Seven Real Madrid players to win the European Player award

At Euro 2012 Real Madrid had ten players in the semifinals (5 from Spain, 3 in Portugal and 2 from Germany) and it was the most reliable clue about what was perceived as last season: the cyclical change between Real Madrid and Barcelona. UEFA yesterday gave more arguments for this reflection making public the 32 players who in its judgment have deserved to win the Best European Player of the season award.

UEFA Best Player in Europe Trophy

UEFA, to make these assessments, bases its designations on the performances of the players in the Champions League and their national leagues, but in 2012 the Euro has scored a lot, which explains that there are eight members of the Spanish team that defeated Italy at the Euro final: Iker Casillas, Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc, Silva and Torres.

What is significant is that the team with the most nominations is the coached by Mourinho. The seven players chosen are: Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Özil, Pepe and Coentrao. It so happens that Modric is also nominated for his good season at Tottenham, so if Real Madrid signs him, as it looks, the white team would have 8 players on the list. Barcelona has some players nominees (4): Messi, Xavi, Cesc and Iniesta. Have dropped from the lists some players who years ago were fixed; Alves, Pique and Busquets.

At this new trend also underlies the fight for the Golden Ball, which will be decided among four players from both teams: Casillas, Messi, Cristiano and Iniesta. A change cycle that is observed looking at last year's award for Best Player in Europe. It was won by Messi, Xavi second, fourth was Pique and Iniesta ninth. Cristiano, third, was the only Real Madrid player in the Top Ten. In 2011, the UEFA Dream Team had three white players (Iker, Marcelo and Cristiano) and five Catalans (Alves, Pique, Xavi, Iniesta and Messi). Now, nominations for prestigious awards begin to stain in white.

Among the 32 nominees there is a player who is a pride for the Real Madrid fans: Raul Gonzalez. His amazing season at Schalke, 20 goals, that left the German team qualified for the Champions League, has been valued by the UEFA. Raul, 35 years old, who was captain of Real Madrid gets a recognition of his professionalism.