The Top 10 – Panini FOOT 2010-2011

Sakho is a strong and powerful forward who excels in holding up the ball and bringing his teammates into play. He is known for his ability to outmuscle defenders and win aerial duels. Sakho is also a threat in the box, with his positioning and timing allowing him to score goals from close range. Additionally, he has good acceleration and pace, which enables him to make penetrating runs behind the opposition defence.

Rudy Gestede is known for his physical presence and aerial ability. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall, he poses a threat in the air and is often utilized as a target man or a focal point in the attacking line. His height and strength allow him to win headers, hold up play, and bring his teammates into the game.

He excels in the air, using his height and jumping ability to win aerial duels and provide a target for crosses and set pieces. Gestede is effective at bringing his teammates into play by flicking on headers or holding up the ball, allowing for the team to build attacks.

Both not incredible strikers, but a very interesting sticker holding two rookies!

M’Vila’s defensive capabilities make him a valuable asset for any team. He has a strong physical presence and is adept at intercepting passes, breaking up opposition attacks, and making crucial tackles. His positioning and reading of the game are top-notch, allowing him to anticipate the movements of opponents and disrupt their play effectively. M’Vila also possesses good stamina, which enables him to cover a large area of the pitch and provide defensive stability to his team.

In possession, M’Vila demonstrates composure and technical skill. He has excellent passing range and accuracy, both in short and long passes. He is capable of distributing the ball effectively from deep positions, initiating attacks and transitioning the team from defence to attack.

During the 2010/11 season with Rennes, M’Vila was a key figure in the team’s midfield. He played a pivotal role in their defensive organisation and was influential in their build-up play. M’Vila’s consistent performances and talent caught the attention of clubs across Europe. Interestingly, a big move didn’t materialise and he decided to move to Rubin Kazan in Russia for the 2012/13 season.

He has gone on to play for Inter, Sunderland, St Etienne and Olympiacos. Definitely one of those that didn’t reach his true potential; he was touted to be one of France’s best midfielders. Because he was so good at a young age, I have decided to include his rookie sticker on the list.

Santander is a physically imposing striker, known for his height, strength, and aerial ability. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, he possesses excellent heading skills and is a constant threat in the air. He uses his size advantage to outmuscle defenders and win aerial duels, making him a valuable target in the attacking phase of the game.

Santander is a hardworking and committed player who constantly puts in the effort to press opponents and disrupt their build-up play. His work rate and determination make him a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive situations.

During the 2010/11 season, Santander scored 5 goals in his first season in Europe. Santander’s career has seen him represent other notable clubs such as Copenhagen and Bologna, with his most successful period being in Denmark . He has also represented the Paraguayan national team in various international competitions.

I think Santander is one of those under appreciated players. He most certainly isn’t a prolific goal scorer, but he always puts in a shift for the team.

Sánchez is a tenacious and combative midfielder, often deployed in a defensive midfield role to provide stability and protect the backline. He possesses excellent physical attributes, including strength, stamina, and agility, which enable him to cover a lot of ground and win challenges effectively. Sánchez is known for his aggressive tackling and ability to disrupt the opponent’s play, making it difficult for them to build attacks.

In possession, Sánchez is a competent passer with decent vision and distribution skills. While he may not be considered a playmaker, he is capable of making simple and accurate passes to retain possession and initiate attacks. His role primarily focuses on breaking up the opponent’s play, winning the ball back, and providing a solid defensive shield in front of the defence.

Sánchez’s career has seen him play for several clubs in different countries, including Elche, Aston Villa, Fiorentina, and West Ham United, among others. His performances and contributions have earned him a place in the Colombian national team, where he has represented his country in major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, with a total of 88 caps.

A nice rookie sticker for Colombian fans to look out for.

Gonalons is a versatile midfielder who excels in the defensive aspects of the game. His main strengths lie in his positioning, reading of the game, and ability to break up opposition attacks. He is known for his tactical intelligence and ability to anticipate play, which allows him to make timely interceptions and regain possession for his team.

Physically, Gonalons possesses good strength and stamina, enabling him to cover a lot of ground and provide defensive cover in midfield. He is not afraid to engage in physical battles, using his strength to shield the ball and win duels against opponents.

In terms of passing, Gonalons is a reliable distributor of the ball. His decision-making is generally sound, opting for safe and efficient passes to maintain control of the game. Gonalons also has the ability to switch play and distribute the ball to the wide areas, allowing his team to stretch the opposition’s defence.

Early in his career Gonalons built a very big reputation with big clubs such as Arsenal being constantly linked with him. He decided to stick with Lyon for 8 seasons before earning a move to AS Roma. Unfortunately, he failed to impress in Italy and the following season moved to Sevilla on loan, and then onto Granada.

He currently plays back in France for Clermont Foot, aged at 34 years. In total, Maxime had a good career at Lyon and has had a good career thus far.

Krychowiak is a physically strong and robust midfielder who excels in the defensive aspects of the game. His main strengths lie in his ability to break up opposition attacks, make crucial interceptions, and win back possession for his team. He is known for his aggressive tackling, excellent timing, and ability to read the game, which allows him to disrupt the opposition’s play effectively.

