UEFA Best Player in Europe Award: Iniesta, Messi & Cristiano

Andrés Iniesta, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi are the final candidates for the 2011/12 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award.

After the 32-player list was released, 53 journalists representing each UEFA member association went through a round of votes, determining the final candidates up for the award.  This year's honor was bestowed upon Iniesta, Cristiano, and Messi, an honor each of which is no stranger to.

  

Lionel Andrés Messi is the favorite to win this year's award, defending his crown, following his record goal-scoring season for Barcelona.  The phenomenon bagged an amazing total of 73 goals in 60 appearances, surpassing that of Gerd Müller.

On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo played a key role in Real Madrid's victory over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey that took place on April 20, 2011.  Then there was his 2011/12 La Liga campaign with los Blancos, which ended with a title win.  It certainly does not hurt the Portuguese all-star in being a part of a team that broke records, earning the most points and goals gained in a championship.

The third candidate, another Barcelona man, Andrés Iniesta could arguably be considered the brain behind the successes of his club.  Furthermore, Iniesta was lauded on the international level, having been named Player of the Tournament in the Euro Cup 2012.

The final vote will take place August 30^th during the Champions League group stage draw.

Here are the players that just missed the cut:

Juventus, Andrea Pirlo 4^th

Barcelona, Xavi 5^th

Real Madrid, Iker Casilas 6^th

Chelsea, Dider Drogba 7^th

Chelsea, Petr Cech 8^th

Atlético de Madrid, Radamel Falcao 8^th

Real Madrid, Mesut Ozil 10^th

written by JP Perez