Football awards can often be used as a barometer to gauge the intelligence of the game's coaches and players. At the Ballon d'Or on Monday night, the Fifa World Team of the Year announced reflected just how insular football is.
Iker Casillas, who hasn't looked secure in goal for a long time, was chosen as 2012's best goalkeeper by virtue of being Spanish. Ditto Sergio Ramos and Gerard Piqué, two dubious inclusions when one considers how good Mats Hummels and Vincent Kompany were for Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City in their title-winning years.
Fifa World XI 2012
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(Top L-R) Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid's Marcello, Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos, Barcelona's Gerard Pique, Barcelona's Dani Alves, Real Madrid's Iker Casillas (Bottom L-R) Atletico Madrid's Colombian forward Radamel Falcao, Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi, Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta, Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez and Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso receive the FIFA/FIFPro World XI award during the FIFA Ballon d'Or awards ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on January 7, 2013. AFP PHOTO / OLIVIER MORIN (Photo credit should read OLIVIER MORIN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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(L-R) Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Atletico Madrid's Colombian forward Radamel Falcao, Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi, Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta, Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez, Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid's Marcello, Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos, Barcelona's Gerard Pique, Barcelona's Dani Alves and Real Madrid's Iker Casillas receive the FIFA/FIFPro World XI award during the FIFA Ballon d'Or awards ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on January 7, 2013. AFP PHOTO / OLIVIER MORIN (Photo credit should read OLIVIER MORIN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 07: Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid's Marcello, Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos, Barcelona's Gerard Pique, Barcelona's Dani Alves, Real Madrid's Iker Casillas (Bottom L-R) Atletico Madrid's Colombian forward Radamel Falcao, Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi, Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta, Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez and Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso receive the FIFA/FIFPro World XI award during the FIFA Ballon d'Or awards ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on January 7, 2013. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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(Top L-R) Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid's Marcello, Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos, Barcelona's Gerard Pique, Barcelona's Dani Alves, Real Madrid's Iker Casillas (Bottom L-R) Atletico Madrid's Colombian forward Radamel Falcao, Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi, Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta, Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez and Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso receive the FIFA/FIFPro World XI award during the FIFA Ballon d'Or awards ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on January 7, 2013. AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's goalkeeper Iker Casillas reacts during a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (credit:AP)
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FOR USE AS DESIRED, YEAR END PHOTOS - FILE - In this July 1, 2012 file photo, Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas lifts the trophy after the Euro 2012 soccer championship final between Spain and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine. Spain won the match 4-0. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File) (credit:AP)
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MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 01: Goalkeeper Iker Casillas of Real Madrid CF celebrates scoring their second ghoal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 1, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas punches the ball away during the UEFA Champions League group D football match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at The Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north-west England, on November 21, 2012. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Manchester City's Argentinian forward Carlos Tevez (R) has his shot saved by Real Madrid's Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas (L) during the UEFA Champions League group D football match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at The Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north-west England, on November 21, 2012. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund - UEFA Champions League(10 of114)
MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 06: Iker Casillas of Real Madrid in action during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 6, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas kicks the ball away during the UEFA Champions league group D football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid in Dortmund, western Germany on October 24, 2012. Dortmund defeated Real Madrid 2-1. AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN (Photo credit should read ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spain's goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifying football match Spain vs France on October 16, 2012 at Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid. The game ended in a draw 1-1 AFP PHOTO/ FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's goalkeeper Iker Casillas holds up the trophy after defeating FC Barcelona in their Spanish Supercup second leg soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (credit:AP)
