Chelsea Flop & Manchester United Star Make FIFPro World XI 2014

The FIFPro World XI has been announced this evening as part of the FIFA Ballon d’OR award ceremony and it’s certainly caused quite the stir with Chelsea flop David Luiz a shock inclusion.

The Brazilian international was a somewhat surprising choice alongside team-mate Thiago Silva at the back as he was never regarded as a solid defender during his time at Chelsea before being sold to PSG last summer.

Luiz’s inclusion has prompted a real backlash on social media with fans branding the decision a ‘joke’, but perhaps they should take it up with the 20,000+ professional footballers who voted for the team!

There was no surprises in goal as Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer was an easy choice with team-mate Philip Lahm and Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos making up the back five.

Barcelona star Andres Iniesta was joined in midfield by Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos, while Manchester United’s record signing Angel Di Maria was also chosen. The Argentine has endured a mixed time since moving to Old Trafford in the summer but was superb for Madrid during his time in Spain, so no doubt those displays influenced some players votes.

Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were selected up front and they were joined by Bayern Munich attacker Arjen Robben.

As well as the inclusion of Luiz, the other big talking point was the fact that there were no Atletico Madrid players chosen in the team, despite Diego Simeone’s men beating both Barca and Madrid to the La Liga title last season and making it to the Champions League final.

Anyway, here is the side the world’s professional footballers chose at the best XI of 2014: