Continuing our look back at the year that was 2010, IFFHS (International Football Federation of History and Statistics), based out of Germany, has come out with various other accolades. This one is near and dear to my heart, Best Playmaker in the World, the creator, the maestro in the midfield. Based on points Xavi Hernandez is a cut above the rest. Followed by his partner in crime Andres Iniesta, and then double Balon d’Or winner Messi.
.1. Xavi Hernández (ESP/Barcelona) 223
.2. Andrés Iniesta (ESP/Barcelona) 148
.3. Wesley Sneijder (HOL/Inter Milán) 128
.4. Lionel Messi (ARG/Barcelona) 111
.5. Mesut Özil (GER/Real Madrid) 47
.6. Diego Forlán (URU/Atlético de Madrid) 30
.7. Cristiano Ronaldo (POR/Real Madrid) 27
.8. Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER/Bayern Múnich) 22
.9. Francesc Fábregas (ESP/Arsenal) 13
10. Arjen Robben (HOL/Bayern Múnich) 12
11. Frank Lampard (ENG/Chelsea) 11
.+. Xabi Alonso (ESP/Real Madrid) 11
13. Steven Gerrard (ENG/Liverpool) 10
Interesting facts: 4 on the list are Spanish players. 7 currently play in La Liga. If you include former La Liga players 10 out of 13 have made their mark at one time in the Spanish game. Mesut Ozil is the youngest on the list at 22. Frank Lampard is the oldest on the list at 32. Only two South Americans made the list. Xavi top “enganche” for the third year in a row!!
What do you think? Is this list pretty accurate? Are their any surprises, glaring omissions, or poor choices? Does this list validate the passing, possession, attacking, pressure game played in Spain?
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