FIFPRO World 11: The Sportsrush decides probable FIFA team of the year 2019 after the list of 55 players was released by the apex football body.
The Best FIFA Football awards 2019 will be announced in around three weeks, and FIFA has released the list of 55 players for the FIFPRO World 11.
There are certain surprising inclusions and exclusions from the pool of 55 players declared by the apex football body ahead of the ceremony this month.
In something new, the Premier League has surpassed La Liga in this year’s shortlist with 21 players, only one more than the 20 representing the Spanish league.
In previous years, La Liga had more number of inclusions, credits to the earlier dominance by Real Madrid and Barcelona on the European stage in the past decade,
Liverpool, who won the Champions League title last season, are the Premier League side with the most players featuring in the shortlist.
The Reds have seven players up for nomination, including Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane.
However, Liverpool are still behind Barcelona and Real Madrid for the most amount of players to feature in the shortlist.
FIFA will announce the FIFPRO World XI on the 23rd September in the Best FIFA Football Awards in the Scala in Milan.
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Sportsrush’s probable FIFPRO World XI
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker (Liverpool, Brazil): The Brazilian International has been crucial for Liverpool’s and Brazil’s success this year. He managed to win golden gloves in the Premier League, Champions League and Copa America, a record, which is held by him only. Marc Andre Stegen have a near shout but the UEFA goalkeeper of the year will probably edge it.
Defenders
Trent Alexander Arnold (Liverpool, England): Alexander Arnold should be in the list of the FIFPRO World 11, as undoubtedly he was among the key players to take the Reds to the Champions League victory.
Gerard Pique (Barcelona, Spain): Pique was in a great form this season, and formed a great pair with Clement Lenglet and did not let the team miss the absence of Samuel Umtiti. Moreover, he was instrumental in Barcelona’s La Liga title victory and entry into the Champions League semi-finals after four years.
Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands): The UEFA player of the year is undoubtedly the favourite to win this award. His inclusion in final three players for the FIFA Best player award is enough to justify his inclusion, but the Dutch International boast an incredible record of not being dribbled past in 65 games.
Andy Robertson (Liverpool, Scotland) Robertson has a close contest with Jordi Alba for this position, but due to dipping form of Alba in the latter stage of last season might favour robertson over here.
Midfielders
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City, Portugal): The Portuguese International had a spectacular domestic season with Manchester City, and also won the UEFA Nations league. An instrumental player for both country and club, he would see himself at the stage.
Frenkie De Jong (Ajax/Barcelona, Netherlands): De Jong was among the crucial players to make Ajax reach the semi-finals of the Champions League after years. The UEFA midfielder of the year truly has a case here to be a part of the lineup.
Eden Hazard (Chelsea/Real Madrid, Belgium) The only player to be here despite not playing the Champions League. The Belgium International was responsible for Chelsea’s survival in Europe last season, and his stats shows why he will be included.
Forwards
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt): Salah is a sure inclusion in the list as he was phenomenal in both league and in the Champions League. The Egyptian International was the top scorer in the Premier League along with Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang, but his influence was a major factor to be included.
Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Argentina): The Barcelona captain was the highest scorer in the Europe last season and also has a major chunk of assists. The Argentine international is already included in the final three players for the Gala night. Thus, he will be included in this team.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus, Portugal): Similar to Messi, Ronaldo is also in the final three players to win the award. Thus, he is included in this team. However, many are against his inclusion in the final three, but the Portuguese International have achieved laurels with his club and country last season.
Full team
Alisson, Alexander Arnold, Pique, Van Dijk, Robertson; Silva, De Jong, Hazard; Salah, Messi, Ronaldo
