FIFA yesterday announced the list of probables for this year's 'World Player of The Year'. The good thing for all Soccer and Barca fans is that - Iniesta has made it into the list. The other FC Barcelona players who made into the list are Xavi Hernandez, Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto. Surprisingly Puyol goes missing from the list. The full is is - Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), Sergio Agüero (Argentina), Andrei Arshavin (Russia), Michael Ballack (Germany), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Deco (Portugal), Didier Drogba (Côte d'Ivoire), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Steven Gerrard (England), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Kaká (Brazil), Frank Lampard (England), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Franck Ribéry (France), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), John Terry (England), Fernando Torres (Spain), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Netherlands), David Villa (Spain) and Xavi (Spain).
I have to admit that it is a great pleasure to see two top class Goal Keepers making into the list. Ex-Barcelona player Deco also have made into the list only on the basis of a good Euro 2008 display. Andrei Arshavin who has been linked to FC Barcelona during the summer and Cesc Fabregas who has been rumoured to re-join Barca at the earliest also make into the list. The presence of Kaka who missed the majority of last season and Deco who had a pathetic season with FC Barcelona would raise some eyebrows. Otherwise the list looks more perfect than Ballon D'or list. The main contenders for the title this season would be Christiano Ronaldo and Iker Casillas. FIFA always give preference to the player's achievement with the country especially in a tournament year is no secret. This could tilt the poll in favour of Casillas. Xavi who had an excellent Euro 2008 is also a main contender; but a lack of success with FC Barcelona could harm his chances when compared to Iker or Christiano.