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Real Madrid's goalkeeper Iker Casillas holds up the trophy after beating FC Barcelona in their Spanish Supercup second leg soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (credit:AP)
RCD Mallorca v FC Barcelona - La Liga(15 of114)
MALLORCA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 11: Dani Alves of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the La Liga match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Iberostar Stadium on November 11, 2012 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sevilla FC v FC Barcelona - La Liga(16 of114)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 29: Dani Alves of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the La Liga match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 29, 2012 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FC Barcelona v FC Spartak Moscow - UEFA Champions League(17 of114)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 19: Daniel Alves of Barcelona reacts during the UEFA Champions League group G match between FC Barcelona and FC Spartak Moscow at the Camp Nou stadium on September 19, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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FC Barcelona's Brazilian defender Dani Alves celebrates after scoring the 0-1 during a pre-season friendly football match between Hamburger SV and FC Barcelona in Hamburg, northern Germany, on July 24, 2012. AFP PHOTO / CARMEN JASPERSEN (Photo credit should read CARMEN JASPERSEN/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Brazilian defender Daniel Alves kicks a ball during the Champions League quarter-final second leg football match FC Barcelona vs AC Milan on April 3, 2012 at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Brazilian defender Daniel Alves gestures during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao on March 31, 2012 at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. AFP PHOTO/LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Brazilian defender Daniel Alves (background) makes the V-sign at the end of the UEFA Super Cup football match FC Barcelona vs FC Porto, on August 26, 2011 at the Louis II stadium in Monaco. Barcelona won 2-0. AFP PHOTO SEBASTIEN NOGIER (Photo credit should read SEBASTIEN NOGIER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FC Barcelona's Brazilian defender Dani A(22 of114)
FC Barcelona's Brazilian defender Dani Alves (L) celebrates with his teammate Brazilian midfielder Adriano Correia Claro after scoring the 0-1 during a pre-season friendly football match between Hamburger SV and FC Barcelona in Hamburg, northern Germany, on July 24, 2012. AFP PHOTO / CARMEN JASPERSEN (Photo credit should read CARMEN JASPERSEN/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Barcelona defender Daniel Alves (R) of B(23 of114)
Barcelona defender Daniel Alves (R) of Brazil celebrates after scoring against Sporting Gijon on March 3, 2012 during a Spanish league football match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. AFP PHOTO/LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Club Atletico de Madrid v FC Barcelona - Liga BBVA(24 of114)
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: Dani Alves of Barcelona celebrates after scoring Barcelona's opening goal during the La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona at Vicente Calderon Stadium on February 26, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ajax Amsterdam v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League(25 of114)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 03: Marcelo of Real in action during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between Ajax Amsterdam and Real Madrid at Amsterdam Arena on October 3, 2012 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ajax Amsterdam v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League(26 of114)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 03: Marcelo of Real in action during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between Ajax Amsterdam and Real Madrid at Amsterdam Arena on October 3, 2012 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Madrid CF v RC Deportivo La Coruna - La Liga(27 of114)
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 30: Marcelo of Real Madrid runs with the ball during the la Liga match between Real Madrid CF and RC Deportivo La Coruna at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on September 30, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal, down, celebrates with Marcelo from Brazil after scoring a goal against Manchester City during a Champions League Group D soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, in Madrid, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa De Olza) (credit:AP)
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Real Madrid's Marcelo from Brazil celebrates after scoring a goal against Manchester City during a Champions League Group D soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, in Madrid, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa De Olza) (credit:AP)
Real Madrid v Barcelona - Supercopa(30 of114)
MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 29: Marcelo of Real Madrid celebrate with the trophy after defeating FC Barcelona during the Supercopa second leg match at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 29, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Madrid v Barcelona - Supercopa(31 of114)
MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 29: Marcelo of Real Madrid celebrate with the trophy after defeating FC Barcelona during the Supercopa second leg match at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 29, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Madrid's Brazilian defender Marcelo(32 of114)
Real Madrid's Brazilian defender Marcelo gestures during the UEFA Champions League second leg semi-final football match Real Madrid against Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on April 25, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Madrid's Brazilian defender Marcelo(33 of114)
