ADVERTISEMENT
Notable players snubbed for FIFA player of the Year
These players didn't appear on the 2017 FIFA Player of the Year nominees
Recommended articles
It was surprising to see Isco’s name omitted from the list of nominees after a fabulous season with Real Madrid. The midfielder played a key role in helping the Spanish giants sweep the La Liga, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the Spanish Super Cup. He scored scored 11 goals in 44 games for Los Blancos, yet they were not enough to earn him a place.
Two other Real Madrid players who didn't appear on the FIFA Best Men’s Player shortlist. Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. The Welsh international’s omission from the nominees didn’t come as a surprise, since he had a terrible season, coupled with recurring injuries, which kept him on the sidelines in several games. Karim Benzema blew warm and cold at Real Madrid. He scored some important goals for Los Blancos, but he wasn’t rampant as expected of a striker of his calibre. Scoring 19 goals in 48 matches were not enough to persuade the panel to select the Real Madrid front man.
ADVERTISEMENT
The was no space left in the 24-man nominees for Kylian Mbappe of AS Monaco, who made the headlines last season for his splendid performance in the French Ligue 1 and especially in the UEFA Champions League. His eyes for goals, scoring 26 goals in 44 games and his ability to torment defenders were amazing last term.
It came as a shock to see the 23 nominees released without Edson Cavani, the French Ligue 1 top scorer. The Uruguan striker had his best season so far since joining Paris Saint German. He scored 49 goals in 50 games which was one of the highest goals scored by an individual last season, so he needed recognition at the highest level.
David De Gea was the finest goalkeeper in the English Premier league. His saves and blocks were outstanding as Manchester United won the League Cup and the UEFA Super Cup, but it looked like they were not enough to surpass his competitors for a place in the FIFA Player of the Year shortlist.
Angel Di Maria, the Argentine winger, although couldn’t produce the sort of display expected of him, his dribbles, assists and runs played a key role in helping PSG secure a place in the last eight of the UEFA Champions League.
Other names worth mentioning are Lacazette of Lyon and Arsenal, Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane, Paul etc.
ADVERTISEMENT
The world football body and France Football ended their six-year collaboration to announce the FIFA Ballon d’Or.
It came as surprise that Africa’s Footballer of the Year Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was snubbed for the shortlist of the prestigious award.
The 27-year-old finished the 2015/16 Bundesliga season with 39 goals and started the new campaign with 10 goals in 13 games. However, Aubameyang was surprisingly snubbed for the shortlist, while Riyad Mahrez is the only African among the nominees.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh
Recommended articles
Kasoa shooting: Suspect identified as National Security Operative — Court documents
Goldfields Ghana appoints first female GM in Ghana's mining history
Let's contribute to ensuring a peaceful and successful election to safeguard our democracy - Akufo Addo
Ban on drumming and noise-making in Accra commences from May 6 - AMA
Voter ID card replacement to commence, May 30 - EC
Kwadaso MP apologizes for alleged bribery of EC officers during Ejisu by-election
GES expresses concern over surge in body arts among students
GRA terminates 2 SML contracts
