European Player of the Year. 24 players got points, but as usual the best players came from the most successful teams – Holland and USSR this year, the finalists of the European championship, and the winner got the laurels: three Dutchmen were on top. Frank Rijkaard ended 3rd with 45 points, Ruud Gullit – 2nd with 88 points, and Marco van Basten on top with 129 points.
There was hardly any doubt about the mighty trio, playing for Milan – their names were on everybody’s lips, they were the best players in Europe and it was really difficult to say who was best of the three. They were instrumental for Dutch victory of the European championship.
Very often at least two of the great stars were present in the same picture, such was the rapport between them.
Shining on the pitch together, receiving awards together.
Paul Breitner certainly was happy to present awards rather than playing against van Basten & friends.
The spectacular winning goal van Basten scored at the European final perhaps tipped the scale in his favour at the end.
But it was splendid season for him and it was not just the great goal at the final.
The elegant, technical and deadly striker deserved to be voted first in Europe – this was the first such award for Marco van Basten and not the last.
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