Neuer's hardworking dreams were dashed, almost too predictably
The 2014 Ballon D'Or ceremony saw Cristiano Ronaldo retain his award and stay at the top of the footballing tree beating of competition from long term rival and arch-enemy Lionel Messi as well as World Cup winner Manuel Neuer, the latter aiming to be the first goalkeeper to win the coveted prize since Lev Yashin in 1963.
Ronaldo achieved a huge amount success at club level last season after helping secure Real Madrid's long awaited La Decima as well as the Copa del Rey.
Leo Messi didn't enjoy quite the same success story with Barcelona however he did help guide Argentina to the World Cup final in Brazil during the summer.
Which bring us to the third hopeful, Manuel Neuer. Currently regarded as the world's best goalkeeper, he lifted the 2014 World Cup with Germany this summer and once again won the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich.
So why didn't Neuer win the "Golden ball"? Or at least come 2nd? You'd think winning the greatest prize in football over the other two contestants would at least get you a finish in the top two. Alas, it didn't happen, and Neuer along with the rest of the footballing world sat back to watch an almost flatly predictable and underwhelming result.
We're talking about a goalkeeper who has redefined the term "sweeper". Fair enough, the way in which his club teams games play out means he can perform that way, but you've still got to have the skill to pull it off, which he does.
Perhaps his apparent "pretty boy/walking billboard" comments loosely aimed at Ronaldo didn't go down to well with fellow pros or governing hierarchy.
Ronaldo himself seemed surprised as he let out a strange victory style shout from the podium upon receiving his adulation.
But why did it seem so predictable that a world-champion keeper didn't take the spoils? Are fellow professions just voting for Messi and Ronaldo based on credible ability and continuous record breaking. While that is respectfully a decent reason, surely exceptional circumstances should jostle opinions more? M&R continue to break records every year yet a player winning the worlds biggest tournament seems to have been subtly swept under the carpet.
For the first time in over 50 years a shot-stopper was in contention for the top personal prize and football seems to have dashed that dream like strikers stop clean-sheets.
David Luiz somehow sneaks into the FIFA team of the year
Although a decent defender, it's fair to say David Luiz hasn't had a brilliant 2014. Having achieved no silverware with Chelsea and captaining his Brazil team to a devastating (that's putting it lightly) 7-1 loss to eventual winners Germany, the fuzzy-haired joker was probably glad to have a fresh start along side fellow Brazilian Thiago Silva at PSG. So how exactly did he make the team of the year?
There could be an argument stating there were few other candidates to choose from, apart from maybe Pablo Zabaleta; regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League as part of league champions Manchester City and also part of World Cup finalists Argentina. If that's still not good enough then maybe just select a three-man defence.
James Rodriguez receives Puskas award instead of Stephanie Roche
In what seems like an almost identical situation to the one Manuel Neuer found himself in, Stephanie Roche was in contention to win the 2014 Puskas award along with hopefuls James Rodriguez and Robin Van Persie.
Rodriguez and RVP bagged themselves both incredible World Cup goals which spurred their teams to victory in their respected games.
Roche was the underdog is this respect as her goal wasn't scored during such a high-profile competition, but it still took a ridiculous amount of poise and skill.
Now, take nothing away from young Rodriguez's wonder strike as with the pressure he was under (whilst also being seen as Colombia's shining light) and the technique used from his standing position, it was more than worthy of its inclusion.
Van Persie's dreamy diving header was also the stuff of dreams as it gave Holland the timely boost they needed to crush defending champions Spain.
But one can't ignore what the award would have meant for not only Roche's career but for women's football overall. It gave a huge bold statement about how much the female side of the game has and is evolving. The technique used was not only incredible but also stunningly well finished and may just have given the ladies game the credit it is still searching for.
Source: DSG
