Maccabi Haifa FC midfield player Raimondas Zutautas has today been named Lithuanian Player of the Year.

First success
The 30-year-old had never won the title before but was honoured after a vote which involved 213 coaches, journalists and other football personalities. It was a fairly close result, with Zutautas edging out FC Krylya Sovetov Samara striker Robertas Poskus by 401 points to 344. FC Porto forward Edgaras Jankauskas, who has won the prize three times, was third with 287 points.

Dream come true
It is the 12th time in a row that the ballot was won by a foreign-based Lithuanian. "My long-time dream has come true today," Zutautas said. "I played with Maccabi in the [UEFA] Champions League, and I can call this quite a good year, both for club and country."

Knee problem
The only negative for the player is his ongoing knee troubles after he suffered an injury in the 3-0 Champions League victory against Manchester United FC in October. Zutautas scored a goal and also earned a penalty although it was not enough to help Maccabi qualify for the second group stage.

International experience
Before moving to Israel four seasons ago, Zutautas spent two seasons with Russian Premier-Liga club FC Spartak-Alania Vladikavkaz. Zutautas made his debut for Lithuania in 1995, and has since earned 38 caps.