Tactical discipline, team spirit and attacking flair are the hallmarks of Valletta’s odd-defying title success this season. Kevin Azzopardi analyses the contribution of the players who won the 23rd championship in Valletta’s history.

Henry Bonello - 8/10

Signed from Sliema Wanderers after Hibernians passed up the chance to retain his services, Henry Bonello was instrumental in Valletta’s title success. Tall, strong and agile, Bonello inspired calm and confidence in the Valletta defenders. Produced several man-of-thematch performances in the title run-in, not least in the 0-0 draw against Birkirkara when his brilliant saves averted a potentially catastrophic defeat for Valletta.

 

Jonathan Caruana - 7/10

Promoted to team captain by coach Paul Zammit, Jonathan Caruana is a pillar in the City rearguard. A knee injury in the early weeks of the campaign threatened to derail his season but once he recovered, Caruana was his usual, composed self in the heart of defence. Comfortable on the ball, Caruana is very effective at closing down opponents and intercepting crosses and passes but also likes to build up play from the back.

Juan Cruz Gill - 7/10

Argentine defender Juan Cruz Gill was an unknown proposition when he joined Valletta in the close season but didn’t take long to nail down a regular place. In many ways, Cruz Gill is an old-fashioned centre-half as his strength, tackling ability and aerial prowess are his main attributes. His uncompromising approach is in contrast with defensive partner Jonathan Caruana’s nonchalant style but the two complement each other.

Romeu Romao - 6.5/10

A positive debut season for Brazilian right-back Romeu Romao. Fast and powerful, Romao provided width and pace on the right with his incursions and crosses adding to Valletta’s attacking acumen. Given his attacking instincts, Romao looked more comfortable in a five-man defence with three centre-backs as his defending needs improving. His form suffered a dip in the final weeks of the season but overall lived up to expectations.

Ryan Camilleri - 7/10

His confidence was at a low ebb at the start and his red card in the second leg of Valletta’s Europa League defeat to unfancied Welsh side Newtown AFC didn’t help his cause but Ryan Camilleri slowly but surely found his feet as the season progressed. Camilleri deputised for Jonathan Caruana when the latter was injured and his versatility was an asset for Zammit as he deployed the experienced defender in a variety of positions at the back. Consistent.

Umeh Calistus - 6.5/10

Umeh Calistus was behind the likes of Ian Azzopardi, Abdelkarim Nafti and Cameroonian winger Njongo Priso, who left the club in January, in the pecking order but forced his way into Zammit’s thinking after impressing as a substitute. Essentially a winger, Calistus has been mostly used at left-back where his pace and ability to take on defenders and flit into dangerous positions made him an automatic choice in the final months of the season.

Ian Azzopardi - 6.5/10

Ian Azzopardi alternated good showings with less convincing ones. One of the most experienced left-backs in the Premier League, Azzopardi has pace and stamina in abundance, qualities that helped him reclaim his place in the team in the final games of the season. Faced competition from Umeh Calistus and Ryan Camilleri but finished the season with dynamic performances in the crucial 2-1 win over Balzan and the 1-1 draw with Hibs.

Roderick Briffa - 7.5/10

His vision and technique made Roderick Briffa the main source of creativity in Valletta’s midfield. The first weeks of the season were tough for Briffa as he struggled to show his best in some games, leading to his temporary exclusion from the team, but a typically lively performance after coming on as a substitute in the 1-0 first-round defeat to Hibs, put his campaign back on track. Regarded as a likely contender for the MFA footballer of the year award.

Claudio Pani - 6.5/10

Lured to Maltese football by coach Paul Zammit, Italian midfielder Claudio Pani won over the City fans with his combative style. The Valletta faithful love players who are ready to go through the proverbial brick wall for the team and Pani falls in that category. His lack of height conceals a strong resolve to fight for every ball and break down opponents’ attacks.

 

Llywelyn Cremona - 6.5/10

Llywelyn Cremona, who turns 21 this Saturday, finally got the chance to showcase his talent this season. Turned in a string of vibrant displays where his work ethic, skill and penchant to burst forward came to the fore. Still needs to work on his decision- making and consistency but surely an encouraging campaign for the young midfielder.

 

Jhonnattann - 8.5/10

Nippy, fast and blessed with an innate ability to breeze past defenders, Jhonnattann has played a starring role in Valletta’s title success. There have been a number of tight games this season when Jhonnattann swayed the balance in Valletta’s favour with a moment of individual brilliance. Named BOV player of the month in February and March.

 

Abdelkarim Nafti - 7.5/10

The Tunisian winger initially had a fight on his hands to secure a regular place under Paul Zammit but he rose to the challenge. At 34, Abdelkarim Nafti may not be the fastest player but his footwork and intelligence are second to none. Crowned several influential performances with outstanding strikes, finishing with a tally of 12 goals.

 

Federico Falcone - 7.5/10

Federico Falcone is the classic centreforward. He is tall and athletic but his shooting prowess and eye for goal gave Valletta’s attack a new dimension. The Argentine is also adept at holding the ball and linking play. His beauty against Qormi is a strong contender for goal of the year. Second in the scorers’ chart on 16 goals, level with Balzan’s Alfred Effiong.

 

Nicky Vella (GK) - 6.5/10

Jean Borg - 7/10

Michael Mifsud - 6.5/10

Rafael Ledesma - 6.5/10

Jurgen Suda - 6.5/10

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