UEFA
announced a list of the 10 players who were in contention for their award for
the best player of Europe. Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi got
rewarded for their superb displays in the 2011/12 season by being named as the
three top players in the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.
Final
Three: Andres Iniesta was the best player at Euro 2012, and makes the final
shortlist of three with the vote to come later this month.
Final Three: Cristiano Ronaldo guided Real Madrid to La Liga
glory last season, his boss Jose Mourinho thinks he should win the award – but
will he?
Final Three: Lionel Messi is a three time Ballon D’or winner
– but will he beat his rivals and retain the Best Player in Europe crown he won
last year?
4
- Journalists voted Andrea Pirlo fourth after his fine performances at Euro
2012.
5
- Xavi Hernandez, who was voted fifth, struggled somewhat at Euro 2012, but is
without doubt one of the finest players in Europe.
6
- Some wanted Iker Casillas voted as the best player in Europe as reward for
his remarkable consistency – but the Spanish keeper was voted 6th.
7
- Didier Drogba’s final season with Chelsea ended with Champions League glory,
and now he has been voted as the 7th best player in Europe.
8
- Radamel Falcao helped Atletico Madrid win the Europa League last year, and
his goals have earned him joint 8th place on the list.
8
- Petr Cech shares 8th with Falcao after helping Chelsea secure their first
Champions League crown.
10
- Mesut Ozil has had his magic season with Real Madrid rewarded by being named
as the 10th best footballer in Europe.