Real Madrid's Brazilian defender Marcelo (up) vies for the ball with Valencia's Portuguese defender Ricardo Costa (down) during the Spanish league football match Real Madrid against Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on April 08, 2012. The match ended in a 0-0 draw. AFP PHOTO/DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Madrid's Brazilian defender Marcelo(34 of114)
Real Madrid's Brazilian defender Marcelo heads the ball during the Spanish league football match Real Madrid against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 24, 2012. AFP PHOTO/DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Madrid CF v RCD Espanyol - La Liga(35 of114)
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 16: Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid CF reacts during the match during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Espanyol at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 16, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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CORRECTION ALL INFOS Real Madrid's defender Sergio Ramos (R) reacts during the Spanish league football match Real Valladolid CF vs Real Madrid CF at Jose Zorilla stadium in Valladolid on December 8, 2012. Real Madrid won 3-2. AFP PHOTO/ CESAR MANSO (Photo credit should read CESAR MANSO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's defender Sergio Ramos celebrates after scoring during the Spanish League football match Real Madrid vs Athletic de Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on November 17, 2012. AFP PHOTO / JAVIER SORIANO (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spain's Sergio Ramos, left, holds the trophy with a girl after the Euro 2012 soccer championship final between Spain and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, July 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) (credit:AP)
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Spanish defender Sergio Ramos holds the trophy and celebrates with team mates after winning the Euro 2012 football championships final match Spain vs Italy on July 1, 2012 at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Spain v Italy - UEFA EURO 2012 Final(40 of114)
KIEV, UKRAINE - JULY 01: Sergio Ramos of Spain poses with the trophy following victory in the UEFA EURO 2012 final match between Spain and Italy at the Olympic Stadium on July 1, 2012 in Kiev, Ukraine. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas, right lifts the trophy with Sergio Ramos to celebrate the team's league title after a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Sunday May 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Paul White) (credit:AP)
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Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos, right, celebrates his goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (credit:AP)
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Spain's defender Sergio Ramos celebrates after scoring during the FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifying football match Spain vs France on October 16, 2012 at Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid. AFP PHOTO / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spain v France - FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier(44 of114)
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 16: Sergio Ramos of Spain celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier between Spain and France at estadio Vicente Calderon on October 16, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - La Liga(45 of114)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 01: Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club at Camp Nou on December 1, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's defender Gerard Pique celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Athletic Club at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on December 1, 2012. AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE. (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's defender Gerard Pique celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Athletic Club at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on December 1, 2012. AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE. (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Soccer - UEFA Euro 2012 - Final - Spain v Italy - Olympic Stadium(48 of114)
Spain's Gerard Pique kisses the trophy (credit:PA)
Soccer - UEFA Euro 2012 - Final - Spain v Italy - Olympic Stadium(49 of114)
Fans make a grab for the trophy as Spain's Gerard Pique carries the trophy back down to the pitch (credit:PA)
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Spain's Gerard Pique celebrates with the trophy after winning the Euro 2012 soccer championship final between Spain and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, July 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) (credit:AP)
Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona - Copa del Rey Final(51 of114)
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 25: Gerard Pique of Barcelona celebrates after a victory in the Copa del Rey Final match between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona at Vicente Calderon Stadium on May 25, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona - Copa del Rey Final(52 of114)
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 25: Gerard Pique of Barcelona holds the trophy in celebration after their victory in the Copa del Rey Final match between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona at Vicente Calderon Stadium on May 25, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
RCD Mallorca v FC Barcelona - Liga BBVA(53 of114)
