Players from Barcelona and Real Madrid took eight of the 11 places in a 2011 Team of the Year voted by subscribers to UEFA's official website. Just as in 2010, Spain-based talent dominated with five of Barca's La Liga and Champions League winning side selected to three from their great rivals Real Madrid.
European soccer's governing body UEFA, which announced the results of the poll on its website (www.uefa.com) on Wednesday, said 4.5 million votes were cast. Barca's goal machine Lionel Messi would line-up alongside Real's Cristiano Ronaldo up front in the fantasy selection while Barca's Xavi, who received the most individual votes, and Andreas Iniesta would pull the strings in midfield. Right back Daniel Alves and centre back Gerard Pique complete Barca's representation in the back four where they are joined by Real's left back Marcelo.