Midfield: Hernanes (Lazio), David Luiz (Benfica), Nene (Paris Saint-Germain); Forwards: Pato (AC Milan), Hulk (Porto), Bobby (Beşiktaş). However, Maicon's condition this season has obviously declined. Not only can he not match the brilliance of last season, but even his normal level is hard to maintain. In the Champions League, Maicon has been utterly embarrassed. On October 21st Beijing time, during the third round of the Champions League group stage where Inter Milan faced Tottenham Hotspur at home, the once world's best right-back was completely outplayed by the rising star Bale. The latter, playing against him in the same position, completed a hat-trick of goals, and what was more frustrating for Maicon was that all three goals were identical. Almost all involved high-speed dribbling past him followed by low shots into the goal. After that match, Tottenham's magical winger Bale was also given the nickname "Raw-Eating Emperor," and the player he "raw-ate" was none other than Maicon.
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Lucio (Inter Milan), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona);
Although Inter Milan's right-back may have declined somewhat recently in the football world, his contributions last season were remarkable. The technically gifted and offensively talented Maicon has long been considered the world's best right-back. He personally surpassed Barcelona's dominant defender Piqué to be selected as the Best Defender of the 2009-10 Champions League season.
No matter how you look at it, 2010 was a year of mixed praise and criticism for Maicon. Having experienced the cycle of heaven and hell, Maicon still has the chance to make a comeback in the new season. This award might also serve as an encouragement.
Below is the best lineup selected by the Golden Samba Award:
Ballon d'Or, Golden Boot... Golden Samba! Brazil's contribution to world football is immeasurable. It seems necessary to give Brazilian players their own awards. On January 1st Beijing time, the renowned Brazilian football website Samba Foot announced the winner of the Golden Samba Award. Maicon, the world's best right-back who helped Inter achieve the quintuple crown, received this honor. The King of Inter's right flank will collect this "Golden Samba Award," which symbolizes the highest honor for Brazilian players in Europe, in mid-February this year.
Goalkeeper: Julio César (Inter Milan)
Although they did not replicate Barcelona's six-trophy miracle, winning the five crowns was no easy feat for Inter Milan. In the Champions League, Mourinho, then Inter's coach, led the team to eliminate the invincible Barcelona Dream Team. And just recently, Benítez won the FIFA Club World Cup before leaving his post. In this selection, Maicon surpassed his teammate Lucio and AC Milan's prodigy Pato to be chosen.
The Golden Samba Award is presented by the well-known Brazilian football website Sambafoot, aiming to honor the most outstanding Brazilian players in Europe over the past year. The preliminary list of 30 candidates was published by the website, and the final winner was selected through online voting by netizens. This award has been announced since 2008, with the previous two winners being Kaká from AC Milan and Sevilla's working-class striker Frediano.