Barcelona, Spain (My Sportsbook) - Barcelona players dominate the shortlist for UEFA's Club Football Awards following their domestic and European success last season. The Spanish giants won an unprecedented treble of La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey last term and the result is that half of the 12 contenders named in the four categories are Barca players. Goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been shortlisted in the goalkeeping category alongside Petr Cech of Chelsea and Manchester United's Edwin van der Sar. The same three clubs have representatives in the defensive category where Gerard Pique will be hoping to be given the nod ahead of John Terry and Nemanja Vidic of Chelsea and United respectively. Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta have been named alongside Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in the midfield shortlist. Up front Lionel Messi, former Barcelona and now Internazionale striker Samuel Eto'o plus ex-Manchester United and now Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo will contest the forwards' award. The 16 coaches of the sides which reached the quarterfinals of last season's Champions League will all now cast their votes before the eventual winner in each category in unveiled. (Courtesy of sportbox.tv) |
