OneFootball
Lewis Ambrose·5 September 2019
OneFootball
Lewis Ambrose·5 September 2019
In case you missed it, Fifa announced the 55-man shortlist for the FIFPRO World 11 on Thursday afternoon.
After taking in votes from over 23,000 professionals, the list has been released and a final XI will be confirmed on 23 September.
But we think this XI can feel very hard done by after failing to make the cut.
Arguably the best goalkeeper in Serie A last season, Handanović was superb behind the sticks for Inter in Europe too.
Won the most tackles of any defender in Europe as almost every winger in the Premier League failed to go by him, earning his big money move to Manchester United.
Maybe the unsung hero of Atlético’s long-celebrated defensive record, Gímenez is still just 24 but already one of the finest in the world.
Bayern’s big comeback to win the league was helped along by their improved defensive record in the second half of the season. They key was Hummels’ return to top form.
A superb season with Lyon saw reliable left-back Mendy break into the France squad, keep Lionel Messi quiet in a Champions League first leg and sign for Real Madrid.
Bayern’s star man in 2018/19, Thiago was absolutely brilliant as both a lone holding midfielder and alongside Javi Martínez. The man who makes the German giants tick.
Reliable, solid, and sometimes spectacular. Fernandinho led by example as Manchester City claimed a domestic quadruple.
Player of the year in Germany last season, Reus contributed a goal or assist every 92 minutes in the Bundesliga in 2018/19.
And Reus’ partner in crime deserves a shout too. His 12 Bundesliga goals was impressive enough but his 14 assists was the second most of any player in Europe’s top leagues last season.
The Uruguayan spent some time sidelined but still managed to score 18 Ligue 1 goals last season, finding the back of the net every 93 minutes.
Shared the Premier League golden boot with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané as well as scoring eight on the way to the Europa League final.