Krychowiak has a good understanding of his role as a defensive midfielder and often provides a shield to his team’s defence. He positions himself well to cut off passing lanes, close down opponents, and prevent them from creating scoring opportunities. In addition to his defensive capabilities, Krychowiak possesses good passing ability. While he is not considered a creative playmaker, he is capable of making accurate short and medium-range passes to initiate counterattacks and maintain possession.

Krychowiak’s career has seen him represent other notable clubs such as Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain, and Lokomotiv Moscow. He has also been a regular member of the Polish national team, featuring a whopping 100 times.

Not one to excite most, but he has had a solid career and 100 caps is nothing to scoff at!

Serge Aurier, from the Ivory Coast, primarily plays as a right-back. Known for his athleticism, attacking prowess, Aurier has made a name for himself as an influential full-back in the world of football.

Aurier’s playing style is characterised by his exceptional speed, agility, and physicality. He possesses excellent stamina, allowing him to make overlapping runs down the right flank and contribute actively to the team’s attack. His athleticism enables him to cover a lot of ground and quickly recover defensively.

In the attacking phase, Aurier is known for his ability to provide width to the team’s play. He has excellent crossing and passing skills, which he utilizes to deliver accurate crosses and set-pieces into the penalty area. Aurier’s overlapping runs and combination play with teammates often create dangerous attacking opportunities for his team.

During the 2010/11 season, Aurier was a rising talent playing for RC Lens in Ligue 1, France. As a young and promising right-back, he showcased his skills and potential throughout the campaign. He caught the attention of several top clubs, and he eventually secured a move to Toulouse FC the following season. His consistent displays in subsequent seasons with Toulouse and later Paris Saint-Germain.

He then went on to represent Tottenham, Villarreal, and now currently plays for Nottingham Forest. Still only 30 years old, having racked up 85 caps for his country, this is an interesting rookie to consider.

Makelele was known for his exceptional defensive abilities and his influential role in the midfield. He possessed an excellent positional sense, anticipation, and tactical intelligence, which allowed him to break up opposition attacks, intercept passes, and provide vital cover for his defence. His ability to read the game and make timely tackles or interceptions was unmatched.

One of Makelele’s most significant contributions to the game was his role in popularizing the defensive midfield position, often referred to as the “Makelele role” or “holding midfielder.” His disciplined and selfless play allowed him to provide a shield for his defence, freeing up his teammates to focus on attacking duties. His impact on the pitch went beyond statistical figures, as he played a crucial role in the overall organisation and balance of his team.

Makelele had an illustrious career, playing for top clubs such as Celta Vigo, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and PSG. He won numerous domestic and international titles, including league titles in Spain, England, and France, as well as the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid.

Claude Makelele was a defensive midfield maestro known for his exceptional defensive abilities, positional sense, and tactical intelligence. His influence on the game extended beyond his individual performances, as he redefined the role of the defensive midfielder. I think its fitting that his last sticker be respected on this list1

One of Giroud’s standout attributes is his ability to excel in aerial battles. He is adept at using his height and timing to win headers, both in offensive and defensive situations. His ability to flick on or bring down long balls and crosses often creates goal-scoring opportunities for his team.

Giroud technical skills are very under appreciated. Despite his height and physicality, he has good control and technique when receiving the ball, often showcasing deft touches and lay-offs to involve his teammates in the attacking play. His link-up play and ability to bring others into the game are highly valued by his teammates and coaches.

Regarding his 2010/11 season, it was Giroud’s first in Ligue 1. It was a breakthrough season for him, as he scored 12 goals. Giroud has had an exceptional career winning trophies everywhere he has been. To top it off he won the 2018 World Cup and has featured for France 125 times scoring 54.

He is his second year sticker. Over time Giroud has aged like fine wine. He is still banging home goals for AC Milan in the 2023/24 season at the ripe age of 36!

One of Hazard’s greatest assets is his dribbling ability. He has remarkable close control and can effortlessly weave past opponents, often leaving them in his wake. His dribbling skills allow him to take on multiple defenders, creating space for himself and his teammates. Hazard is also known for his dribbling in tight areas, where he uses intricate footwork and sudden changes of direction to bypass defenders.

In addition to his dribbling, Hazard is an excellent playmaker. He has exceptional vision and passing ability, enabling him to unlock defences with precise through balls and incisive passes. His creativity and awareness on the field make him a constant threat in the final third, as he can provide key assists and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Furthermore, Hazard is known for his versatility in attacking positions. He can operate as a winger, an attacking midfielder, or even as a false nine. His ability to drift into different areas of the pitch and exploit spaces makes him a dynamic and unpredictable player.

During the 2010/11 season, Hazard was playing for Lille OSC in Ligue 1. It was a breakout season for him, as he played a pivotal role in Lille’s successful title-winning campaign. Hazard contributed significantly to the team’s attacking play, earning himself the prestigious UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year award.

His displays of skill, creativity, and goal-scoring ability attracted attention from top clubs, ultimately leading to his move to Chelsea in 2012. At Chelsea he went on to become one of the world’s best players!

Here is his second year sticker and one many collectors will be after longterm.