Zirkzee named in Serie A Team of the Year
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has been named in the Serie A Team of the Year, at the prestigious Gran Gala del Calcio in Italy.
The Italian players’ association picked the XI for the 2023/24 campaign, plus the winners of other prizes - including Coach of the Year, Club of the Year and Goal of the Year, among others.
Zirkzee was one of six players nominated for the forward positions in the squad, alongside Lautaro Martinez (Inter), Marcus Thuram (Inter), Rafael Leao (Milan), Albert Gudmundsson (Genoa, now at Fiorentina) and Ademola Lookman (Atalanta).
#GGDC2024 ✨
— Gran Galà del Calcio AIC (@GranGalaAIC) December 2, 2024
La #Top11 della #SerieA Maschile 2023/24
YANN SOMMER
RAOUL BELLANOVA
ALESSANDRO BASTONI
RICCARDO CALAFIORI
FEDERICO DI MARCO
TEUN KOOPMEINERS
NICOLO’ BARELLA
HAKAN CALHANOGLU
MARCUS THURAM
LAUTARO MARTINEZ
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE#GranGalàDelCalcio pic.twitter.com/wJGpjHjByF
Our 23-year-old summer signing from Bologna was selected for the team by his fellow professionals after registering 11 goals and five assists in 34 league appearances.
Zirkzee's top form for Bologna helped them to finish fifth in Serie A last term, and ultimately contributed to them securing qualification to the Champions League.
Of course, Joshua’s performances also attracted United’s attention and led to his move to Old Trafford in July.
SERIE A TEAM OF THE YEAR
Yann Sommer (Inter)
Raoul Bellanova (Atalanta)
Alessandro Bastoni (Inter)
Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna, now Arsenal)
Federico Di Marco (Inter)
Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus)
Nicolo Barella (Inter)
Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter)
Marcus Thuram (Inter)
Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna, now United)
A POSITIVE 48 HOURS
Monday night’s award in Italy is another boost for our no.11, after he scored two goals in the encouraging 4-0 Premier League win over Everton at Old Trafford.
Speaking after the match, head coach Ruben Amorim heaped praise on Josh and backed him to kick on.
"Josh did a great job, scoring two goals is always important for the confidence," he told journalists.
"But, more important than that is the performance, the way he fought in every situation, so it was a good day for him and for our team."
Highlights: Zirkzee's 'best performance' so far
DOUBLE DUTCH | Many supporters feel this was Joshua Zirkzee's best performance for United so far! Here's why...
TRENDING POSTS ON X
Bruno’s pass 🤌
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 2, 2024
Joshua’s finish 💥
Amad’s celebration ❤️🔥#MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/SElGWdKfRr
The United family celebrates with you, Josh ❤️#MUFC || #MUNEVE pic.twitter.com/GCECnWMuBa
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 1, 2024
Joshua Zirkzee’s game by numbers vs. Everton:
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 1, 2024
86% pass accuracy
43 total touches
3 touches in the box
2 chances created
2 defensive actions
2 fouls won
2 goals
Much more like it. ✅ pic.twitter.com/T8ms7UZOXK
Joshua Zirkzee is having fun 💥 pic.twitter.com/EjWp21xL0s
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 1, 2024
Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee with braces, and Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo each with two assists in Man United's 4-0 win vs. Everton 👏
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 1, 2024
Ruben Amorim has them firing on all cylinders 🔥 pic.twitter.com/smhK8t0oaD