Neuer, Robben, Ronaldo make UEFA’s Best Player in Europe Award Final Shortlist
The final shortlist for UEFA’s Best Player in Europe Award has been released with Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer, Arjen Robben and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo contesting for the top spot.
The three finalists were selected by journalists based on their performances in 2013-14. The winner will be chosen on 28 August at the Champions League group-stage draw in Monaco.
Germany goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer helped Bayern Munich to the 2013-14 domestic double, helped Germany win the World Cup and was named German footballer of the year for a second time.
Netherlands’ Robben scored 21 goals for Bayern and three for his country as they finished third place in Brazil.
Portugal’s Ronaldo scored 17 goals as Real won the Champions League and won the Ballon d’or prize for his efforts in the year 2013. He scored twice as Real Madrid claimed the first European silverware of the season with a 2-0 Super Cup win over Sevilla in Cardiff City.
The remaining players in the top 10 based on points are as follows: Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich, Germany) with 39 points; Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich, Germany) and Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Argentina) with 24 points each; James Rodriguez (Monaco/Real Madrid, Colombia) with 16 points; Luis Suarez (Liverpool/Barcelona, Uruguay) with 13 points; Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid, Argentina) with 12 points; and Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid/Chelsea, Spain) with 8 points.
