England Water Polo provides water polo fans in the United Kingdom with up-to-date information on the sport, including news and results.
Water Polo England, run by webmasters Chris Dean and Andy Rolle, is completely separate from Swim England but backs the organisation’s efforts to provide leadership and strategic direction for the sport in England and the rest of the United Kingdom.
England Water Polo’s Top 5 of 2022
Top 5 - TPA'22 Female
1. Bea Ortiz (ESP)
Spain National Team Player/Club: Sabadell /Position: Driver
Bea Ortiz had an exceptionally impressive season, especially for her national team. A truly exceptional all-around player who shows her quality at the most crucial moments in a game. Although Spain were disappointing in Budapest, Ortiz finished sharing the top scorer award. A key member of the gold-winning Spanish national team in Split and the World League Super Finals in Tenerife.
2. Paula Leiton (ESP)
Spain National Team Player/Club: Sabadell/ Position: Centre-Forward
In some ways, it was a second breakthrough year for Leiton. The fact that she has kept Maica Garcia, one of the greatest centres in history, on the bench for Spain over the last year is a testament to her talent. She was unstoppable at the European Championships in Split, and the World League Super Finals in Tenerife.
3. Maddie Musselman (USA)
United States National Team Player/Club: UCLA /Position: Wing
An incredibly special player, and an all-time great. The level of performance she shows is astounding, she is consistently performing in the crucial moments. Musselman was awe-inspiring at the World Championships in Budapest, and was possibly the deciding factor in Team USA's victory over Hungary.
4. Eleftheria Plevritou (GRE)
Greece National Team Player. Club: Olympiacos. Position: Wing
Eleftheria is not necessarily an obvious superstar, but it's no coincidence that all the teams she played for last season were tremendously successful. She was instrumental in Olympiacos' unprecedented quadruple victory. Even though the final in Split was not her best game, the MVP award at the European Championships is a well-deserved honour.
5. Rita Keszthelyi (HUN)
Hungary National Team Player. Club: Mataro Position: Driver
It's quite difficult to put into words how special Rita Keszthelyi’s performance was at the World Championships in Budapest. A truly world class player. It was evident a few months later in Split that no other national team relies as heavily on a single player as Hungary does on her.Top 5 - TPA'22 Male
1. Felipe Perrone (ESP)
Spain National Team Player. Club: Barceloneta Position: Driver
Spain’s legendary leader and deserved world champion in Budapest. His experience and skill was also on show in Split at the European Championships, even scoring the decisive winning goal against Italy to secure the bronze.
2. Marko Bijac (CRO)
Croatia National Team Player. Club: Olympiacos. Position: Goalkeeper
Performed magnificently in front of his home fans and was a vital part of Croatia’s victory at the European Championships. Bijac was simply sensational, impressed throughout and was rightly named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
3. Francesco di Fulvio (ITA)
Italy National Team Player. Club: Pro Recco. Position: Driver
The Pro Recco powerhouse was the driving force behind Italy’s run to the World Championship final and was unfortunate to end up on the losing side. He did taste success in the Champions League though and continues to be a real joy to watch.
4. Gergo Zalanki (HUN)
Hungary National Team Player. Club: Pro Recco. Position: Wing
A master in attacking play who terrifies opponents and inspired Hungary’s silver-medal winning performance at the European Championships. The Champions League winner and top scorer massively impressed for club and country in 2022.
