Rising international player Toni Kroos is snatching a narrow victory as the 2014 World’s Best Playmaker while continuing Germany’s dominance of the annual IFFHS Awards. In a closely contested Battle, Kroos (110) won by two points from evergreen Lionel Messi with newcomer James Rodriguez (53) taking third place.
Toni Kroos is The World’s Best Playmaker 2014
In the previous six years, the Award had been won by Barcelona players Xavi (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011) and Andrès Iniesta (2012, 2013) but voters from more than 60 countries were impressed by the performances of the 24 years old German.
Kroos, the ninth winner of the trophy, was a member of the German team which won the World Cup in Brazil as well as the German double of the Championship and Cup with Bayern München.
He then transferred in August 2014 to Real Madrid for another successful season culminating with victory in the FIFA Club World Championship.His performances were consistent and always at the top level by world standards to complete a highly successful year for the young playmaker.
Messi, with Barcelona and four times winner of the FIFA BALLON D’OR, had another superb season as a playmaker and scorer with team-mates such as Neymar or Luis Suarez.
He has well clear of third place placed Rodriguez, the 23 years old Colombian who also caught attention at the World Cup in Brazil. His transfer from Monaco to Real Madrid after a fantastic World Cup with Colombia, gave him the opportunity to show his talents world wide.
Yaya Touré (5th) once again showed why he has been the best African Playmaker for many years.
RANKINGS 2014
1 – Toni KROOS (Germany / FC Bayern München / Real Madrid CF) 110 points
2 – Lionel MESSI (Argentina / FC Barcelona) 108 points
3 – James RODRIGUEZ (Colombia / AS Monaco / Real Madrid CF) 53 points
4 – Andrès INIESTA (Spain / FC Barcelona) 38 points
5 – Yaya TOURE (Côte d’Ivoire / Manchester City FC) 29 points
6 – Bastian SCHWEINSTEIGER (Germany / FC Bayern München) 28 points
7 – NEYMAR (Brazil / FC Barcelona) and Luka MODRIC (Croatia / Real Madrid CF) 21 points
9 – Eden HAZARD (Belgium / Chelsea FC London) 18 points
10 – Ivan RAKITIC (Croatia / FC Sevilla / FC Barcelona) 5 points
