In 2022, Team USA remained the best non-European male water polo team in the world.
This year, the Americans had almost the same season as in 2021. They won silver in the World League. A few weeks before the World League Super Final, the Americans finished 6th at the World Championships in Budapest. They were a tough opponent to the European powerhouses. They beat Hungary in Budapest. Last year, the Americans were 2nd in the World League and finished 6th at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Since 2013, Team USA has been coached by Dejan Udovicic, who won 16 medals as Serbia’s head coach. Udovicic helped rebuild the USA male team and led the Americans at the Olympic Games twice (2016 and 2021). After the Tokyo Games, he renewed the contract with the USA Water Polo Federation until the Paris Games.
Dejan Udovicic‘s Top 5 of 2022
1. Francesco di Fulvio (ITA)
Italy National Team Player. Club: Pro Recco. Position: Driver
Di Fulvio had an excellent season with Pro Recco, winning trophies in all competitions, and led Italy to the silver medal at the World Championships in Budapest.
2. Alvaro Granados (ESP)
Spain National Team Player. Club: Novi Beograd. Position: Driver.
An excellent goal-getter, who helped Spain win gold at the World Championships, where he scored six goals in the final, and bronze at the European Championships.
3. Aaron Younger (AUS)
Australia National Team Player. Clubs: Pro Recco. Position: All-round
Although he didn’t play at the World Championships, he proved his quality this year by playing excellently for Pro Recco.
4. Felipe Perrone (ESP)
Spain National Team Player. Club: Barceloneta Position: Driver
Perrone is still a true leader of the Spanish team, which won gold in Budapest and bronze in Split.
