The top performance of the year by a Canadian can be a cumulative effort - a season of work - or it can be as simple as an individual play. But it should stand above the rest as a contribution that both individually furthered that player's career or, through their play, raised the standard internationally for Canadian football.
The winner of the CSN Canadian Performer of 2010 has accomplished both with a year that will become a benchmark of success for many in the year's ahead.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
ATIBA HUTCHINSON
The Brampton native has had quite a year. Having been regularly linked to English Premiership clubs, making a jump a PSV Eindhoven in early April and then winning the Danish Super Liga Player of the Year (a first for any Canadian) it's hard to remember a year where a Canadian player has done more to raise his, and Canada's profile internationally, through a season of work.
On the domestic front he won the CSA's Canadian Male Player of the Year - a first in his own career - and he has solidified a reputation among national team fans as a midfielder who is equally strong on the attack as he is at tracking back. At 27, he will certainly be the lynch pin in any run Canada intends to make towards Brazil 2014.
For all these things, Atiba Hutchinson is this year's CSN Canadian Performer of the Year.
Still to come
The winner of the Canadian Club Goal of the Year (Jan. 1)
The Canadian team of the Year (Jan. 2)
Canadian Person of the Year (Jan. 3)