UEFA Names Nominees for Player of the Year

Yesterday, UEFA announced the nominees for the UEFA Club Football Awards.

Coaches will now vote on the Team of the Year, along with the Player of the Year. Winners will be announced in Monaco on Thursday, Aug. 27.

I have to say that some of the nominees have surprised me. Was Petr Cech really one of the top three goalkeepers in Europe last season? Remember the howlers he had in Europe in 2008?

I also raise a similar question about Gerard Pique. Was he really one of the three best defenders in Europe last season?

The midfield and forward nominees look fine to me, and I will be shocked if Messi doesn't win the Player of the Year award.

UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year

Petr Čech (Chelsea FC)
Víctor Valdés (FC Barcelona)
Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United FC)

UEFA Club Defender of the Year

Gerard Piqué (FC Barcelona)
John Terry (Chelsea FC)
Nemanja Vidić (Manchester United FC)

UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC)
Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona)
Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona)

UEFA Club Forward of the Year

Samuel Eto’o (FC Barcelona)
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC)

What do you think of the nominees? Who do you think is missing from the list?