Eight Barcelona players in the running to be named in FIFPro World11
Alba, Mascherano, Piqué Umtiti, Busquets, Iniesta, Messi & Suarez
Barça's Lieke Martens is the favourite to win The Best FIFA Women's Player
Eight Barcelona players are in the running to be named in FIFA's FIFPro World11 at The Best awards on Monday. Barça are represented in ever position except in goal. In defence, Jordi Alba, Javier Mascherano, Gerard Piqué and Samuel Umtiti feature; in midfield, Sergio Busquets and Andrés Iniesta; and in attack, Leo Messi y Luis Suárez.
The eight representatives are key pieces of Ernesto Valverde's Barça, although Mascherano has lost importance this season following the emergence of Umtiti. The French centre-back has consolidated his place in the team alongside Pique, although Mascherano did start at the weekend.
In total, there will be nine awards: best male and best female player of the season; best manager in the men's game; best manager in the women's game; best goal (Puskas Prize), fair play; best supporters; best goalkeeper (a new award); and the previously commented on FIFPro World11.
Lieke Martens
Barça player Lieke Martens is the big favourite to be named the best women's player. She joined the club this summer and was already named the best female player last season by UEFA in August.
She has already displayed her quality at Barcelona this season but she will not be able to attend the gala. FIFA have organised it just one day before Holland play Norway, a qualification match for the World Cup, organised by FIFA themselves.
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