2015 FIFA FIFPro World XI Again Features Questionable Selections

By Douglas Smith

It is not unusual for the world team of the year from FIFA to have some unexpected selections. The 2015 FIFPro World XI is no exception as several questionable players made the list. The professional footballers’ union said the result came after 26,000 votes. However, the results are making some question the validity and proclaim it to be a popularity contest.

There are some players in the World XI who make sense, such as Manuel Neuer, Neymar and Lionel Messi. Neymar and Messi are on FC Barcelona and helped the team win five trophies. Meanwhile, four Real Madrid players made the final list when they failed to win any trophy. There is an argument that none of the Madrid players should have been in the World XI.

The back line is very questionable. David Alaba, the current and five-time Austrian footballer of the year, was snubbed. Diego Godin has been the rock of an Atletico Madrid defense that spurred on a 15-game unbeaten streak. Giorgio Chiellini wins over 50 percent of his duels per match this season and had wonderful statistics during Juventus‘ runner-up Champions League campaign.

There are other question marks in the World XI. Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez have been vital to Barcelona. Thomas Muller had 13 goals and 10 assists for Bayern Munich. Kevin De Bruyne was one of the most sought after players in the summer after an MVP season in the Bundesliga.

After the votes were collected perhaps it was a popularity contest. The World XI is a nice honor, but there are several players who should have been on the stage Monday. Unfortunately, the trend in contentious voting is unlikely to end anytime soon.

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