What a football league season we have had! Even the neutrals will agree that there has never been a season as exciting as this with the champions only decided on the final game of the season. In the end, the dark-horse of the league, ‘Tongkat Sakti’ was crowned champions of Volga, but the results weren’t the only highlight of the season. From cheers to jeers, the spirit of “Gila bola’ has united different teams from different courses and backgrounds together in one common cause. Now we bring you, the La Liga Volga All-stars compiled from the expertise of the different managers of the league.

Best Manager – Latish
Many observers had them overlooked over the season. But Latish has brought in new faces into the team and propelled them from the once beating-boys to top of league, with a record-breaking run of 7 straight wins in the league.

GK – Dave
Replacing Izat and Prem before him, Dave has considerable boots and gloves to fill. He managed to edge out Azim (Volgopharm), the current Volga team GK, for the award with 5 clean-sheets to his name. When the manager took the risk of converting him from a defender to a GK, many doubted his appointment. But the
decision paid off in the form of multiple saves that kept his team in the game in many occasions. A calming presence and authority between the posts.

LB – Tank
When Latish brought in a defender of his stature, everyone knew to expect something from him. Tank, probably one of the all time great defender made the LB position his own with tough, yet well-timed tackles and even bothering defense with his long-shots from outside of the box. His abilities will definitely
alert scouts from the Volga team.

CB – Sibol
Having the experience of playing in the Volga team last year indeed propelled Sibol into greater heights. He made his mark in the league with solid defending and authority in the box. People may underestimate him due to his height, but he has made up for his shortcomings with fast reflexes and reliable ball control. Hailed as the best ‘ball-clearer’ in the league. Stand out from the rest and named in this years All-Star.

RB – Vicky
It is a little surprising, that all the defenders in the All-stars are below 170cm. But all of them made it up with their stable composure and stability in the box. Vicky may be one of the most underrated player in the league but he is the ever-present leading man for Naga and he marshaled the defense that held off wave after wave of attacks from opposing teams. An injury-scare in the beginning of the season almost destroyed his season but he stood strong and fully deserved to be in the All-stars.

DM – Ganesh
He is probably one of the most important player in his team. Having the experience of playing in the Volga team indeed helped him mature and take authority in his game. Wearing the armband for the team, he bossed the midfield and created chances for his attackers to roam forward. One of his best virtues is his
ability to calm his players down in messy situations and dictate play when it matters. A true leader on the pitch.

LM – Gerard
True class! Voted as the Player of the Season for his heroics of helping his team win their first league title. He is the only player who has won 3 league titles with 3 different teams. Probably the most accomplished player in the league, with his thunderous shots, dangerous runs into the box and classic goals like the goal against Naga where he skips through 4 players and fired a shot to the top corner of the goal leaving the keeper helpless. He is on the verge of being a Volga legend.

AMC – Khairul Afham
Awarded the “Golden boot” this season with a total of 8 goals in 7 games. His eye for goal is complemented with his natural ability to trouble defenders with his ball control and runs around the box. Helping his team to third in the league is just a mere accomplishment for his ability. Indeed an up-coming star that can only go from strength to strength through the years.

RM – Thomas
Hailed as the one of the best dribbler in the league and could read the game very well. His ability to open up plays and supply strikers with opportunities separate him from the other contenders. Singled-out as the best player in the team by his own boss, Aaron further establishes his credentials as this year’s All-stars.

ST – Mustafa
Considered by many as the best all-out striker in league. With 8 goals to his name and scoring in 6 out of 7 games is truly an act not everyone can achieve. His tenacity and daring runs troubled defenders and his ability to score from ‘half-chances’ when it may seem impossible separates him from other greatstrikers in the league. His wonder goal against Kim in the final game of the season, separated the 2 teams after the whistle which resulted in them being top of the league.

P.S. Please do not nominate your favorite player for each position here, you can do that in the Team of The Season post, instead do comment about the reviews of each player’s performances and abilities as highlighted here.