FIFA continue to release the names of those nominated to make the FIFPro World XI, with six La Liga-based stars making the midfield shortlist.
This week the game’s governing body are announcing the 55 players nominated as in contention to make the FIFPro World XI, which will be announced at the FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on January 13, 2014.
On from listing the goalkeepers and defenders in contention for final selection, FIFA have today listed the 15 midfielders shortlist, including six currently based in Spain.
Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso, Isco and Gareth Bale are named alongside Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.
Former Madrid man Mesut Ozil is also listed.
The forwards in contention for the FIFPro World XI 2013 will be announced on Monday.
FIFPro World XI 2013 nominees
Goalkeepers:Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus); Iker Casillas (Spain, Real Madrid CF);Petr Cech (Czech Republic, Chelsea FC); Manuel Neuer (Germany, FC Bayern München), Víctor Valdes (Spain, FC Barcelona)
Defenders: David Alaba (Austria, FC Bayern München); Jordi Alba (Spain, FC Barcelona); Dani Alves (Brazil, FC Barcelona); Leighton Baines (England, Everton FC); Jérôme Boateng (Germany, FC Bayern München); Ashley Cole (England, Chelsea FC); Dante (Brazil, FC Bayern München); Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund); Branislav Ivanović (Serbia, Chelsea FC); Philipp Lahm (Germany, FC Bayern München); David Luiz (Brazil, Chelsea FC); Vincent Kompany (Belgium, Manchester City FC); Marcelo (Brazil, Real Madrid CF); Pepe (Portugal, Real Madrid CF); Gerard Piqué (Spain, FC Barcelona); Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid CF ); Thiago Silva (Brazil, Paris St-Germain FC); Raphaël Varane (France, Real Madrid CF);Nemanja Vidić (Serbia, Manchester United FC); Pablo Zabaleta (Argentina, Manchester City FC)
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Spain, Real Madrid CF); Gareth Bale (Wales, Tottenham Hotspur FC/Real Madrid CF); Sergio Busquets (Spain, FC Barcelona); Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool FC); Andrés Iniesta (Spain, FC Barcelona); Isco (Spain, Málaga CF/ Real Madrid CF); Mesut Özil (Germany, Real Madrid CF/Arsenal FC); Andrea Pirlo (Italy, Juventus); Marco Reus (Germany, Borussia Dortmund); Franck Ribéry (France, FC Bayern München), Arjen Robben (Netherlands, FC Bayern München); Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany, FC Bayern München); Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire, Manchester City FC); Arturo Vidal (Chile, Juventus); Xavi (Spain; FC Barcelona)
