THE IRISH SELECTIONS for the 2015 Fifa FIFPro World XI differed somewhat to the eventual World XI, with Ballon d’Or nominee Neymar a glaring ommission.
Chosen by members of the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI), there were five divergences in total, though many of the same players feature.
There is a stronger presence from the English Premier League, with two representatives making the XI, as well as a greater prevalence of Barcelona players after their treble-winning campaign.
In contrast to the eventual Fifa FIFPro World XI, which has four Real Madrid players included, there are just two Blancos representatives and six from Luis Enrique’s side.
While Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer was chosen in the overall World XI, the Irish members voted instead for Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea.
In defence, PFAI members went for Barcelona duo Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba, instead of Brazilian pair Thiago Silva and Marcelo.
There was one difference in the midfield as Chelsea maestro Eden Hazard was chosen by the Irish members, in contrast to Luka Modric who was voted into the overall XI.
The overall World XI featured the three Ballon d’Or finalists, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar, in attack, but Luis Suarez was included ahead of Neymar in the Ireland selection.
IRELAND WORLD XI: David De Gea (Spain/Manchester United); Jordi Alba (Spain/Barcelona), Gerard Pique (Spain/Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Spain/Real Madrid), Dani Alves (Brazil/Barcelona); Paul Pogba (France/Juventus), Eden Hazard (Chelsea/Belgium), Andres Iniesta (Spain/Barcelona); Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Real Madrid), Luis Suarez (Uruguay/Barcelona)
FIFA FIFPRO WORLD XI: Manuel Neuer (Germany/Bayern Munich); Marcelo (Brazil/Real Madrid), Thiago Silva (Brazil/Paris Saint-Germain), Sergio Ramos (Spain/Real Madrid), Dani Alves (Brazil/Barcelona); Paul Pogba (France/Juventus), Luka Modric (Croatia/Real Madrid), Andres Iniesta (Spain/Barcelona); Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Real Madrid), Neymar (Brazil/Barcelona).
