Players from English clubs dominated the shortlist of nominees announced Friday for the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year. A total of 17 of 20 players in contention for the honor – who must have featured in the 2007-08 Champions League – come from the four Premier League clubs who dominated the competition. England's seven nominees make it the best represented nation on the shortlist, ahead of five Spaniards. No players from Italy's Serie A were among the nominees. Champions League winner Manchester United has six players nominated, including star forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, central defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, and veteran midfielder Paul Scholes are also on the list. Beaten finalist Chelsea provides five contenders: goalkeeper Petr Cech, defender John Terry, midfielders Michael Essien and Frank Lampard, and striker Didier Drogba. Semifinalist Liverpool has four nominees – Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres – and quarterfinalist Arsenal is represented by its goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The only nominated players from outside the Premier League are FC Barcelona duo Carlos Puyol and Lionel Messi, and German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from Schalke. The 20 players were chosen by a team of UEFA technical observers who watched each Champions League match last season. They selected five players in each category of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and attackers. Votes will now be cast by coaches of the 16 teams who reached the knockout phase of the 2007-08 Champions League. They will choose an overall UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and a winner in each positional category. The winners will be announced on Aug. 28, at the draw for the group stage of the 2008-09 Champions League in Monaco. Nominees: Goalkeeper of the Year: Manuel Almunia (Arsenal), Petr Cech (Chelsea), Manuel Neuer (Schalke), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United). Defender of the Year: Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona), John Terry (Chelsea), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United). Midfielder of the Year: Michael Essien (Chelsea), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Paul Scholes (Manchester United). Forward of the Year: Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Fernando Torres (Liverpool).
