Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United star Wayne Rooney is the Premier League's ONLY player on UEFA shortlist
The one and only: Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney[LNB]Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is the only England-based player nominated on UEFA's Club Footballer of the Year 12 man shortlist - heightening claims that the Premier League is on a downward spiral.[LNB]Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger last week launched a scathing attack on Premier League chiefs claiming new rules that order clubs to have at least eight 'homegrown' players in a squad of 25 would signal the decline of the league, while no English top-flight sides went beyond the quarter-finals of last season's Champions League.[LNB]And last season's failings in Europe's top club competition have been highlighted in UEFA's latest shortlist.[LNB]European champions Inter Milan has five players named on the shortlist including Holland playmaker Wesley Sneijder and Argentina striker Diego Milito, who scored both goals in the 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. [LNB]The German champions are represented by Holland winger Arjen Robben, while Barcelona - who were knocked out in the semi-finals by Inter - have four contenders, including Lionel Messi who won last year's award.[LNB]Results will to be announced on August 26 in Monaco, when the draw for this season's group stage is made.[LNB] Holder: Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi [LNB]NomineesGoalkeeper of the Year: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Victor Valdes (Barcelona)[LNB]Defender of the Year: Lucio (Inter Milan), Maicon (Inter Milan), Gerard Pique (Barcelona)[LNB]Midfielder of the Year: Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan)[LNB]Forward of the Year: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)[LNB] Arsenal boss Wenger: New squad rules will drag down the Premier LeagueGet ready for a shake-up! Man City are primed to gatecrash the top four'Emotive' Wenger doesn't understand squad rules - Premier League chief
