Top 10 Australian players in Europe 2010-11

Ahead of the Socceroos' friendlies against New Zealand and Serbia, Goal.com's Ben Somerford takes a look at the best performing Australians in Europe during the 2010-11 season

Jun 3, 2011 4:00:00 PM

By Ben Somerford

More On :  Australia, Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill, Brett Emerton, Mark Schwarzer, Harry Kewell
Australian footballers continue to flood to Europe to ply their trade and this season several played an important part for top clubs. More than a few names will be remembered for helping their teams reach new heights and break long-standing records.

From briefly topping the Premier League goalscoring charts, to helping their side avoid the drop or assisting in their promotion bid, Australian players made a big splash again in Europe.
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Goal.com reflects on the Top 10 Australian players in Europe for the 2010-11 campaign.



10. Nathan Coe (SonderjyskE)
Appearances: 33
Clean Sheets: 8

After years of struggling to be first choice at top clubs, the 27-year-old found his feet at Danish outfit SonderjyskE. Coe was given the club's number one shirt and didn't look back, playing a major role in their late-season fight to avoid relegation.


9. Carl Valeri (Sassuolo)
Appearances: 25
Goals/Assists: 0/0

The 26-year-old defensive midfielder was out of favour under Daniele Arrigoni but following his dismissal in October, Valeri became a regular. Valeri's influence on the team was soon obvious as they moved away from the drop zone and ultimately survived.


8. Neil Kilkenny (Leeds United)
Appearances: 39
Goals/Assists: 2/5

England-born Kilkenny was one of the big reasons behind Leeds' push for promotion in England's Championship. The 25-year-old still has troubles defensively, but his creative attacking play offered a lot for the Whites who fell just short of the play-offs.


7. Adam Federici (Reading)
Appearances: 39
Clean Sheets: 12

Federici showed his shot-stopping quality with another assured campaign for Reading as the team fell just short of promotion in the play-off final. Federici overcame a knee problem to be given the nod for the late season games and mostly proved solid.


6. Lucas Neill (Galatasaray)
Appearances: 29
Goals: 0

Galatasaray may have had one of their worst seasons in recent memory, but Socceroos skipper Neill wasn't to blame. The 33-year-old, who finished the season with a groin injury, was one of few shining lights for Cimbom, holding his own in defence on most occasions.


5. Nikita Rukavytsya (Hertha Berlin)
Appearances: 32
Goals/Assists: 4/13

The Ukraine-born forward's career was at the crossroads after being released by Twente last summer but his move to Germany proved a masterstroke. Rukavytsya thrived for Hertha, providing the league's second most assists as they won promotion.


4. Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar)
Appearances: 36
Goals: 6/0

Buoyed by a superb 2010 World Cup, the energetic Holman put together an impressive season with AZ. At times the 27-year-old attacker was inconsistent but on the flip side when he got it right he ran the show for Alkmaar who clinched fourth spot in the Eredivisie.


3. Brett Emerton (Blackburn)
Appearances: 32
Goals/Assists: 4/5

Emerton played a major part in helping Blackburn avoid relegation last term in one of his best Premier League seasons. The 32-year-old midfielder was at his best on the wings for Rovers and scored crucial goals in the final two league fixtures.


2. Mark Schwarzer (Fulham)
Appearances: 32
Clean Sheets: 11

The veteran goalkeeper continues to get better with age. The 38-year-old had a solid and steady campaign and was one of the main reasons behind Fulham's eighth-place finish. Interest from Arsenal may have been a distraction but he got on with the job.

1. Tim Cahill (Everton)
Appearances: 28
Goals/Assists: 9/4

Cahill was one of the best players in the first-half of the Premier League season, sitting near the top of the goalscoring charts. A foot injury curtailed his run of form after the Asian Cup but he never stopped giving his all for the Toffees.

There you have it. Disagree with our selection? Let us know who you would have included in your top 10. As ever, we’re open to your suggestions and musings.
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