Two Chelsea stars have been named on the 26-man FIFPro Men's World 11 shortlist. In a list that will be whittled down later this month, the Blues have had some individual performances nominated for the accolade.
Despite a turbulent and often disappointing 2022, it was still a successful year for some on an individual basis. In what may be remembered as perhaps the toughest or strangest year in the club's recent history the recognition is a demonstration of the quality possessed by Graham Potter.
Although Enzo Fernandez didn't sign for Chelsea until January 2023 his remarkable rise from River Plate star to World Cup winner last year has seen him named on the list whilst Thiago Silva can celebrate his new contract with the nomination. Silva crashed out of the World Cup earlier than expected but once again remained central to both Chelsea and Brazil's defence.
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The pair are alongside some of the biggest names in world football as the global union for professional football players (FIFPro) picks out an extensive list of the most impressive players over the past 24 months. During that time Chelsea have been crowned champions of the world whilst also reaching two cup finals.
It is Fernandez, 22, who is the main standout here though following his £106.8m move from Benfica. As a key cog in Lionel Scaloni's successful Argentina side he is shoo-in to make the team. He is up against other top talents though including Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric.
Having faltered in the second half of 2022 and limping over the line last season too it is hard to make much of a case for any other Chelsea stars. Reece James and N'Golo Kante are the other standout players in the squad but have both had an injury-hit 2022/23 campaign despite showing their high-end levels at times.
The 2021 XI included two Chelsea players with Jorginho and Kante making the team with Rudiger a notable absence at the time whilst Edouard Mendy was also unfortunate to miss out. Meanwhile, the 3-3-4 formation also raised some questions.
Former Blue Antonio Rudiger is also on the 2022 list having left over the summer, as is Thibaut Courtois.
The 26-man squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Allison Becker, Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martinez
Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Alphonso Davies, Virgil van Dijk, Josko Gvardiol, Achraf Hakimi, Theo Hernandez, Antonio Ruidger, Thiago Silva
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Casemiro, Kevin De Bruyne, Enzo Fernandez, Gavi, Luka Modric, Pedri, Federico Valverde
Forwards: Karim Benzema, Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo
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