Goal.com Special: Who Is Barcelona's Player Of The Season?

At the time of writing, Barcelona stand on the brink of lifting their first piece of silverware this season, but certainly not their last.

The Copa del Rey is one thing, but the Primera Division is quite another, and after a two-year lean spell, Barca are finally set to conquer Spain once again.

Then there's the Champions League, the final of which Barcelona will grace against holders Manchester United.

There is real belief in the Blaugrana camp that this could be an extremely special season - a Treble season, no less - and that's down largely to the strength of the first eleven, if not the squad as a whole.

For while depth in some positions has been a problem, the performances of the stand-out regulars have at times bordered on the sublime. Young Lionel Messi is staking a claim to become World Player of the Year - something he missed out on during an injury-hit 2008 - while Andres Iniesta, still on a high after Euro 2008, is slowly but surely becoming recognised as one of the world's finest and most versatile midfielders.

Partner-in-crime Xavi, too, has been very active, not least during high-profile victories against Real Madrid and Valencia, while Carles Puyol led by example even while playing out of position during the European campaign that saw the likes of Bayern Munich brushed aside with consummate ease.

Then there's Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o, both finding the net with regularity. Indeed, 103 league goals after 35 games tells its own story for this side, who can't stop hitting the back of the net.

But who have been the stand-outs?

Below is a list of five nominees in no particular order. I then cast my vote at the bottom before leaving it up to you, the readers, to have your say.

1) Andres Iniesta: The quiet one does his talking on the pitch: sure, it's a monstrously hackneyed cliche, but, dammit, it's true. Iniesta is the archetypal model pro: a team player, a hard worker, and gifted to boot. He can play through the middle, on the wing, or even as a wide forward, and has excelled in all three roles.

2) Lionel Messi: Then there's a player who, while a bit less versatile, offers world-class ability on the ball. Leo's threat is such that he's often double, if not triple-marked, and still he finds the net, or the final ball, with regularity. It's true that a packed box can give him problems: it's equally true that there's perhaps not another player in the world who you'd rather see running at it. 23 league goals and a boatload of assists later, Leo has probably not even peaked yet. That's the scary part for the opposition.

3) Carles Puyol: The captain has recovered after two mediocre seasons to re-establish himself as a defensive powerhouse. A recognised centre-back, he's deputised on the right to good effect, and even steamed down the middle of the pitch in an attacking role. Not bad for a guy the wrong side of 30, albeit one who is set to remain a Barcelona fixture for some time to come.

4) Xavi: The Euro 2008 player of the tournament has played second fiddle to Iniesta in the headlines for much of the season but his contribution cannot be called into question. Just witness his through ball provision during the recent Clasico mauling of Real Madrid to see how inventive he can be, and just how vital he has been to that remarkable goal tally of Barca's.

5) Thierry Henry: Titi, the much-maligned Frenchman, has not only silenced his doubters, but had them each sign written apologies, send him flowers and chocolates, and fall prostrate at his feet. The kind of showings he was renowned for at Arsenal have resumed in blue and red, and this is all the more impressive for the fact that he was considered a spent force last year.

My vote: Lionel Messi

This was an agonising decision. There is little to choose between Leo and Iniesta, both of whom have had a banner year. But Leo inspires such terror in the opposition that often their gameplan is based around cancelling him out, meaning that his impact is arguably greater than that of the Albacete schemer. What's more, his goal tally is superb and his work on the ball needs no further elaboration from me. Thus, in my opinion, Lionel Messi is Barcelona's player of the year.

Who gets your vote as Barcelona's Player of the Season? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...

Ewan Macdonald, Goal.com

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