#4 Robert Lewandowski
41 goals last season, top scorer in the Bundesliga for the third time in his career, Lewandowski may have been disappointed to not see his name among the 30 nominees.
His tally of 29 goals in the league was nearly double the number of goals scored by Nils Petersen, who was the second highest scorer in the league with 15 goals.
#3 David Silva
David Silva had a crucial role to play in Manchester City's record-breaking title win last season, scoring 10 goals and assisting a further 11. Silva's evolution in the 'number 8' role under Pep Guardiola had reinvigorated his Manchester City career.
With Kevin De Bruyne picking up most of the plaudits last season, Silva may have been overshadowed by the Belgian midfielder, which might have costed him a place in the final shortlist.