European football’s governing body announced the 10-man longlist for the individual award in July, and UEFA confirmed on Wednesday that Messi, Suarez and Ronaldo were selected for the three-man shortlist.
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Last year’s victor, Cristiano Ronaldo, will battle with FC Barcelona superstars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Past winners include Messi and Ronaldo, along with Andres Iniesta and Franck Ribery.
Who do you think was the Best Player in Europe in 2014/15?
Journalists from across Europe put together the initial list of nominees, and a jury will now cast its final votes during the draw for the 2015-16 UEFA Champions League group stage. Each journalist provides a five-man shortlist who they believe should win the award, with each of those players receiving a points tally based on the ranking and number of votes they receive.
It is easy to forget considering Barcelona finished the season with a treble but Real Madrid – and Cristiano Ronaldo – made a ludicrously exceptional start to the 2014/15 season.
Chelsea star Eden Hazard finished sixth after inspiring Jose Mourinho’s side to the Premier League title last term, winning the PFA Player of the year award in the process. The Argentine should easily take the trophy home but special mention must go to the contribution of Luis Suarez and Neymar.
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While Ronaldo was exceptional in the early part of the season, his form tapered as the season drew to a close.
