On Monday night, the world of football tuned into the Best 2017 awards ceremony, as some of the biggest names in the game touched down in London for the prestigious event.
Many awards were up for grabs including the star-studded FIFPro World 11. Real Madrid dominated the line-up with five of their players while it featured only two Barcelona players.
Although the Spanish giants claimed the double last season (LaLiga and Champions League), important figures such as Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets should not have been ignored.
The list included:
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
Defenders: Dani Alves (Juventus/Paris Saint-Germain), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/AC Milan), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Neymar (Barcelona/Paris Saint-Germain)
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It is easy to understand Buffon replacing Manuel Neuer due to the Italian’s amazing presence on the field, but what is difficult to swallow is Leonardo Bonucci taking Gerard Pique’s spot. The Catalan defender has done more than enough to prove that he is one of the best center-backs in the world and last season was not an excuse.
Another key player that was missing from the ‘dream team’ line-up was Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets, the heart and engine of the Catalan club. For a footballer that is so unbelievably talented and skillful, it is outrageous to not see his name on the list along the rest of the stars. The midfielder has contributed so much to his team last season and his absence really questions the authenticity of this eminent event.
Meanwhile, Neymar stole Luis Saurez’s position up front. Although, the Brazilian’s incorporation in the line-up did not come as a surprise after the 25-year-old made a name out of himself in his last campaign with Barca after consecutive brilliant performances including his magical night against Paris Saint-Germain (4-0).
Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta were the only two players to feature in the FIFPro World 11 and despite Barcelona’s failure to claim the Champions League or LaLiga last season, the line-up should have at least featured Gerard Pique or Sergio Busquets.