The European Football Association, UEFA , on Thursday named both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in their team of the year., Daliy Mail reports
But there was a surprise as no place was given to Paris Saint-Germain ace Neymar in the line-up, despite a year in which he made a record-breaking transfer from Barcelona.
Chelsea forward Eden Hazard was selected ahead of him on the left wing, while there was further representation for the Premier League as Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne features on the right.
The centre of midfield is being run by a Real Madrid axis of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
There’s also a Real flavour to the defence. Sergio Ramos is in at centre back while Marcelo is on the left.
Neymar might not have a place but his compatriot and PSG team-mate Dani Alves has been given a berth on the right.
And while there have been disappointments for both club and country in 2017, Gianluigi Buffon will be happy to have been selected between the sticks.
There was further shock at some of the other players who missed out.
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea had an exceptional calendar year, capped off by the game against Arsenal, but was not selected.
And others were surprised at the lack of a place for midfielder N’Golo Kante after a second straight Premier League title.
Meanwhile, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu reportedly wants to replace Luis Suarez with Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg –and Lionel Messi is not happy.
Barcelona have splashed the cash this month, bringing in Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool for a club record £142million.
And it seems the Brazil international’s arrival at the Nou Camp is not the only big change in the pipeline for the Catalan side.
Spanish outlet Don Balon claim president Josep Maria Bartomeu is keen to shake up the squad further in the summer.
And top of his wishlist is Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg who is being eyed as a replacement for Luis Suarez.
However, Bartomeu thinks he is on the wane and has discussed a deal for Danish youngster Dolberg with Barcelonaboss Ernesto Valverde.
The 20-year-old has been turning heads in Holland in recent seasons and has 31 goals in 73 appearances for Ajax in all competitions.
