Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Euro stars picture special: 10 Spain players named alongside Steven Gerrard in UEFA's players of the tournament squad

Andres Iniesta takes home the Player of the Tournament accolade




UEFA have paid tribute to Spain and coach Vicente Del Bosque after the Euro 2012 champions dominated the 23-man squad of the tournament.
Barcelona star Andres Iniesta was made Player of the Tournament with nine of his colleagues featuring in the squad, which included England skipper Steven Gerrard.
Only Real Madrid’s former Liverpool right-back Alvaro Arbeloa of the team that started Sunday’s Final hammering of Italy missed out on the list, with Fernando Torres also not named despite ending with the Golden Boot.
UEFA Technical head Andy Roxburgh explained: “Andrea Pirlo was magnificent and seriously considered, Xavi won last time and could’ve won it again. If he’d played every game like the final he would’ve.
“Xabi Alonso was magnificent but we gave it to Iniesta. We felt that it was important to send a message that a creative, incisive, attacking and flowing type player can be so effective.