Who is the best forward 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 Forwards shortlist.
FIFA FIFPro World XI 2013: TOTY Forwards Shortlist
These fifteen forwards are nominated by their peers for the 2013 FIFA FIFPro World XI (FUT 14 TOTY Forwards):
- Sergio Agüero (Argentina, Manchester City FC)
Mario Balotelli (Italy, AC Milan)
Edinson Cavani (Uruguay, AS Napoli/Paris Saint-Germain FC)
Diego Costa (Spain, Atlético de Madrid)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid CF)
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, Galatasary SK)
Radamel Falcao (Colombia, Atlético de Madrid/AS Monaco FC)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden, Paris Saint-Germain FC)
Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Borussia Dortmund)
Mario Mandzukic (Croatia, FC Bayern München)
Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona)
Neymar (Brazil, FC Barcelona)
Robin van Persie (The Netherlands, Manchester United FC)
Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United FC)
Luis Suarez (Uruguay, Liverpool FC)
In the last six years, since 2007, the names of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi seemed to be printed on the World XI ballots. Whenever a voting form arrived at the FIFPro House, there appeared to be one certainty, these two superstars from Portugal and Argentina were mentioned on it by their colleagues worldwide.
This year, once again, both players have made the cut. Two questions arise:
are they still head and shoulders above all other players in the vote?
which strikers are capable of knocking Ronaldo and Messi out of the World XI? The answer will be given on Monday January 13th in Zurich…
Since 2007, five players other than Ronaldo and Messi were named as a forward in the World XI: Ronaldinho (2007), Fernando Torres (2008, 2009), David Villa (2010), Wayne Rooney (2011) and Radamel Falcao (2012). The latter two are still among the 13 shortlisted forwards that aim to, at least, take on the role of the third World XI striker (next to Ronaldo and Messi).
The above illustrates, that the most exclusive positions on the pitch, are even more exclusive in the World XI. A nomination in the three-men frontline belonging to the most talented players in the game, will only be obtained after a serious battle with the stars. Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney lead Manchester United to the 2013 title, Liverpool’s Luis Suarez is scoring from all positions, Sergio Agüero is recently playing better than ever at Manchester City. The Paris Saint-Germain partnership of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani is too hot to handle for any team in France and most of Europe. Neymar excelled during Brazil’s winning run at the Confederations Cup, while Atlético’s Diego Costa has opened the hunt for the Spanish top goal scorers’ title, trailing only Ronaldo.
Diego Costa is one of three newcomers on the forwards’ shortlist. The other debutants ply their trade in Germany’s Bundesliga. Robert Lewandowski put himself on the global football’s map with an impressive performance in the Champions League semifinal, where he guided Borussia Dortmund past Real Madrid by scoring four times in the first leg. Mario Mandzukic is the third new name on the shortlist, even though he has to fight for a spot in the Bayern München starting eleven.
Three players were dropped from the shortlist in comparison with last year’s: Karim Benzema, Samuel Eto’o and Mario Gómez. The absence of Eto’o, means that the Cameroon striker of Chelsea and World XI member of 2005 and 2006, will not be in the shortlist for the first time in World XI-history. Eto’o and Didier Drogba are still the only African players who have been voted in the World XI.
Fifteen players are nominated for the FUT 14 TOTY Forwards
Check the video on the top of this page to know more about the FUT 14 TOTY Forwards 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