UEFA have released the ten-man shortlist of the best player’s in Europe for the 2014-15 season, which is dominated by Champions League winners Barcelona and finalists Juventus.
There is, however, one surprise contender from the Premier League.
Take a look below…
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10. Arturo Vidal – Juventus
The 28-year-old’s superb performances for club and country may earn the Chile international a big-money move away from Juve this summer with Arsenal and Real Madrid having been credited with interest.
8. Paul Pogba – Juventus
Another impressive season from the in-demand midfielder, and it was his pass in the semi-final against Real Madrid that set up the crucial equaliser at the Santiago Bernabeu.
9. Eden Hazard – Chelsea
Disappointingly for the Premier League, the Blues Player of the Year is the solitary contender from England’s top flight – but there can be few more deserving of the honour following the west London giants’ formidable title-winning campaign.
8. Andrea Pirlo – Juventus
Sadly, supporters won’t witness the Italy legend in the Champions League again, but the midfielder certainly hasn’t departed to New York City quietly following an excellent double-winning season with Juve.
5. Carlos Tevez – Juventus
The Argentina striker has sealed a return to Boca Juniors, but after a fine season – in which the former Manchester City forward netted 29 goals – few can doubt that he could have continued to star among Europe’s elite.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid
Despite Los Blancos finishing the campaign without silverware, the Portugal superstar’s goalscoring form was truly stunning, with not even Lionel Messi able to keep up with the 30-year-old’s 61 goals in all competitions.
4. Gianluigi Buffon – Juventus
Despite being 37-years-old, the Italy international remains one of the world’s greatest goalkeepers, and is expected to continue playing a pivotal role in between the posts for the Serie A giants.
3. Luis Suarez – Barcelona
While the former Liverpool striker’s started much later than he would have hoped following his World Cup scandal, the Uruguayan took no time to settle into life at the Camp Nou, and has helped form the world’s most dangerous attacking trio.
2. Neymar – Barcelona
The Brazil international scored 41 goals in all competitions last season – including one in the Champions League final – and at just 23-years-old, he’s only likely to get better.
1. Lionel Messi – Barcelona
The Argentina superstar firmly dismissed the disappointment of losing out on the Ballon d’Or to rival Cristiano Ronaldo, and we must count our blessing that we can see the work of a magician each week.
