Chelsea duo Thiago Silva and Enzo Fernandez have made the 26-man squad shortlist for the 2022 FIFA FIFpro men’s World 11.
FIFA have announced the 26 players nominated for last year’s best eleven based on their performance during the period 8 August 2021 to 18 December 2022 inclusive
Blues’ reliable defender Silva is unsurprisingly among the eight defenders on the list.
Silva competes with former Chelsea teammate Antonio Rudidger, RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk for the centre-back spots.
The 38-year-old, who recently signed a one-year contract extension at Chelsea, has arguably been the club’s most consistent performer in the past year.
Unfortunately, at the international level, his World Cup dream came to an end after Brazil’s quarter-final defeat to Croatia last December.
On the contrary, Argentina’s World Cup-winning campaign likely played a big part in Fernandez’s inclusion on the list.
The former Benfica star was named the young player of the tournament and became the most expensive player in Premier League history by securing a Chelsea move a month later.
Fernandez faces tough competition from Jude Bellingham, Casemiro, Kevin de Bruyne, Luka Modric, Federico Valverde, and Barcelona duo Pedri and Gavi for the midfield spots.
The World 11 will be decided exclusively by fellow professional footballers from all over the world.
One goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards with most votes will be selected for the World 11. One final spot will be given to the remaining outfielder with the next highest number of votes.
FIFA and FIFPRO will announce the World 11 on Monday, 27 February 2023 at The Best FIFA Football Awards.
SOURCE: thechelseachronicle.com
