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 RooneyManchester 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.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.And last season's failings in Europe's top club competition have been highlighted in UEFA's latest shortlist.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. 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.Results will to be announced on August 26 in Monaco, when the draw for this season's group stage is made. Holder: Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi NomineesGoalkeeper of the Year: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Victor Valdes (Barcelona)Defender of the Year: Lucio (Inter Milan), Maicon (Inter Milan), Gerard Pique (Barcelona)Midfielder of the Year: Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan)Forward of the Year: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) 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