Fernando Torres, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Iker Casillas, Carlos Puyol, and David Villa head a Spanish heavy representation for the player of the year award. It's noteworthy that Torres is the only player who is not part of the Liga.
The English have Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, and John Terry. No surprises there. Sorry, Ryan Shawcross!
While these two contingents dominate, Argentina's Leo Messi is probably going to get the nod as the POY.
Maradona might have done everything to tarnish Messi's shine with his inept managerial skills as Argentina's coach but one remembers Messi lighting up last seasons Liga and CL. Cristiano Ronaldo who reminds the Merengues of their frailties without him will push him hard.
Fifa shortlist: M Ballack (Germany), G Buffon (Italy), I Casillas (Spain), C Ronaldo (Portugal), Diego (Brazil), D Drogba (Ivory Coast), M Essien (Ghana), S Eto'o (Cameroon), S Gerrard (England), T Henry (France), Z Ibrahimovic (Sweden), A Iniesta (Spain), Kaka (Brazil), F Lampard (England), L Fabiano (Brazil), L Messi (Argentina), C Puyol (Spain), F Ribery (France), W Rooney (England), J Terry (England), F Torres (Spain), D Villa (Spain), Xavi (Spain).
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