Last season has been filled with action and surprises, and there are plenty of players worth choosing. As we’re nearing the end of the vote for Total Player 2018, we have put together our own list. To conclude the vote for 2018, we’re giving you our choice for the best Male and Female player of the year.
Total Waterpolo’s Total 5 Male of 2018
1st – Felipe Perrone
Spanish National Player | Club: Barceloneta | Position: Field Player
“Perrone is the type of player whose skills speak for themselves – his quality is unquestionable. During the last season, he was the key player of the young Barceloneta team and he conducted the whole Spanish National Team. He dominated the European Championships and led the team to the long-awaited medal.”
2nd – Andro Bušlje
Croatian National Player | Club: Olympiacos Piraeus | Position: Centre Back
“Bušlje is the best defensive player in the world. He’s been constantly keeping his quality throughout the season. His play during the Final Eight was brilliant and beyond comparison as he climbed the top with Olympiacos.”
3rd – Ioannis Fountoulis
Greek National Player | Club: Olympiacos Piraeus | Position: Centre Forward, Wing
“There aren’t so many players who have been among the best for many years, but Fountoulis is one of them. The last season was especially good for him as he crowned his success with the Champions League. It’s a shame he didn’t attend the European Championships, but the success of the young Greek Team guarantees Fountoulis to be a great leader.”
4th – Dušan Mandić
Serbian National Player | Club: Pro Recco | Position: Wing
“As seasons go by, Mandić is getting better and better. Not only does he perform according to the expectations, but manages to overcome them. He’s evolved from being an upcoming big talent to a high-class player. We won’t be surprised if he was to be the one who gets the Total Player Award in the next few years.”
5th – Miloš Ćuk
Serbian National Player | Club: HAVK Mladost | Position: Driver
“To anyone who has seen the goalkeepers’ reactions to Ćuk’s shots, everything is clear. With his skills and current reputation, he’s going to be the player who catches the eye of the audience.”
Total Waterpolo’s Total 5 Female of 2018
1st – Ekaterina Prokofyeva
Russian National Player | Club: KINEF-Surgutneftegaz: Kirishi | Position: Driver
“The key player of the Russian National Team. There were some underperformances at the European Championships, but Prokofyeva is by far the best player in the category. She’s the heart of the teams she plays in and manages to perform greatly.”
2nd – Catharina “Sabrina” van der Sloot
Dutch National Player | Club: AS Orizzonte Catania | Position: Wing
“Van der Sloot was the best player of the European Championships. While we were making these decisions, she was the main rival for Prokofyeva’s spot.”
3rd – Anni Espar
Spain National Player | Club: CN Sabadell | Position: Driver
“If there is a single proof of dedication turning into success, it’s Anni Espar. She’s a great example of a leader with advanced tactics in the pool and morale-boosting skills outside of it.”
4th – Maud Megens
Dutch National Player | Club: USC | Position: Field player
“Megens played one of the major roles for the gold medal the Dutch National Team has won. One of her greatest strengths is the fact she can play many positions with barely any penalty to her skills.”
5th – Margaret Steffens
USA National Player | Club: UVSE | Position: Driver
“A leader and an extraordinary player alike. The captain of the USA team is fast, decisive and plays intelligently the entire game.”
