For the first time, we have a juror from Great Britain.
Representing the independent voice of water polo in England and Great Britain, and managed by Chris Dean, the Water Polo England site brings England and Great Britain water polo news, results and more. The site has 2 clear objectives, namely: 1) To act as a responsive and responsible water polo community archive and resource, maintaining an accessible database of all England and wider GBR water polo activity for the community, and 2) To provide communication within the community about all current and future water polo activity in England and GBR.
The Water Polo England site and its web managers are completely independent of Swim England, but are supportive of the efforts of Swim England and its Water Polo Management Group to bring leadership and strategic direction to water polo in England and Great Britain.
Water polo England’s Total Male 5 for 2019
1st – Denes Varga
Hungarian National Player|Club: Ferencvarosi TC| Position: Driver
“An outstanding season for club and country, dominating play and driving his teams forward. Rightly named MVP at the Champions League Final Eight with winners Ferencvaros and MVP at the Europa Cup with Hungary.”
2nd– Marko Bijac
Croatian National Player|Club: Pro Recco| Position: Goalkeeper
“Reliable, strong and athletic, Bijac learnt from one of the best in Pavic, and continues to improve each season. A sensational 2019 saw him crowned Best Goalkeeper at the World League Super Final and Europa Cup. There will be plenty more accolades to come, too.”
3rd – Francesco Di Fulvio
Italian National Player|Club: Pro Recco| Position: Driver
“After a successful season with Pro Recco, sharpshooter Di Fulvio’s MVP performance at the World Championships helped guide Italy to their 4th title. Lethal in front of goal and a nightmare for defenders.”
4th – Andro Buslje
Croatian National Player|Club: Olympiacos/Pro Recco| Position: Centre back
“Remains the solid defender no-one wants to face. Reads the game superbly and a key player in Croatia’s run to the bronze medal match at the World Championships. Easy to see his value to the national side when he was forced to leave the pool against Hungary through injury.”
5th – Aleksandar Ivovic
Montenegrin National Player|Club: Pro Recco| Position:Driver
“Great technique and vision, Ivovic has the ability to score from any situation and always looks a threat. Deserves his place in the best five after topping the scoring charts at the World Championships with 21 goals.”
Water Polo England’s Total Female 5 of 2019
1st – Maggie Steffens
USA National Player | Club: CN Sabadell | Position: Driver
“The figurehead of the ‘family’ that is the all-conquering, ‘all gold’ USA women’s team. Calm and composed in attack and defence, her strength and desire helps ensure no-one finishes above the US on the podium.”
2nd – Rita Keszthelyi
Hungarian National Player | Club: UVSE Budapest | Position: Driver/Wing
“With her speed, energy and power, she makes scoring look easy. A constant danger to opponents and fired in the most goals at the World League Super Final and World Championships.”
3rd – Roser Tarrago
Spanish National Player | Club: Mediterrani | Position: Driver
“The driving force behind Spain’s silver medal success at the World Championships and correctly voted the tournament’s MVP. A commanding presence in the pool who leads by example.”
4th – Maddie Musselman
USA National Player | Club: CDM Aquatics | Position: Attacker
“Another vital attacking component of the triumphant USA women’s team. Technically excellent, strong, dynamic and skilful, Musselman constantly causes problems for defenders.”
5th – Laura Ester
Spanish National Player | Club: Sabadell | Position: Goalkeeper
“Marshalls her defence expertly and incredibly difficult to beat. An excellent shot-stopper with terrific athleticism and technique, Ester would comfortably grace any national team.”
Check out the other votes so far and cast your own on the official Total Waterpolo Player 2019 page.