FIFA announce Spanish flavoured shortlist for Golden Ball

FIFA have announced the shortlist for the Golden Ball, which is to be awarded to the outstanding player of the World Cup.

In a diverse selection, Spain are the most represented of the six nations on display with three players – David Villa, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Xavi is hoping to add the award to his Euro 2008 player of the tournament accolade, while Villa is among the favourites as he is also a 4/6 candidate to win the Golden Shoe.

German duo Mesut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger were earmarked as contenders earlier in the tournament, and they could yet win the award with a strong showing in the third place play-off.

The shortlist in full:

Diego Forlan (Uruguay), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger ( both Germany), Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben (both Holland), David Villa, Xavi, Andres Iniesta (all Spain)

The shortlist for the young player of the tournament has also been announced, with Germany’s Thomas Muller, Ghana’s Andre Ayew and Mexico’s Giovani Dos Santos recognised.

Will Spain’s shortlisted players inspire them to World Cup glory? They are 11/10 to beat Holland in the final. See the full Holland vs Spain market.