Wayne Rooney is the only Englishman to have made the 23 man shortlist for the prestigious award which is once again dominated by Real Madrid and Barcelona stars.

Despite five Premier League stars such as Champions Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli along with United teammate Robin Van Persie also being shortlisted, Rooney is the only representative England have for the award which will be presented in Zurich on 7^th January.

Despite Fergie lauding praise on Rooney and fellow forward RVP claiming that "The best quality both of them have is that they can turn a game," and Rooney showing his versatility in midfield, it seems hard to look past bookies favourite Leo Messi for a fourth consecutive award and even if you can there is a certain Cristiano Ronaldo waiting behind him with the two players being hailed as “from another planet” by Jose Mourinho.

Other notable inclusions on the list include former Chelsea hero Didier Drogba and “ indescribable” Columbian striker Ramadel Falcao who coach Simeone claims is “among the three best players in the world” meaning Rooney faces stiff competition to even make the top three.

Elsewhere in the shortlist for the coaches award the Premier League is represented by Di Matteo who guided Chelsea to the biggest prise of all last season along with Fergie and rival Roberto Mancini who will all face stiff competition from Spanish national manager Del Bosque and the Special One himself Jose Mourinho.