UEFA Names List For Player Of The Year

[the noise factor]

UEFA yesterday announced the nominees for the UEFA Club Football Awards. Coaches will now vote on the team of the year, plus the player of the year. Winners will be announced in Monaco on Thursday August 27.

I have to say that some of the nominees surprised me. Was Petr Cech really one of the top three goalkeepers in Europe last season? Remember the howlers he had in Europe 2008?

Similar question about Gerard Pique. Was he really one of the three best defenders in Europe last season?

The midfield and forward nominees look fine to me, and I will be shocked if Messi does not win the player of the year award.

UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year
Petr Čech (Chelsea FC)
Víctor Valdés (FC Barcelona)
Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United FC)

UEFA Club Defender of the Year
Gerard Piqué (FC Barcelona)
John Terry (Chelsea FC)
Nemanja Vidić (Manchester United FC)

UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC)
Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona)
Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona)

UEFA Club Forward of the Year
Samuel Eto’o (FC Barcelona)
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC)

What do you think if the nominees? Who is missing from the list?