World Football: 5 Breakout Stars of the 2011-12 Season

Amogha Sahu@@sahuthegoonerX.com LogoCorrespondent IIINovember 2, 2011

World Football: 5 Breakout Stars of the 2011-12 Season

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    What a season it has been so far. After last season, when the underdog reigned supreme, it has been a refreshing change.

    Europe's elite have regained their place atop their respective domestic leagues.

    In Germany, Bayern Munich are trailblazing in what some tout as their greatest ever squad. In Italy, Juventus and Milan dominate. In France, after last season's debacle, Lyon and Marseille are back on top with newcomers PSG.

    As in every season, this one has had its standout performers.

    The Rooneys, the Messis and the Ronaldos have all resumed normal service. But also, new, young stars have come onto the scene and dazzled in Europe's top league.

    This slideshow will detail the most notable among their ranks.  

Marco Reus

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    The young German playmaker leads Borussia Monchengladbach with three goals. He plays right midfield, cutting in to great effect.

    He works well in Borussia's 4-4-2 system, supporting the two central midfielders while his wing partner, Juan Arango, goes wider to provide crosses and assists. 

Alain Traore

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    The Burkina Faso international has enjoyed a breakout season with Ligue 1 club AJ Auxerre.

    He has occupied an attacking midfield position but has less creative freedom than most attacking midfielders. Auxerre uses his dribbling and movement to maximise output.

    He has scored six goals so far in Ligue 1. 

Olivier Giroud

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    Giroud has been on fire for Montpellier, guiding them to a second-place finish.  

    He has scored eight  goals and created one for the Ligue 1 outfit. Giroud plays as a target man with an aerial style suited to Montpellier's counter-attacking style of play.

    He plays short passes in the final third and also scores improbable goals. 

Hugo Campagnaro

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    The Napoli center back plays as a ball-playing defender who uses his energy to tackle and win aerial duels.

    He has been outstanding for Napoli's title challenge.

    In a 5-3-2 system, Campagnaro has been free to run about, linking the defence and providing a speedy foil to Cannavaro's more pensive style.

Abel Hernandez

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    Usually, when glowing headlines come out of Palermo, they are directed toward star striker Fabrizio Miccoli.

    However, Uruguayan youngster and Miccoli's partner, Abel Hernandez, has been playing as an advanced forward.

    Miccoli has provided three assists for Hernandez.

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