Aleksandar Ivovic, one of the best players in the 21st century, ended his career in the national team this year. Still, water polo lovers will continue to enjoy the masterpieces of the Montenegrin ace.
Ivovic is still Pro Recco’s captain and leader. He clinched 12 medals representing Montenegro (including European gold, World silver, and three World League titles). Last year, Ivovic lifted four trophies as Recco’s captain last season – the double crown in Italy, the LEN Super Cup and the Champions League. It was his fourth title as the European champion with Recco.
Ivovic received many points from our jurors in previous votings for the Total Player Awards. This year, the captain of the European champions picked his Top 5 players.
Aleksandar Ivovic’s Top 5 of 2022
1. Francesco Di Fulvio (ITA)
Italian National Team Player. Club: Pro Recco. Position: Driver
In my opinion, Di Fulvio is currently the best player in the world in his position. He plays excellently in both directions – defense and attack. He won four trophies with Pro Recco and had a great summer with the national team, winning 2nd place at the World Championships and reaching the semifinals of the Europeans.
2. Alvaro Granados (ESP)
Spanish National Team Player. Clubs: Barceloneta/Novi Beograd. Position: Driver
Granados is a guy who joined the Spanish national team at a very young age and immediately indicated that he would have a very notable role, especially in the attack. He is always one of the most important scorers in crucial games. Granados is undoubtedly one of the most deserving that Spain won gold this summer at the World Championships and bronze at the European Championships.
3. Marko Bijac (CRO)
Croatian National Team Player. Club: Olympiacos. Position: Goalkeeper
He is currently a goalkeeper who perhaps makes the biggest difference. He showed that at the European Championships, where he was by far the best Croatia player. Bijac was undoubtedly the most deserving that Croatia won the European title in front of a packed Spaladium Arena in a wonderful atmosphere.
4. Felipe Perrone (ESP)
Spanish National Team Player. Club: Barceloneta. Position: Driver
It's difficult to imagine the Spanish national team without Felipe Perrone. He is a true leader, and gives calmness and maturity to the team in every aspect. It was not uncommon for the Spanish national team to run into problems when he was not in the pool. He is one of the players with the greatest influence on his team's performance. We already know all the results of Spain at the major competitions in the last few years. It would be almost impossible to achieve those results without Felippe.
