Matthaus hits out at FIFPro World XI

08-Jan-2013 5:46:00 PM

The former Germany international was not impressed with the dominance of La Liga, but felt Lionel Messi fully deserved to win the Ballon d'Or

Lothar Matthaus has voiced his surprise at the composition of the FIFPro World XI and hit out at the number of Spain-based players in the selection.

Players such as Dani Alves and Gerard Pique made the squad after relatively disappointing performances throughout 2012, whereas Andrea Pirlo and Mats Hummels missed out despite their great form, much to the frustration of the former Germany international.

"I can't understand that the FIFPro World XI only consists of players from La Liga," Matthaus was quoted as saying by Focus.

"In the front rows, there were some people who were shaking their heads."

The former Bayern Munich star also had his say on Lionel Messi's fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or win, and stressed that the Argentine fully deserved the award.

"Messi's success is absolutely fine, of course."

The Barcelona attacker became the first player in history to win the prestigious individual award four times.

Matthaus was not the only person to disagree with the FIFPro World XI, read what our own Carlo Garganese thought of the line-up.

Inside Goal.Com

Can Dortmund be a European superpower?
In an age of billionaire owners, massive debt and super-agents, Brendon Netto discusses Dortmund's chances of establishing themselves in Europe with their idealist approach.
Dortmund vs Bayern: Market values
Goal takes a look at the market values of the two German giants and ponders whether an outcome can be predicted.....
Can Dortmund cope without Mario Gotze?
The 20-year old Bayern bound star has been ruled out of the Wembley showpiece with an injury. Goal ponders over whether the Borussians can make do without their talisman...
Champions League Final Tactical Analysis
Brendon Netto analyzes where the Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich could be own or lost.
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.

Goal.com