Yesterday morning we all woke up to the news of the Ballon d’Or shortlist, with the 23 names at the very top of world football all placed into the pot to be named as the undisputed king of the beautiful game.
Okay, we all know it will ultimately be between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the end, but it’s hard not to think that a few deserving names have missed out on the recognition they’ve warranted. We here, at FFC Towers, were annoyed that a few particular names didn’t get a mention, and here are the SEVEN that really got to us… [ffc-gallery]
CLICK ON ALEXIS SANCHEZ TO REVEAL THE SEVEN
[/ffc-gallery] [ad_pod ] [ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]
Hugo Lloris
//www.youtube.com/embed/lcPQqqxtIy8 The only goalkeeper to make FIFA’s 23-man list was Manuel Neuer, and although Lloris is not quite of the standard of his German counterpart, he’s surely worthy of a mention, right? The Frenchman captained Les Bleus through their impressive World Cup campaign and has shown himself to be one of the Premier League’s finest stoppers at White Hart Lane. Lloris is, arguably, of the level just below Neuer, so it’s not out f the question that he could have earned a mention.
Luis Suarez
//www.youtube.com/embed/wt2GraApHVw Perhaps the most shocking exclusion comes in the shape of Luis Suarez. The World Cup bite on Giorgio Chiellini cost him his spot on the list due to the lengthy ban, but his heroics as Liverpool almost clinched the Premier League title make him a much more worthy contender than some to have made the 23 – despite the red tape. 31 league goals in England and a mega money move to Barcelona and he’s still below Karim Benzema in the pecking order? Madness.
Alexis Sanchez
Arsenal’s latest hero enjoyed, arguably, his best campaign with Barcelona last season and starred for his nation in Brazil over the summer. However, the Chile ace is not on the list, and we cannot work out why. Excellent on the ball, strong, pacey and great in front of goal, there are few better than Sanchez in his role at the moment.
Arturo Vidal
Arguably, the best box-to-box midfielder on the planet, Vidal’s exclusion is baffling. The Chile ace – yeah, another one – helped Juventus to their third successive Serie A title last term before jetting off to his home continent to excite the world as a part of his nation’s impressive XI, even with a knee problem!
Mats Hummels
//www.youtube.com/embed/136Fl4_DAWg
It’s perhaps telling that among the 23 selected by FIFA, there’s not one centre-back on the list. Javier Mascherano sort of plays the role for Barcelona at club level, but he’s by no means an orthodox option, hinting that there are no quality enforcers remaining. But Hummels is probably the best of the lot and really does deserve a mention. He helped Germany to World Cup success and has been a key member of Dortmund’s XI for some time.
Thiago Silva
Like Hummels, Silva is up there as the best of a bad bunch. The classy Brazilian was impressive for the Selecao before it all went wrong at the World Cup, and was pretty solid at club level, helping PSG to another French title. Powerful, quick and good on the ball, Silva is very much the ‘new breed’ of defender, which does open him to criticism.
Luka Modric
Often forgotten, Modric is one of the very best midfield metronomes in the business. The Croatian is a key man for Real Madrid, with his accurate passing, energy and ability to press the ball having all been key in Los Blancos’ capture of ‘La Decima’ last season. Unlike some of his counterparts, his World Cup was forgettable, but his club performances warrant a mention.
