Who is the best midfielder of the world ? Who will be chosen for the FUT 14 TOTY ? Which one will get more votes on the FIFA FIFPro World XI 2013 ? Check here the TOTY Midfielders shortlist.
FIFA FIFPro World XI 2013: TOTY Midfielders Shortlist
These fifteen midfielders are nominated by their peers for the 2013 FIFA FIFPro World XI (FUT 14 TOTY Midfielders):
- Xabi Alonso (Spain, Real Madrid CF)
Gareth Bale (Wales, Tottenham Hotspur FC/Real Madrid CF)
Sergio Busquets (Spain, FC Barcelona)
Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool FC)
Andrés Iniesta (Spain, FC Barcelona)
Isco (Spain, Málaga CF/Real Madrid CF)
Mesut Özil (Germany, Real Madrid CF/Arsenal FC)
Andrea Pirlo (Italy, Juventus)
Marco Reus (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)
Franck Ribéry (France, FC Bayern München)
Arjen Robben (Netherlands, FC Bayern München)
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany, FC Bayern München)
Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast, Manchester City FC)
Arturo Vidal (Chile, Juventus)
Xavi (Spain, FC Barcelona)
The Spanish trio of Xabi Alonso, Andrés Iniesta and Xavi have been selected two years running in the FIFA FIFPro World XI. Even more impressive is the fact Xavi’s been picked in every World XI since 2008. His Barcelona teammate Iniesta is another popular candidate, having made the final cut four years in a row. This year’s shortlist contains two more members of the World XI alumni: Steven Gerrard, chosen three times (2007, 2008, 2009), and Andrea Pirlo (2006).
African Player of the Year, Yaya Toure, has lost none of his verve, a model of consistency ever since his move to Manchester City (in 2010) where the powerful Ivorian thrives in a leadership role. In 2013, Toure added a new skill to his already impressive arsenal, as he is now scoring regularly from free kicks. This is his fourth selection overall and third year in succession on the illustrious World XI shortlist.
The world’s most expensive player, Gareth Bale, who swapped Tottenham Hotspur for Real Madrid, also changed positions in 2013. Last year he featured on the defensive shortlist. Whether as a left wing back or in a more attacking role, the dashing Welshman continues to receive the praise of his peers. This is his fourth consecutive nomination.
Isco, Marco Reus and Arturo Vidal are first timers on the World XI stage and part of the next wave of midfield stars who could feature prominently in the player-driven vote for years to come.
For the first time since FIFPro introduced the World XI in 2005, Frank Lampard is not on the shortlist. The legendary Chelsea midfielder, who this year became the London club’s greatest ever goalscorer, was part of the inaugural World XI in 2005. Four others have dropped out compared to last year: Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard, Luka Modric and David Silva.
The best represented clubs are Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern München with three candidates each. Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger all have strong claims for inclusion in 2013 following Bayern’s historic treble-winning season. Robben enjoyed a relatively injury-free year and caught the eye of his peers as the Dutchman returns to the World XI shortlist after a three-year absence.
Spain’s La Liga boasts six of the 15 midfield nominees, followed by Germany’s Bundesliga (4), England’s Premier League (3) and Italy’s Serie A (2).
Fifteen players are nominated for the FUT 14 TOTY Midfielders
Check the video on the top of this page to know more about the FUT 14 TOTY Midfielders Shortlist.
The FIFA FIFPro World XI will be unveiled on January 13 2014 at FIFA’s Ballon D’Or in Zurich, Switzerland.
Source: FIFPro Website