Fifa gives Yaya the nod
Reigning African Footballer of the Year and Manchester City midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure has been named amongst the 15 midfielders for the 2012 FIFA FIFPro World XI.
The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international is the only African on the list dominated by Spanish players who make up nearly half of the lot.
Toure is also vying for the 2012 African Footballer of the Year award after reaching the last five that include his compatriot Didier Drogba, Senegal’s Demba Ba, Alex Song, Andre Ayew.
The world union of professional footballers, FIFPro, is organising the selection of the 'World Eleven' for the eighth consecutive year in conjunction with FIFA. The final team selected from the shortlists will feature one keeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three strikers.
List
Xabi Alonso (Spain, Real Madrid)
Sergio Busquets (Spain, Barcelona)
Francesc Fabregas (Spain, Barcelona)
Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool)
Eden Hazard (Belgium, Chelsea)
Andrés Iniesta (Spain, Barcelona)
Frank Lampard (England, Chelsea)
Luka Modric (Croatia, Real Madrid)
Mesut Özil (Germany, Real Madrid)
Andrea Pirlo (Italy, Juventus)
Franck Ribéry (France, Bayern Munich)
David Silva (Spain, Manchester City)
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany, Bayern Munich)
Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast, Manchester City)
Xavi (Spain, Barcelona)
The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international is the only African on the list dominated by Spanish players who make up nearly half of the lot.
Toure is also vying for the 2012 African Footballer of the Year award after reaching the last five that include his compatriot Didier Drogba, Senegal’s Demba Ba, Alex Song, Andre Ayew.
The world union of professional footballers, FIFPro, is organising the selection of the 'World Eleven' for the eighth consecutive year in conjunction with FIFA. The final team selected from the shortlists will feature one keeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three strikers.
List
Xabi Alonso (Spain, Real Madrid)
Sergio Busquets (Spain, Barcelona)
Francesc Fabregas (Spain, Barcelona)
Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool)
Eden Hazard (Belgium, Chelsea)
Andrés Iniesta (Spain, Barcelona)
Frank Lampard (England, Chelsea)
Luka Modric (Croatia, Real Madrid)
Mesut Özil (Germany, Real Madrid)
Andrea Pirlo (Italy, Juventus)
Franck Ribéry (France, Bayern Munich)
David Silva (Spain, Manchester City)
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany, Bayern Munich)
Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast, Manchester City)
Xavi (Spain, Barcelona)
