New Villarreal signing Matias Fernandez has been named South American Player of the Year by Uruguayan daily El Pais.

Fernandez led Colo Colo to the Chilean Apertura and Clausura titles as well as the Copa Sudamericana 2006 Finals.

The 20-year-old received 62 votes from the annual poll of regional sports reporters, edging out Boca Juniors' Rodrigo Palacio by just six votes.

Fernandez replaces Carlos Tevez, winner of the last three South American Player of the Year awards.


More from other web sites (in a new window):
Matías Fernandez Tops South American Player Awards - goal.com
Fernandez voted player of the year - FoxSoccer.com - AP
Pellegrini: Fernandez not our saviour - EuroSport.com


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