In this article, we look at each Ballon d’Or 2010 contender from the final shortlist. As we jump directly into the subject, we start with midfielder Xavi Hernandez.
FIFA Ballon d’Or 2010 Award Contender: Xavi Hernandez
Expert in: through balls, short passes, long balls, and organization on the field.
Country and Club: Spain and FC Barcelona
Contribution in 2010 World Cup: 1 assist in 7 starts
In the 2009/10 season: Xavi got 3 goals and made 14 assists in 34 La Liga games, while he netted a single goal and produced 3 assists in the UEFA Champions League. In the Copa del Rey, he started twice and appeared once as a substitute; he clinched 2 goals without any assist in that competition.
2010/11 season so far: Xavi has yet to earn an attainment in the Copa del Rey. His statistics look better in La Liga with 3 goals and 3 assists in 15 appearances, while the UEFA Champions League has seen him goalless with only 1 assist in 5 appearances.
The player: Xavi is renowned for his authority in the midfield. His unique mental power has set him apart in football, and his intelligence has been the source of many great goals in Spain and Barcelona. His accuracy in passes is admired by many, and his partnership with Lionel Messi in Barca is simply pleasing to the eye. Xavi—also known as the “Midfield Maestro”—is regarded as the best player in the world by a huge part of football spectators, although his statistics somehow portray him as an “overrated” player.
FIFA Ballon d’Or 2010 Award Contender: Lionel Messi
Expert in: dribbling, scoring, short passes, through balls, and one-twos.
Country and Club: Argentina and FC Barcelona
Contribution in 2010 World Cup: 1 assist in 5 appearances
In the 2009/10 season: Lionel Messi equaled the Brazilian Ronaldo’s record with 34 goals in La Liga. He also made 10 assists in the league for Barcelona, and his input in the Champions League for his club was not weaker. He finished his campaign as the top scorer of the European Cup with 8 goals in 11 appearances, surpassing Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo in the goal chart thanks to 4 crucial shockers against Arsenal in the quarterfinals. In the Copa del Rey, a goal animated Messi’s moments—although he could only enjoy 3 appearances.
2010/11 season so far: Lionel Messi has 18 goals and 12 assists in 15 appearances. He is also among the Champions League’s best players with 6 goals and an assist in 6 apperances—2 of which were not full ones. In the Copa del Rey, Messi as well has an achievement in his name, with a goal in 3 appearances.
The player: He is arguably the best dribbler and player in the world right now. Lionel Messi has helped Barcelona crush a number of great teams recently through his inimitable runs and shots on target; and his goalscoring abilities do not look to be fading out overtime.
Though he had exhibited his impressive moves in the group stages of the 2010 World Cup, a stunningly-goalless Messi nevertheless suffered a disgraceful exit as Argentina were killed 4-0 by Germany in the quarterfinals of the tournament. He has fortunately found redemption this season through outstanding feats and results at Barcelona. Among his best performances this season, one cannot omit his display against Real Madrid—a game in which he was finally looked upon as the “Man of the Match” by most spectators.
FIFA Ballon d’Or 2010 Award Contender: Andres Iniesta
Expert in: dribbling, teasing, short passes, and through balls.
Contribution in 2010 World Cup: 2 goals in 6 appearances
In the 2009/10 season: Iniesta’s low scoring abilities were completely hidden as he ended his runs in the Copa del Rey and Champions League goalless. In La Liga, the Spaniard could only get a bit of consolation through a goal and 5 assists in 29 appearances.
2010/11 season so far: Still not much attainments for Iniesta in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League: only 2 assists in Europe. La Liga has proven to be more favorable to him, looking at the fact that he has netted 5 goals and made 3 assists in 18 appearances.
The player: Andres Iniesta scored the last goal of the 2010 World Cup, being the one who grabbed Spain’s winning goal in the final against the Netherlands. Iniesta is also categorized among the best players of this generation, due to his capability to score extremely important goals in difficult circumstances. He is also very much respected for his positive psychology, and speaking of his on-field skills, Iniesta’s influence could have a huge impact on any side from any division.
FIFA Ballon d’Or 2010: Winner Of Award Will Be…
Based on statistics, Lionel Messi is definitely the most impressive contender among the 3 Barcelona players forming the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2010 shortlist. If a combination of total success, mental strength, and skills is what is required to win the award though, then Xavi is obviously the man to look at. Yet, if one decides to ignore most parts of the year 2010, and opts to focus on the year’s most important match—the South African World Cup final—then the winner might turn out to be Andres Iniesta.
All in all, what should be the reasonable criteria through which the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2010 winner should be elected? Should we look at the man who had the best display and the most individual success at club level during the year? Should we look at the man who rules on the field and manages to lift trophies without really getting impressive statistics? Or should we look at the man who triggered powerful emotions on 11 July 2010?
