Goal.com 50: Giuseppe Rossi (24)

Goal.com's countdown continues with the classy Italian, who solidified his position amongst Europe's top strikers with some scintillating performances for Villarreal in 2010-11

Aug 7, 2011 4:00:00 AM

By Paul Macdonald

More On :  Villarreal, Giuseppe Rossi
Giuseppe Rossi, Villarreal
Getty Images

Welcome to the Goal.com 50! In this special series, Goal.com editors worldwide vote for the top 50 players of 2010-11. We count down to the announcement of the winner on August 21 with profiles of each and every player who made it into the top 50...

In the three years that had passed prior to the start of the 2010-11 campaign, since Giuseppe Rossi decided to swap the periphery of the Manchester United first team for Villarreal in the summer of 2007, the Italian had impressed El Madrigal's appreciative audience, but only threatened to muscle himself in amongst the game's great strikers. Last season, however, the 24-year-old made the progression from burgeoning talent to full-blown, fully formed, forward.

"It is true - I regret not taking [Rossi] with me to the World Cup in South Africa."
- Former Italy coach Marcello Lippi

Prior to the commencement of his fourth season in the yellow of the modestly sized but most ambitious Primera Division outfit, Rossi's highest goal haul had been 19 in 2008-09, but he outstripped his previous best by a considerable distance, notching 32 in 50 appearances in all competitions.

MOMENT OF THE SEASON

 LA LIGA:
ESPANYOL 0-1 VILLARREAL
The Italian, from a narrow angle on the goal line, lashed a sensational shot that whizzed past Carlos Kameni and into the roof of the net, a result crucial to the Yellow Submarine and their Champions League aspirations.
But Rossi's traverse into the top echelon of attacking talent has been down to more than just his goal haul; under the tutelage of Juan Carlos Garrido, Villarreal produced some of the slickest, smartest football outside of the Camp Nou, and the New Jersey-born forward was the focal point of its offensive intent.

The likes of Borja Valero and Santi Cazorla, creative influences among the most inventive on the continent, knew exactly how to feed Rossi's strengths, whether it be his razor-sharp first touch, his ability to drift into channels and find space, or to escape defenders and finish with his vicious left foot.

All of these aspects of his game came together in thrilling fashion. 18 goals in 36 La Liga outings were integral as Garrido's side clinched fourth spot and a Champions League playoff position, and his even more impressive total of 11 strikes in 12 Europa League outings edged the provincial club to a semi-final slot, as they attempt to clinch the first major trophy in their history.

With club form bordering on perfection, regular international recognition, something he coveted more than ever following the disappointment of missing out on the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, inevitably followed suit. Goals versus Germany, Ukraine and Estonia towards the end of the season have gone some way to ensuring that he will remain a permanent fixture as Cesare Prandelli builds the shattered reputation of the Azzurri.

"Villarreal produced some of the slickest, smartest football outside of the Camp Nou, and the New Jersey-born forward was the focal point of their offensive intent."

With such impressive statistics, teams gathered to vie for his services, but after both Barcelona and Juventus failed in their inquiries, it seems that Rossi will remain at El Madrigal for another year. After signing a contract extension in January until 2016, he declared his contentment in the region, and although he would have accepted the opportunity to progress his career, he appreciates that Villarreal have brought out the best in him - and the relationship looks set to continue to bear fruit.

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