Xavi Hernandez, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are battling for UEFA Best Player Award this year. Last year, the award goes to Diego Milito who achieved a successfull career with Inter Milan. At that time, with Jose Mourinho as a coach, Inter Milan reached a treble winner, Coppa Italy, Italian Trophy Serie A, and Champions League.

Lionel Messi, who led Barcelona in winning 3 titles 2 years ago, also received the award in 2009. And his rival Cristiano Ronaldo, got the 2008 award for his fantastic record with Manchester United.

And for this year, Lionel Messi has the biggest chance to win this award second time, since led Barcelona to win Spanish League and Champions League as the club’s top scorer. But considering Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing 52 goals record this year, his name should be placed equally with Messi.

Another strong competitor came from Messi’s teammate, Xavi Hernandez. The 30 year old players is known as Barcelona play maker, and the key for Messi’s goals. In other words, he is Barcelona’s successor.

Another nominees are Iniesta(Barcelona), Radamel Falcao (FC Porto), Wayne Rooney (ManUtd), Nemanja Vidic (ManUtd), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan), Gerrard Pique (Barca), an Manuel Neuer (FC Schalke).

The winners will be announced on August 25th, the same time as the Champions League draw. 53 sport journalists from each UEFA members will have their votes to determine the result.

Derbyanabella,Footballfantalk.com