Bastian Schweinsteiger, Xabi Alonso shortlisted for FIFA FIFPro Best 11

Another FIFA FIFPro shortlist is unveiled, and two more Bayern Munich players are nominated. Ho hum, it's just another day with FC Bayern players picking up awards. This time it's Bastian Schweinsteiger and Xabi Alonso being named to the fifteen man shortlist for the FIFA FIFPro Best XI. There are only fifteen midfielders (instead of 20 like the defenders) on the list, because the formation is a 4-3-3.

Schweinsteiger gets the nod for his efforts for FC Bayern in their domestic double winning campaign last season. Oh, and, he's probably considered for that Herculean performance throughout the World Cup to bring the Cup home to Germany. Nobody will forget a bloody Schweinsteiger walking off the field in Rio, and that image could very well be enough to see him qualify for the Best XI.

Alonso was a hub in Real Madrid's La Decima campaign which finally brought the Champions League trophy back to Madrid after what seemed like an eternity of Madrid not being good enough to even get to another Final. Alonso transitioned right into the Bundesliga to suit up for FC Bayern and didn't miss a beat. He's pretty good, y'all.

It's very possible that both of them make the final three, but it's just as probable that neither make the final list. I have zero idea how this will go.

Oh, yeah, a former FC Bayern midfielder named Toni Kroos was also shortlisted for this.

Shortlisted Midfielders

The shortlisted forwards will be announced in the coming days.