Giggs got EPL player of season last year. If they put people like duke & eduardo on the list, the list will be 100+ players :Smate four four two is right, they have to put older players or people like duke on the list, my vote goes to neil harris
Can i just say.. Why the **** are half of these players on this list?
The ones who deserve to be on there are Drogba and maybe a few others. Gerrard has played hardly any games. And when he does.. What the **** has he done this season and last? Lampard is miles better than him in every single area. He should be winning it for his 100 goals in a few seasons alone..
Some others that should be on the list.. But are probably too obscure in world reputation to be?
RYAN GIGGS (At his age? Deserves something.)
JERMAINE DEFOE (By far the best goal scorer. He's a beast this year. Doesn't even get a mention in any award.)
MATT DUKE (He came back from having Cancer. And saved a penalty his first game back. Why the **** should people like Messi? Who hasn't had a challenge like that.. Be on the list?)
EDUARDO (sure he dived. But having a horrible injury like that? And coming back.. Should be worth something.)
Theres loads of others. Coming back from injuries etc. They never get a mention. Disgraceful.
It seems this award is only given to those who have a great reputation. Load of bollocks.
Anyway. My vote goes to Drogba. For being consistant every year. No matter the rumours. Also, he's back to his prime this year. He will be better than he was in 2006. In my opinion.
Jog on my friend, just because you come back form injury doesn't mean you are the best in Europe. Gerrard, what did he do last season?? What, you must be joking, 16 or something goals from midfield in PL, more than Lamps i add. Giggs doesnt deserve and award because he's old, look at Maldini he went til 38/39. Sure he's done great to get this far, but not the best in Europe surely. I hope when you say "half of these players" you are being sarcastic as these, plus maybe Kaka and Essien are the best in Europe.
Also im gonna guess your a Chelsea fan??
No one is saying coming back from cancer is not a great achievement but for him to be on the shortlist for European player of the year is ridiculous, you earn the right to be on the list for what you do on the pitch.
Coming back from Cancer is one of the best achievements in a person's live. But coming back and playing football again? Now, if he doesn't get something for that. Then why try?
Also. Gerrard i've noticed. Has been dissapointing this season. When he isn't injured that is. He's been quiet. He can never get as many goals as lampard does in a matter of seasons. Thats why he is forced to play as a winger. Not a midfielder for England. Theres only one place. Lampard got it. And Giggs is one of the best performers at one of the best teams in the world. At an old age. He's still consistant. Maldini wasn't.
And.. I haven't looked into too many stats. But a lot of these players are based on reputation. Theres so many players that have better goal ratios and performances. And they never get a mention in the history of this award. Thats why i find myself annoyed. As there is no award for players like this. Maybe club awards. But that's not exactly a worthwhile achievement.
Also.. Why are their no goalkeepers? Can't think of any that stand out. But there must be a mention for atleast one?
And guys. I'm not "right" or "wrong". This is my opinion. I've always had judgements on this award, purely because they never give mention to players that are under the value of 20-30 million.
And nope. I'm a Manchester City fan. But i know that none of our players deserve to be named in the shortlist. But some of these players. It seems, they get in on this award every single year. I'm sure they can't be that consistant. I'm sure Xavi has been in this award for a number of years? Theres never anyone new to be honest.
FourFourTwo, mate we're not taking it away from Matt Duke (me and all of the county fans know too well how nice a lad he is). But he wouldn't deserve to be up there as the best in europe, Ruben De La Red wont be when he gets back in football, but I'm sure he's a top lad too. But being a nice lad and coming back from a nasty illness/injury doesn't make you one of the best in europe.
Gerrard plays out wide because Lapms isnt versatile like Gerrard. Like others said coming back from cancer is great, but does not make you a good player. My grandad recovered from cancer , should he be nominated? Giggs simply isnt in the same league as the above ANYMORE. Also Gerrard has been poor this season, i agree, but is still better than lampard, IN MY OPINION.