by Allen Hopkins, FOXSports.com

G Oliver Kahn (Bayern Munich)
D Robert Kovac (Bayern Munich)
D Frank Baumann (Werder Bremen)
D Lucio (Leverkusen)
D Tomasz Waldoch (Schalke)
M Ze Roberto (Leverkusen)
M Marcelinho (Hertha Berlin)
M Michael Ballack (Leverkusen)
M Tomas Rosicky (Dortmund)
F Marcio Amoroso (Dortmund)
F Martin Max (1860 Munich)

Player of the Year

Michael Ballack was my choice in December as well. His play in the second half of the season not only confirmed his status as Germany?s top footballer, but placed him among Europe?s best. He scored an amazing 17 goals from a central midfield position and often carried Leverkusen throughout the season. Keep an eye on him during the world cup.

Coach of the Year

Werder Bremen?s Thomas Schaaf got the nod over Klaus Toppmoller at the winter break, but at the finish line, it?s Toppi that?s the winner. Despite the fact Leverkusen, lived up to their Never-kusen name by failing to win any of the three trophies they were hotly pursuing, Toppmoller gets plenty of credit for just getting there.

He might not ever have a team like this one and no better chance for hardware, but he can certainly be proud of his season. They?ll just have to learn to close the deal, something the club has never been able to do.

Goalkeeper of the Year

I was sentimental back at the end of 2001 when I gave the award to Wolfsburg?s Claus Reitmaier on the strength of the three best individual goalkeeping performances through the winter break. However, Oliver Kahn remains the Bundesliga?s best goalkeeper. Bayern allowed a league low 23 goals (.67/match) and Kahn was a big reason why. His high level of consistency keeps him one step ahead of the competition.

Young Player of the Year (Under 23)

Lucio was my choice then and is now. The Brazilian center-back heads a talented group of young players in the Bundesliga.

He is also maturing as a defender, realizing his amazing ball skills can be used in the backline. He limited his random forays forward and Leverkusen improved tremendously on defense. The best is yet to come for Lucio who is already one of the best defender?s in the league.

Comeback Player of the Year

Heiko Herrlich?s comeback from brain cancer still remains one of the league?s best stories. Herrlich didn?t play much down the stretch but was a big part of Dortmund?s league championship. Whether Herrlich, who once led the Bundesliga in scoring while playing for M?nchengladbach, will remain part of Dortmund?s crowded frontline is up in the air. Either way, Herrlich is happy to be alive.

I want to thank everyone for watching the 2001/02 German Bundesliga season on FSW. It was both an honor and privilege to call the matches and we?ll be right back at it once again in the fall for the 40th German Bundesliga season only on FOX Sports World.

Do you agree or disagree with these awards? Either way let Allen know, he can be reached at nwebster@foxsportsworld.com