10 players who deserved to be in the FIFA FIFPro XI shortlist

#3 Roberto Firmino - Liverpool/Brazil

Roberto Firmino had a sensational season for Liverpool

Roberto Firmino could easily think of his omission as a numbers game. While he was the fulcrum of Europe's deadliest attacking trio last season, his partners-in-crime Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane made the shortlist. Thus, the Brazilian could very well have been excluded as there would be too many Liverpool forwards.

The 26-year old had a hand in 40 goals last season, with 17 of them in the Champions League as the Reds reached the final of the prestigious tournament. Further, Firmino's game is more than just goals and assists as his style of play is crucial for Salah and Mane to thrive.

Hence, it is a glaring miss by FIFA to omit one of Europe's best no.9s last season.

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#2 Raheem Sterling - Manchester City/England

Raheem Sterling came of age last season

Sterling and media continue to never be on the same side. The Englishman finally came of age last season under Guardiola's tutelage as his numbers confirm. The wide forward did the double-double, scoring and assisting 10+ goals last season, with 18 and 11 respectively.

Further, he was easily one of Manchester City's best players last season, scoring late winners and causing havoc against every opposition. He was a starter for England as the Three Lions marched into the World Cup semifinals.

While the likes of Eden Hazard and Andres Iniesta find themselves on the list for less, Sterling can feel hard done by as it could just be a case of higher-profile names being picked over him. However, at 23 years of age, if he keeps up the current form, he will be on the list sooner than later.