Goal.com's Brasileiro 2011 Team Of The Year: Neymar & Ronaldinho Included While Leandro Damiao Is Pipped In Attack

The Santos and Flamengo attackers fall in behind Fred after his phenomenal finish to the campaign and European targets Dede and Paulinho provide solidity further back the field

06-Dec-2011 6:10:00 PM

By Tom Webber

More On :  Botafogo, Corinthians, Flamengo, Fluminense FC, Santos, Vasco da Gama, Neymar Santos Júnior, Paulinho, Ronaldinho, Fred, Dedé
Corinthians - Campeão Brasileiro
Flickr NIKE
Brasileiro

Team Of The Year:

2011

Table/Results

GOALKEEPER

Fernando Prass
Vasco da Gama
Both Julio Cesar at Corinthians and Fernando had fantastic seasons for their clubs. The Vasco man shaves the place by virtue of having played every single league game for his title-chasing club. In a year that included a Copa do Brasil win and a Copa Sudamericana final, Fernando deserves plaudits for his consistent excellence this year. Deola at Palmeiras also gains recognition for some fantastic displays when covering for Marcos.
DEFENDERS

Fagner
Vasco da Gama
Leandro Castan
Corinthians
Dede
Vasco da Gama
Bruno Cortes
Botafogo
Fagner made himself a fixture at right back for Vasco with his excellent attacking play and his ability to make a tackle. He contributed numerous assists and four goals, similar to his team-mate Dede who scored six times and performed solidly at the back, alerting multiple European clubs. Cortes rose from nowhere to nail down the left back role at Botafogo, earning an international call-up in the process. Castan was part of the tightest defence in the league and was the heart of that back line throughout.

MIDFIELDERS

Felipe
Vasco da Gama
Paulinho
Corinthians
Despite being 34-years-old Felipe rolled back the years in the second half of the season, producing dazzling displays that showcased his immense vision and execution of the pass. He helped drive the team forward from deep and played a huge role as they kept the pace with Corinthians, narrowly beating his midfield partner Romulo into the side. Paulinho had a great season, his eight goals providing a fantastic goal scoring boost from defensive midfield. As the club only hold a small share of his economic rights, a move away may be on the cards soon.

Ronaldinho
Flamengo
Neymar
Santos
After a great start to the season Ronaldinho's form seemed to tail off as Flamengo endured a difficult mid-season spell. His flair and joy for the game made him a joy to watch as he pumped in 14 goals, the last of which all but securing Copa Libertadores football for his side. Despite having his season interrupted by international duty with Brazil, Neymar managed 13 goals in his 21 appearances for Santos. The highlights being his Puskas nominated goal against Flamengo in round 12 and also when he hit Atletico Paranaense for four in week 32. Vasco's Diego Souza and Wellington Nem at Figueirense are unfortunate to miss out on a place but given the opposition it is understandable.

FORWARDS

Borges
Santos
Fred
Fluminense
Brought in earlier this year, Borges settled at Santos straight away, making himself an instant fans' favourite. His 23 goals in 31 games made him the league's top goal scorer and earned him an international call-up. Capable of scoring any type of goal, the 31-year-old was a always a danger in any area. After a difficult start to the year for Fred, he recovered in the second half of the season. Twenty of his goals came in his last 16 games, the crowning moment being his four strikes against Gremio to bring his team from behind to win. Thus, as the form man, he comes in ahead of the young Leandro Damiao who had a terrific season but his lengthy injury has kept him out the side. William of Avai - 14 goals - and Kempes of America Mineiro - 13 goals - deserve praise for regularly scoring in relegated sides.

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