Neymar, Angel Di Maria Nominated Ahead of Lionel Messi for 2013-14 La Liga Award
Neymar, Angel Di Maria and Carlos Bacca have been named ahead of Lionel Messi as candidates for the 2013-14 "Best American in La Liga" award.
A statement on the LFP's official website confirmed no recognition for Messi, but detailed the thought process behind three players who "stood out" across the calendar year in both domestic and European competitions.
The official release suggests Neymar's appearance on the list is aided because he "is synonymous with samba, colour, fun and jogo bonito, making him one of the greatest proponents of what South American football means to the world." It indicates the Brazilian starlet has become one of Barcelona's "star strikers," having scored 17 La Liga goals since arriving from Santos.
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Specifics for Di Maria, who left Real Madrid for Manchester United in the summer, focus on his entire four years with Los Blancos. The LFP pinpoint his 36 goals and 87 assists, suggesting he is on the list due to an overall contribution to the capital-based club.
Di Maria was certainly a key component of Madrid's cup success last season. He rarely received the recognition he deserved at the Bernabeu due to playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, but Di Maria was often the driving force behind victory.
He played an important role in the Champions League final, assisting the goal that would kickstart Real's 4-1 victory over rivals Atletico Madrid, as well as helping the side to triumph in the Copa del Rey.
European goals are noted for Bacca's nomination, who "had a dream start" with Sevilla, according to the LFP release. The Colombian's 14 La Liga strikes thrust Unai Emery's side to finishing fifth in the domestic division, but his seven Europa League goals saw the Spaniards capture glory in the secondary continental competition.
The overlooking of Messi is surprising, particularly when considering the Argentinian's current confidence. Although he suffered a disappointing start to the calendar year after recovering from injury, Messi has rediscovered some of his best form in recent times.
He scored 36 goals across La Liga and the Champions League last season, not to mention providing nine strikes and nine assists in the same competitions so far this term, per WhoScored.com. His form is generally key to Barcelona's success, as Leo's ability to dictate in possession allows the likes of Neymar to hit full intensity.
Messi also failed to receive a nomination for the Best Striker category, but is currently second favourite to win the 2014 Ballon d'Or, per Oddschecker. Football pundit Matteo Bonetti and La Liga expert Guillem Balague recently discussed whether Messi is the only player worth £150 million for B/R UK:
Di Maria stands out as the obvious favourite to win here, particularly due to his role in Madrid's La Decima success. Former United midfielder Paul Scholes recently detailed why the Argentinian is such a great player, per his column for The Independent:
"One quality is that he will always try to ensure that what he does has end product, be that a shot or a good cross. And if it does not work out for him, the disappointment passes in a second and he demands the ball again.
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Despite being overlooked this year, it appears Messi will drum up the form to bring himself into contention in 12 months' time. Both Neymar and Bacca will be hoping to extend their current run of quality into 2015, but there's plenty of other South American stars who could threaten to gain a nomination for the next prize.
Real Madrid's James Rodriguez stands out as someone who could be up there, while the likes of Diego Godin and Javier Mascherano may be outside shouts if they continue to play key roles for Atletico and Barca respectively.
This year's nominees will have to wait until Oct. 27 for the winner to be announced at the 2014 LFP Awards Ceremony.
