Source: Daily_Mail
Tottenham's Gareth Bale leads 17 Premier League nominees for FIFPro World XI
Gareth Bale's rise to stardom has been marked by his inclusion on the short list for the FIFA FIFPro World XI.[LNB]The Tottenham and Wales wide man is one of 55 players hoping to be named in the 2010 team of the year, voted for by fellow professionals across the world.[LNB]Bale is one of 17 Barclays Premier League players on the short list, with inconsistent Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov standing out as one of the more suprising candidates.[LNB] Euro star: Bale (right) shines against Inter Milan defender Lucio in the Champions League[LNB] Berbatov's Old Trafford team-mates Edwin van der Sar, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney are also in contention.[LNB]The line-up of one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards will be unveiled at a revamped FIFA ceremony on January 10.[LNB]The Zurich gala will also hand out the new FIFA Ballon d'Or, merging the rival awards previously run by world football's governing body and France Football magazine, as well as women's player of the year plus awards for coaches and spectacular goals.[LNB]Also vying for a place in the World XI are England-based players Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Michael Essien, Cesc Fabregas, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Carlos Tevez and Fernando Torres.[LNB] Surprise inclusion: Manchester United striker Berbatov tries a scissor kick against City[LNB]With 18, the Spanish league has the most nominees, while Real Madrid and European champions Inter Milan can both bost nine players each on the list.[LNB]Lionel Messi, who was in last year's FIFPro XI, said: 'To be chosen by your own colleagues really means a lot to me. [LNB]'They know what you need to reach the top, they understand the game and if they consider you to be among the best eleven, then this gives you the greatest satisfaction.'[LNB]55-man FIFPro short list in full...GOALKEEPERSGianluigi Buffon (Juventus, It)Iker Casillas (Real Madrid, Sp)Petr Cech (Chelsea, Cze)Julio Cesar (Inter, Brz)Edwin van der Sar (Man Utd, Hol)[LNB]DEFENDERSDani Alves (Barcelona, Brz)Gareth Bale (Tottenham, Wal)Michel Bastos (Lyon, Brz)Ashley Cole (Chelsea, Eng)Patrice Evra (Man Utd, Fr)Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd, Eng)Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich, G)Lucio (Inter, Brz (below))Maicon (Inter, Brz)Marcelo (Real Madrid, Brz)Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan, It)Pepe (Real Madrid, Por)Gerard Pique (Barcelona, Sp)Carles Puyol (Barcelona, Sp)Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid, Sp)Walter Samuel (Inter, Arg)John Terry (Chelsea, Eng)Thiago Silva (ACMilan, Brz)Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd, Ser)Javier Zanetti (Inter, Arg)[LNB]MIDFIELDERSEsteban Cambiasso (Inter, Arg)Michael Essien (Chelsea, Gha)Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal, Sp)Steven Gerrard (Liverpool, Eng)Andres Iniesta (Barcelona, Sp)Kaka (Real Madrid, Brz)Frank Lampard (Chelsea, Eng)Javier Mascherano (Barcelona, Arg)Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich, G (right))Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid, G)Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan, It)Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich, G)Wesley Sneijder (Inter, Hol)Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid, Sp)Xavi (Barcelona, Sp)[LNB]FORWARDSDimitar Berbatov (Man Utd, Bul)Didier Drogba (Chelsea, Ivr)Samuel Eto'o (Inter, Cam)Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid, Uru)Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid, Ar)Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan, Swe)Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Ar)Diego Milito (Inter Milan, Ar)Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich, Hol)Ronaldinho (AC Milan, Brz)Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, Por)Wayne Rooney (Man Utd, Eng)Carlos Tevez (Man City, Ar)Fernando Torres (Liverpool, Sp)David Villa (Barcelona, Sp)[LNB] Matt Lawton interview: Day I was told to stop using my left foot - BaleSchool of (no) hard knocks: Bale was excused from rugby for being skinny... Martin Samuel: Bale showed us how football should be playedTOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC
