, and Sirigu in maintaining clean sheets in Ligue 1 throughout the month, and triggered a freedom to the counterattacks from PSG's offensive six, well assured that their defensive midfield was covered. Moving forward, Les Parisiens will look for their veteran figure to keep them steady on the path to their second consecutive Ligue 1 trophy, and pass on the skills of his craft to youngsters like Adrien Rabiot, to keep the Paris side in the on-top-of-the-world form they're enjoying. In his Champions League this season, Motta attempted 780 passes in Champions League this season, 702 of which were accurate, a statistic bettered only by Xavi (885/818). He subtly dictates the game from midfield, and his defensive solidity triggers a freedom and fluidity in PSG's attack. |
@cassgabe7
Who was your player of the month? Perhaps you have a different XI in mind? Leave a comment below, or tweet me!