Calcio Debate: Top Five Players To Watch Out For In Serie A This Season

With the new Serie A season less than a week away, Carlo Garganese offers five lesser known players who could make a big breakthrough this year…

Aug 17, 2009 1:00:36 PM

More On :  Lazio, Livorno, Palermo, Parma, Roma
Jeremy Menez, Roma (Foto Grazia Neri)

5) Nestor Muslera (Lazio)

Goalkeeper Muslera became something of a laughing stock when he first arrived at Lazio from Uruguay in 2007 as a 21-year-old and is particularly remembered for an infamous performance between the sticks during a 5-1 home defeat against Milan. However, last season Muslera began to grow after dislodging the disastrous Juan Pablo Carrizo, and the shot-stopper has been suggesting that he could develop into one of Serie A’s finest glovesmen. Muslera’s displays in pre-season have been world class at times.
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4) Jeremy Menez (Roma)

One of the most misunderstood players in Serie A, Menez possesses incredible talent but he was unable to express himself last season after arriving from Monaco. The 22-year-old has been written off by many people, but those who have doubted him may soon have to eat their words. Menez has been sensational in pre-season, and was simply unplayable during Roma’s recent victory over Grosseto. The only concern at this stage is whether the Giallorossi will have to sell him for financial reasons. If the Frenchman stays, and sorts out his mental attitude, he could be one of the surprises of the year.



3) McDonald Mariga (Parma)

Labelled by some as the ‘new Patrick Vieira’, the 22-year-old Mariga is a truly imposing figure in midfield. The Kenyan hero is wanted by half of the Premier League, while he has also been linked to many of Serie A’s biggest clubs, including Milan and Lazio. Dominating the middle of the park, Mariga was instrumental in Parma’s promotion to Serie A, even chipping in with three goals, and there will be many opponents this term who will not relish facing him.



2) Javier Pastore (Palermo)

The best player in Argentina during the 2009 Clausura when Huracan were just beaten to the championship line by Velez Sarsfield, Pastore was South America’s most sought-after starlet, but Palermo pulled off a major coup by beating Manchester United to his signature. An old-school playmaker, who makes up for a lack of pace with his tricks, flicks and fantasy, the 20-year-old will certainly be a crowd pleaser and could be the perfect supplier to Fabrizio Miccoli and Edinson Cavani. Be prepared for a plethora of backheels and nutmegs.



1) Alessandro Diamanti (Livorno)

A late bloomer, Diamanti has all the tools in his armoury to be the revelation of the 2009/10 season. The 26-year-old was one of the stars of Serie B last term during Livorno’s promotion, scoring a whole host of wondergoals. The pint-sized forward is skilful, nippy, creative and possesses a magic-wand of a left foot. Very dangerous from free kicks too, Diamanti could provide enough firepower along with Ciccio Tavano and Cristiano Lucarelli to keep the Tuscans afloat.



What are your views on this topic? Who is going to be the big breakout star in Serie A this season? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think…

Carlo Garganese, Goal.com
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