4 Players who should have been nominated for the ‘Best XI’

When there is a roster of 25000+ players to choose from and various criteria to consider and analyse, some sort of controversial decisions are bound to be made. The same occurred when the 55 men shortlist for the ‘Best XI’ awards was announced on the 3rd of September 2018.

While no one could argue that the names included were all big stars who have contributed to the beautiful game, there is certainly a case for a few stars who seemed to have lost out to other players simply because of their profile and the clubs they come from. Here are 4 players who should have gotten a shot.

#4 Jan Oblak (Slovenia & Atletico Madrid)

Oblak won't be impressed by the snub from FIFA.

First, Antoine Greizmann not being nominated for the Top 3 and now Oblak not even in the race to be the best goalkeeper, there will be a few grumpy faces in the Atletico dressing room. Rightly so too, if the performances of last season are anything to go by.

22 clean sheets in any league season is impressive, add to that a catalogue of brilliant saves and you have a player who is as key to Atletico as someone like Greizmann is at the other end. The Slovenian had an extremely solid season at the heart of Simeone’s defence but will be wondering what he should do to be considered truly top class by the authorities.

#3 Marcos Alonso (Spain & Chelsea)

Alonso has done a lot for Chelsea but apparently not enough

All regular viewers of the EPL know the quality the flying fullback possesses. Tireless running, an eye for goal and a constant threat to the opposition may have given him the left back spot for Spain under Luis Enrique but he seems to have fallen behind Alba on the FIFA stakes. To suggest that he should replace Alba is not right, but when the likes of Yerry Mina are part of the select group and Alonso isn’t there is surely something wrong with the process.

#2 Roberto Firmino (Brazil & Liverpool)

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino: Mr. Underrated.

The most underrated member of Liverpool’s attacking trio, perhaps even the most intelligent reader of the game from the 3 and someone who acts as the perfect foil for the lung-bursting runs of Mane and Salah.

Add to that his 25 goals and 14 assists in all competition last season and we might be discussing one of the most underrated strikers from across Europe’s top teams put together. Whether someone from the shortlisted deserve to be in there is a different argument, but the Brazilian should definitely be a part of such discussions.

#1 Ciro Immobile (Italy & Lazio)

SS Lazio's lethal striker seems to have been undeservedly overlooked.

Joint Top scorer of Seria A with 29 goals, 37 goals and 9 assists in all competitions, and missing from the shortlist for the Best XI. A true mixed year for the Italian. His recent resurgence at Lazio after a few not so successful spells a Borussia and Sevilla could’ve been rubber stamped if he had been a part of the shortlist.

This omission could be huge in his overall recognition in world football as by the strikers own admission the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo to the race for top scorer makes it tougher than ever before for the marksmen in Italy. His next big moment just might not come again, making it a strange year for him personally despite all his heroics.