#9 Alisson Becker - AS Roma/Brazil
One of the incredible success stories of last season, Alisson went from being a deputy to Wojciech Szczesny to one of the top goalkeepers in the world. The Pole's move to Juventus allowed Alisson to take the no.1 spot and he played a key role in the capital side's third-place finish in the Serie A. The Brazilian's incredible 3.41 saves per goal with a 79% save percentage went along with his 83% distribution accuracy making him a total package.
His performances went up another level in the UCL as Roma had a dream run into the semifinals. In that run, no opposition team except Liverpool could score in Rome with the likes of Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona failing to breach Alisson's goal. His dominance between the sticks made him the Brazil no.1 ahead of Manchester City's Ederson at the World Cup and earned him the moniker of 'Messi of Goalkeepers'.
Alisson even sealed a move to Liverpool this summer for a goalkeeper world-record fee, although for a short period of time. Thus, the 25-year old can consider himself unlucky to miss out despite his heroics.
#8 Lorenzo Insigne - SSC Napoli/Italy
Lorenzo Insigne was a key part of one of the most exciting teams in Europe last season. The Italian formed one-third of Napoli's feared front three and had one of the best seasons of his career as the side from Naples came extremely close to winning their first league title in 28 years.
Easily the neutral's favourite, Napoli won a superb 91 points in the Serie A last term, a tally good enough to win the league more often than not. However, Juventus picked up 4 more points to clinch the title. Nevertheless, Maurizio Sarri's side played some of the best football in Europe and Insigne was right in the middle of it.
The local boy naturally deserves to be on the 55-man shortlist for his noteworthy performances last season and he can consider himself a tad unlucky.