Petrić the star in Switzerland

FC Basel 1893 striker Mladen Petrić has capped a great season in Switzerland by being voted Player of the Year in a fan poll.

Prolific marksman
The Croatian international top-scored in the Super League with 19 goals, three more than his nearest rival, FC St. Gallen forward Francisco Aguirre. What was remarkable about Petrić's feat was that he netted his haul from just 25 games because of an injury-interrupted campaign. The 26-year-old's personal achievement was tempered by the fact Basel finished second in the table, a point behind champions FC Zürich, though they did lift the Swiss Cup.

Rakitic accolades
Petrić can look forward to the UEFA Cup next term, having recently extended his contract with Basel until summer 2010. However, his form has attracted attention from abroad, not least from Germany with several Bundesliga teams keeping a close eye. Club-mate Ivan Rakitic took the prize for most promising newcomer, having registered eleven goals in 33 matches. The 19-year-old Swiss prodigy also collected the award for goal of the season with his thunderous volley against St. Gallen in a 2-1 win on 22 October.