MALLORCA, SPAIN - MARCH 24: Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Iberostar Stadium on March 24, 2012 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's defender Gerard Pique celebrates after scoring against Mallorca during the Spanish league football match Mallorca vs Barcelona on March 24, 2012 at the Iberostar stadium in Palma de Mallorca. AFP PHOTO/ Jaime REINA (Photo credit should read JAIME REINA/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's midfielder Andres Iniesta celebrates after voting during the Spanish league football match Levante UD vs FC Barcelona at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium in Valencia on November 25, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ JOSE JORDAN (Photo credit should read JOSE JORDAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Levante UD v FC Barcelona - La Liga(56 of114)
VALENCIA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 25: Andres Iniesta of Barcelona celebrates scoring during the la Liga match between Levante UD and FC Barcelona at Ciutat de Valencia on November 25, 2012 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's forward David Villa (R) celebrates with Barcelona's midfielder Andres Iniesta (L) after scoring during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Celta de Vigo at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on November 3, 2012. AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Andres Iniesta(58 of114)
FC Barcelona's Andres Iniesta, celebrates after scoring against CD Alaves, during their Spanish Copa del Rey round of 32 first leg soccer match, at the Mendizorroza stadium in Vitoria, northern Spain, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) (credit:AP)
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Barcelona's midfielder Andres Iniesta celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League football match FC Barcelona vs Celtic CF on October 23, 2012 at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. AFP PHOTO/ JOSEP LAGO (Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Barcelona's midfielder Andres Iniesta ce(60 of114)
Barcelona's midfielder Andres Iniesta celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League second leg semi-final football match Barcelona against Chelsea at the Cam Nou stadium in Barcelona on April 24, 2012. AFP PHOTO / JAVIER SORIANO (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spain v Italy - UEFA EURO 2012 Final(61 of114)
KIEV, UKRAINE - JULY 01: Andres Iniesta of Spain poses in the dressing room with the trophy following the UEFA EURO 2012 final match between Spain and Italy at the Olympic Stadium on July 1, 2012 in Kiev, Ukraine. (Photo by Handout/UEFA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FC Barcelona v Valencia CF - La Liga(62 of114)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 02: Andres Iniesta of FC Barcelona poses with the UEFA Best Player in Europe 2012 trophy prior to the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at Camp Nou on September 2, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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FC Barcelona's Andres Iniesta holds the trophy of the UEFA's Best Player in Europe for season 2011-2012 prior of a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Valencia at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) (credit:AP)
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FC Barcelona's Andres Iniesta holds the trophy of the UEFA's Best Player in Europe for season 2011-2012 prior to a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Valencia at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) (credit:AP)
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Spain's Xabi Alonso holds up the trophy at the end of during the Euro 2012 soccer championship final between Spain and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, July 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
Real Madrid�s Xavi Alonso applauds befor(66 of114)
Real Madrid�s Xavi Alonso applauds before their Santiago Bernabeu trophy match against Norway's Rosenborg at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, August 24, 2009 in Madrid. Real Madrid won that match 4-0. AFP PHOTO/Pedro ARMESTRE (Photo credit should read PEDRO ARMESTRE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spain's Xabi Alonso, left, is flanked by Alvaro Arbeloa as he holds up the trophy at the end of during the Euro 2012 soccer championship final between Spain and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, July 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso celebrate(68 of114)
Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso celebrates after winning the Euro 2012 football championships semi-final match Portugal vs Spain on June 27, 2012 at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk. Spain won 4-2. AFP PHOTO / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spain's Xabi Alonso celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between Spain and France in Donetsk, Ukraine, Saturday, June 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) (credit:AP)
Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso kisses hi(70 of114)
Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso kisses his girlfirend after winning the Euro 2012 football championships final match Spain vs Italy on July 1, 2012 at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE (Photo credit should read FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Spain v Italy - UEFA EURO 2012 Final(71 of114)
KIEV, UKRAINE - JULY 01: Xabi Alonso (C) of Spain celebrates their victory with his wife Nagore Aramburu and their children Jontxu (R) and Ane (L) during the UEFA EURO 2012 final match between Spain and Italy at the Olympic Stadium on July 1, 2012 in Kiev, Ukraine. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spain's Jordi Alba, left, celebrates with his teammate Xabi Alonso after scoring his side's second goal during the Euro 2012 soccer championship final between Spain and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, July 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
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Spain's Jordi Alba, left, celebrates with his teammate Xabi Alonso after scoring his side's second goal during the Euro 2012 soccer championship final between Spain and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, July 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:AP)
Alvaro Rubio, Xabi Alonso(74 of114)
Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso, right, competes for the ball with Valladolid's Alvaro Rubio, left, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. (AP Photo/Israel L. Murillo) (credit:AP)
Soccer - UEFA Champions League - Group G - Celtic v Barcelona - Celtic Park(75 of114)
Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona (credit:PA)
Xavi Hernandez(76 of114)
FC Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez celebrates his goal during a Spanish Supercup first leg soccer match against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (credit:AP)
Xavi Hernandez(77 of114)
FC Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez celebrates his goal during a Spanish Supercup first leg soccer match against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (credit:AP)
FC Barcelona v Real Zaragoza - La Liga(78 of114)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 17: Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Zaragoza at Camp Nou on November 17, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. FC Barcelona won 3-1. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
RCD Mallorca v FC Barcelona - La Liga(79 of114)
MALLORCA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 11: Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Iberostar Stadium on November 11, 2012 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's midfielder Xavi Hernandez holds the 2012 Prince of Asturias Prize for Sport before during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Real Club Celta de Vigo on November 3, 2012 at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. AFP PHOTO/ LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Spain v Italy - UEFA EURO 2012 Final(81 of114)
KIEV, UKRAINE - JULY 01: Xavi Hernandez of Spain poses with the trophy in the dressing room following the UEFA EURO 2012 final match between Spain and Italy at the Olympic Stadium on July 1, 2012 in Kiev, Ukraine. (Photo by Handout/UEFA via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
fifa world cup trophy(82 of114)
FC Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez, left, holds the Fifa world cup trophy winning the Copa del Rey at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, May 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) (credit:AP)
Xavi Hernandez(83 of114)
FC Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez lifts up the Spanish King's Cup trophy after defeating Athletic Bilbao at the King's Cup final soccer match against at the Vicente Calderon stadium, in Madrid, Friday, May 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza) (credit:AP)
Xavi Hernandez(84 of114)
FC Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez holds the trophy after winning the final Copa del Rey soccer match against Athletic Bilbao at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Friday, May 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (credit:AP)
Radamel Falcao(85 of114)
Atletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao from Colombia, reacts during a Spanish La Liga soccer match against FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Dec.16, 2012. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) (credit:AP)
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Atletico Madrid's Colombian forward Radamel Falcao celebrates after scoing during the Spanish league football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs Deportivo de la Coruna at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on December 09, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ PEDRO ARMESTRE (Photo credit should read PEDRO ARMESTRE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Atletico Madrid's Colombian forward Radamel Falcao (L) celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs Deportivo de la Coruna at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on December 09, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ PEDRO ARMESTRE (Photo credit should read PEDRO ARMESTRE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Atletico Madrid's Colombian forward Radamel Falcao celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Atletico de Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on December 16, 2012. AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Radamel Falcao, Diego Costa(89 of114)
Atletico de Madrid's Radamel Falcao from Colombia, left, celebrates his goal with Diego Costa from Brazil, right, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (credit:AP)
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Colombian forward Radamel Falcao (front) celebrates with teammate Colombian defender Pablo Armero after scoring against Paraguay during their FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 qualifying football match at Roberto Melendez stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia on October 12, 2012. AFP PHOTO / EITAN ABRAMOVICH (Photo credit should read EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Atletico Madrid's Colombian forward Radamel Falcao celebrates after scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match between Betis and Atletico Madrid at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on September 26, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
FLB-WC2014-QUALIFIERS- COL-URU(92 of114)
Colombian forward Radamel Falcao Garcia celebrates after scoring against Uruguay in their Brazil 2014 World Cup South American qualifier match, at the Metropolitan Stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia, on September 7, 2012. AFP PHOTO / LUIS ACOSTA (Photo credit should read LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
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Atletico Madrid's Colombian forward Radamel Falcao celebrates (C) after scoring a goal during the UEFA Super Cup football match Chelsea FC versus Club Atletico Madrid, on August 31, 2012 at the Stade Louis II, in Monaco. AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE (Photo credit should read VALERY HACHE/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Chelsea v Atletico Madrid - UEFA Super Cup(94 of114)
