Ballon D'or: The Most Worthy of Men
In the 2009/2010 season there was no question that the European Player of the Year should be awarded to Leonel Messi. Prior to that, Cristiano Ronaldo had one of his best seasons in a Manchester United shirt and claimed the honor of receiving the most coveted individual award in football.
Now in 2010, we look at the possibilities as to who can carry the Golden Ball for yet another year...
In my opinion Messi and Ronaldo don't deserve it, that's in comparison to some of the other nominees who have outperformed them and went on to win more accolades both in club and International representations.
Xavi Hernandez
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Age: 30
Nationality: Spanish
Club: FC Barcelona
Position: Midfield
Previous Ballon D'or Awards: Finish 3rd in 2009
Amongst the many talented and crafty midfielders in the world, Xavi is one that stands out as the most deserving of this accolade. He has been in the background for much too long and it's about time he is recognized for the brilliance he displays week in an week out.
While many fans would want the likes of Messi or Ronaldo to take the award, neither of them haven't performed half as well as Xavi.
In the last year he has won the La Liga title with Barcelona, won the World Cup with Spain and also was part of the Euro 2008 team that won the championship.
He was also named in the World Cup All-Star team, alongside two "Man of the Match" awards at the world show-piece in South Africa.
His passing, creativity, vision and ability to get out of any situation is simply amazing. He was nominated and finished in third place behind team mate Leo Messi and rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
This could just be the year....
Andries Iniesta
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Age: 26
Nationality: Spanish
Club: FC Barcelona
Position: Midfield
Previous Ballon D'or Awards: None
Like Xavi, Iniesta has also been outstanding in the last couple seasons, his another one that forms part of the amazing line-up at Barcelona.
Iniesta has had a decorated career thus far, and at only 26 in the prime of his career you would assume a player of his quality would continue to light up our screens with majestic performances.
He has been key to the Spanish team through-out his career. He won the European Champions at under-16 level, then followed it up with another gold medal at the under-19 level, and capped it off with the ultimate, the 2008 Euro Championship medal for the National team.
Iniesta scored the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup final in South Africa earlier this year. He was also named "Man of the Match" in the final.
His control, skill and creativity makes him another player who could earn the Player of The Year award.
Wesley Sneijder
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Age: 26
Nationality: Dutch
Club: Inter Milan
Position: Midfield
Previous Ballon D'or Awards: None
The former Madrid man might not have won as many league titles as the other two mentioned nominees, but certainly he has won everything there is in Italy in just one season.
His also made it to the World Cup final, only to be ousted by his Spanish opposition.
Now Wesley Sneijder could be the one to walk away with the European Player of The Year, He won the Champions League, Serie A title. He was also on the Madrid team that won the La Liga in the 2007/2008 season.
Sneijder's only problem will be to get past the likes of Xavi and Iniesta, otherwise he is amongst the favourites to win the prize.
