The Blues’ Spanish magician and Ivorian powerhouse join Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and Frank Lampard, along with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard as five Barclays Premier League representatives.
Three midfielders will be selected for the team from the 15-strong list, which will be announced during the Fifa Ballon d’Or Gala on 7 January 2013.
Midfield nominees: Xabi Alonso (Spain and Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Spain and FC Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Spain and FC Barcelona), Steven Gerrard (England and Liverpool), Eden Hazard (Belgium and Chelsea), Andres Iniesta (Spain and FC Barcelona), Frank Lampard (England and Chelsea), Luka Modric (Croatia and Real Madrid), Mesut Ozil (Germany and Real Madrid), Andrea Pirlo (Italy and Juventus), Franck Ribery (France and Bayern Munich), David Silva (Spain and Manchester City), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany and Bayern Munich), Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast and Manchester City), Xavi Hernandez (Spain and FC Barcelona)