MONACO - AUGUST 31: Falcao of Atletico Madrid celebrates following the UEFA Super Cup match between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid at Louis II Stadium on August 31, 2012 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Lionel Messi(95 of114)
FILE - The Oct. 12, 2012 file photo shows Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrating after scoring against Uruguay during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer match in Mendoza, Argentina. Lionel Messi won FIFA world's best footballer award for record 4th straight year Monday, Jan 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Eduardo Di Baia) (credit:AP)
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FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal against Espanyol during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Jan.6, 2013. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) (credit:AP)
Lionel Messi(97 of114)
FILE - In this May 25, 2012 file photo, FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina, front celebrates with his team mates after the final Copa del Rey soccer match against Athletic Bilbao at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File) (credit:AP)
FC Barcelona v Club Atletico de Madrid - La Liga(98 of114)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 16: Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the la Liga match between FC Barcelona and Club Atletico de Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium on December 16, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis vs FC Barcelona on December 9, 2012 at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla. AFP PHOTO/ JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his second goal during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on December 1, 2012. AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Lionel Messi, Josep Guardiola(101 of114)
FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina, left, celebrates his victory with coach Josep Guardiola during the final Copa del Rey soccer match against Athletic Bilbao at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Friday, May 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (credit:AP)
Lionel Messi (102 of114)
FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina celebrates his goal during the final Copa del Rey soccer match against Athletic Bilbao at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Friday, May 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (credit:AP)
Lionel Messi(103 of114)
Barcelona's Lionel Messi from Argentina , drives the ball during their semi-final, first leg, Copa del Rey soccer match against Valencia at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Wednesday Feb. 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz) (credit:AP)
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) celebrates after scoring his second goal during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) football match Cordoba FC vs FC Barcelona at the Nuevo Arcangel stadium in Cordoba on December 12, 2012. AFP PHOTO / CRISTINA QUICLER (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo(105 of114)
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal celebrates his goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(106 of114)
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal celebrates his goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(107 of114)
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal celebrates his goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match against Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) (credit:AP)
RCD Mallorca v Real Madrid CF - La Liga(108 of114)
MALLORCA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 28: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal during the La Liga match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF at Iberostar Stadium on October 28, 2012 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring the 1-1 equalizer during the UEFA Champions League Group D football match BVB Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid in Dortmund, western Germany on October 24, 2012. AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ (Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his second goal during the Spanish League clasico football match FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on October 7, 2012. AFP PHOTO/ QUIQUE GARCIA (Photo credit should read QUIQUE GARCIA/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
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Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during the Spanish League football match Real Madrid vs Deportivo on September 30, 2012 at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid. AFP PHOTO/ DANI POZO (Photo credit should read DANI POZO/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after his team won the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between Czech Republic and Portugal in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, June 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Gero Breloer) (credit:AP)
Portugal v Netherlands - Group B: UEFA EURO 2012(113 of114)
KHARKOV, UKRAINE - JUNE 17: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Portugal and Netherlands at Metalist Stadium on June 17, 2012 in Kharkov, Ukraine. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristia(114 of114)
Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with the trophy after winning the Spanish Cup final match Real Madrid against Barcelona at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on April 20, 2011. Real Madrid won 1-0. AFP PHOTO / JOSE JORDAN (Photo credit should read JOSE JORDAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
No one may like Ashley Cole but it is arguable he had a superior year than Marcelo at left-back and Dani Alves? The criteria for a defender is to defend, something which he struggles with manfully.
The XI is made up entirely of Primera Liga footballers, which isn't bad going for a league accused of resembling a sunny SPL. And no, not even when Rangers were in the top flight, because it's a one-horse race in Spain now as well.