Europe’s finest players shine in Women’s EHF Champions League All-star team

A record number of handball fans have voted for the 2015/16 All-star team of the Women’s EHF Champions League, turning it into a selection of Europe’s finest players. 28,130 votes were count, 6,000 more than last year.

And many of the players selected will take to the court at the 2016 Women’s EHF FINAL4.

The poll showed how broad the spectrum of top-class women’s handball in Europe (and beyond) is these days. Three Norwegians, two Hungarians, one player each from Romania, Netherlands, Montenegro and Brazil as well as a Spanish coach made up the selection.

Fans could not only vote for the best on the seven playing positions, but also for the best defender, the best young player and the best coach.

The clear fan favourite was Györi Audi ETO KC’s line player Heidi Løke who received 62.2 per cent of all votes on her position. But also Brazilian Eduarda Amorim and Norwegian Kari Grimsbø (both Györi Audi ETO KC) were clearly ahead of everyone else.

Goalkeeper Grimsbø received 52.2 per cent of all votes, while Amorim won the ‘best defender’ category with 54.6 per cent. These Györi Audi ETO KC are joined by centre back Nycke Groot (46.7%), left wing Aniko Kovacsics (42.9%) and coach Ambros Martin (45.1%). Løke, Kovacsics and Martin were already part of last season’s All-star team.

And there are more All-stars taking to the court in Budapest. Buducnost’s Cristina Neagu, also an all-star last season, was again voted best left back (38.3%), while HC Vardar’s Jovanka Radicevic was named best right wing (32.2 %).

The only two players among the All-stars not present at the Women’s EHF FINAL4 are Nora Mørk, who became – just like last season – best right back with 45.1%, and this season’s best young player, FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria’s Luca Szekerczes (31.8%).

The overview of the 2015/16 Women’s EHF Champions League All-stars

Best goalkeeper: Kari Grimsbø (NOR) / Györi Audi ETO KC – 52.1%
Best left wing: Aniko Kovacsics (HUN) / Györi Audi ETO KC – 42.9%
Best left back: Cristina Neagu (ROU) / Buducnost – 38.3%
Best line player: Heidi Loke (NOR) / Györi Audi ETO KC – 62.2%
Best centre back: Nycke Groot (NED) / Györi AUDI ETO KC – 46.7%
Best right back: Nora Mørk (NOR) / Larvik HK – 45.1%
Best right wing: Jovanka Radicevic (MNE) / HC Vardar – 32.2%
Best defender: Eduarda Amorim (BRA) / Györi Audi ETO KC – 54.6%
Best young player: Luca Szekerczes (HUN) / FTC-Rail Cargo Hungaria (HUN) – 31.8%
Best coach: Ambros Martin (ESP) / Györi Audi ETO KC – 45.1%

50 players and coaches on the shortlist

This was the third time fans were able to select their choice of Women’s EHF Champions League All-stars from a shortlist of 50 players and coaches, five per category. Nominations were based on the comprehensive performance of players throughout the season, not just their goal-getting prowess, but also their performance in defence, the number of blocks, assists and reaction to crucial moments during each match.