Spain and the Spanish League are again well represented in the FIFA World XI nominations for defenders, with eight of the 20 candidates La Liga based.
Jordi Alba, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique are the Spanish nationals nominated for inclusion in teh World XI back-line, which is announced during January’s Ballon d’Or gala.
They are joined by Marcelo, Dani Alves, Javier Mascherano and Pepe as representatives from La Liga.
Monday saw Iker Casillas nominated alongside Petr Cech, Gianluigi Buffon, Joe Hart and Manuel Neuer for the goalkeeping berth in the team.
Nominated midfielders will be announced next Monday and forwards a week today.
Nominated defenders for the FIFA World XI award: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Pepe (Real Madrid), Gareth Bale (Tottenham), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), David Luiz (Chelsea), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Philipp Lahm (Bayern), John Terry (Chelsea), Thiago Silva (PSG)
