Soccer Forum's Irish Player of the Year 2021

Mr.Nice Guy

As another year draws to a close, it's time for the 6th annual Soccer Forum Irish Player of the Year award. 2021 was a mixed bag for the team with 4 wins, 5 draws and 3 defeats, but marked an improvement on the 2020 record. The defeat at home to Luxembourg was the obvious low point, while the high point was perhaps the creditable goalless draw with Portugal.

The following 6 players stood out for me but, as was the case with previous years, you have the option to vote for another name if you prefer. If so, please specify the name in the thread. On to the contenders...

Gavin Bazunu

Bazunu made the goalkeeping jersey his own and produced a series of eye-catching performances, with the 1-1 draw against Serbia a particular highlight after an outstanding display. He's made some mistakes which is to be expected for his age, but his future potential remains very exciting.

Andrew Omobamidele

Omobamidele made his debut for Norwich at the start of the year in the Championship and played a part in the club's run-in where they clinched promotion. His international debut was a baptism of fire having to come on for O'Shea away to Portugal but he acquitted himself well, and produced strong displays subsequently when starting.

Shane Duffy

After a torrid spell at Celtic, Duffy revived his career in 2021, becoming an option for Graham Potter in defence, and even scoring a goal in their win over Watford. He found the net 3 times for Ireland this year too, leaving him 2nd-highest goalscorer, while his solid performances at the back suggest he will remain a starter for the forseeable future.

Josh Cullen

Cullen emerged as a key player in midfield this year for Ireland with some tidy performances, particularly in the draw at home to Portugal. He also continues to be an important player for his club Anderlecht. He's likely to be a key figure in the team in 2022.

Chiedozie Ogbene

Ogbene caught the eye with his debut against Hungary, coming on for a lively late cameo. He followed that up with further dynamic performances, including giving Portugal's Danilo a tough evening. He got his first international goal away to Azerbaijan, and got another one away to Luxembourg.

Callum Robinson

Robinson's hat-trick at home to Qatar saw him become the first Irish player to score 3 goals since Robbie Keane vs Gibraltar 7 years ago. He also bagged a brace away to Azerbaijan, and got a goal away to Luxembourg, leaving him with a record of 6 international goals in 9 games. He continues to be an important player for West Brom in their promotion push.

It's up to you to decide the basis for your vote. You might want to lean towards national team showings, club performances, or a combination of the two.

Not sure how to time-limit the polls on this new site, so we'll say voting closes at 7pm on the 28th December and whoever is leading takes it.

Mr.Nice Guy

Gavin Bazunu

Less than 48 hours to go in this if you want to vote on it.

Ferris_Bueller

Gavin Bazunu

Didn't see this thread until this morning. More exciting options than either of the last two years, which were particularly hard to pick highlights from.

Went with Bazunu in the end, he has gone from being probably 4th choice to being put number one and has done remarkably well for his age. Saving Ronald's penalty a clear highlight as well. Have a feeling it won't be the last time he wins one of these!

In second I would have gone with Cullen who has been our most consistent player and become so important for both club and Country.

Mr.Nice Guy

Gavin Bazunu

Congratulations to Gavin Bazunu, the Soccer Forum's Irish Player of the Year for 2021.

1st place - Gavin Bazunu - 61%

2nd place - Callum Robinson - 23%

3rd place - Shane Duffy - 15%

Very strong support for the young goalkeeper on the back of his excellent year.

Happy New Year!

chopperbyrne

Gavin Bazunu

Bazunu could be Ireland's number 1 for the next 15 years if he stays fit, and Pep and the coaches at City, must be delighted they got such a bargain. They can keep him out on loan for another season or two, and have a ready made first team keeper, without needing to spend big.