Cristiano, Neuer and Robben finalists for European best player

Cristiano Ronaldo, Manuel Neuer and Arjen Robben have been selected by UEFA as finalists for the Best Player in Europe in 2013/14. The three final nominees will be in Monaco on 28th August during the draw for the UEFA Champions League. The winner of the competition will be announced during the gala.

UEFA has underlined the fantastic season that the Real Madrid star had in the Champions League, beating the previous goal-scoring record with a total of 17 - the last being scored from the penalty spot in extra time of the final against Atlético de Madrid. That extra goal from the Portuguese ace was the cherry on the icing, with it already looking a certainty at that point that 'Los Blancos' would wrap up the match and claim their long awaited 'Decima'.

Neuer, meanwhile, was a key figure for Germany, picking up their fourth World Cup title in Brazil, keeping a clean sheet in four games and pulling off some important saves to guide his side to success.

Robben was fundamental for the qualification of Holland to the World Cup semifinals with three goals, two of them against then reigning champions Spain (5-1). With Bayern Munich he put in a great season with a total of 21 goals.

The gala for the Champions League draw will be attended by journalists from the 58 UEFA member countries, who will vote again to pick their favourite from the three finalists and select the eventual winner.

The players coming in positions 4 to 10 of the initial vote are as follows:
4. Thomas Müller (GER, Bayern Munich) 39 points
5. Philipp Lahm (GER, Bayern Munich) 24
+. Lionel Messi (ARG, Barcelona) 24
7. James Rodríguez (COL, Monaco/Real Madrid) 16
8. Luis Suárez (URU, Liverpool/Barcelona) 13
9. Ángel Di María (ARG, Real Madrid) 12
10. Diego Costa (SPA, At. Madrid/Chelsea) 8

/Marca/