Andres Iniesta won the "Best Player in Europe" award in 2012

With a narrow victory over Barca teammate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, midfielder Andres Iniesta won the "Best Player in Europe" award for 2012.

Iniesta receives award from UEFA president, Michel Platini - Getty Images

In the vote of 53 journalists representing 53 UEFA member associations, Iniesta won 19 votes, just 2 more than the 17 that Messi and Ronaldo received. Although both won 17 votes, Messi was ranked above Ronaldo by UEFA in this year's vote. The above results prove that this year's race is extremely fierce because Iniesta, Ronaldo and Messi all have their own strengths. Last year, in the first time the "Best Player in Europe" award was given, Messi won convincingly, leaving Xavi and Ronaldo far behind. The Argentine striker then received 39 votes, overwhelming Xavi (11 votes) and Ronaldo (3 votes).

In the 2011/12 season, Iniesta did not play successfully at the club level when his Barca only won the King's Cup. However, at the national team level, Iniesta shone brightly at EURO 2012 when he and the Spanish national team became the first team to successfully defend the European championship. Spain is also the only team ever to win major tournaments three times in a row. Iniesta himself was voted "Best Player of EURO 2012". Therefore, in all aspects, Iniesta deserves the title of "Best Player in Europe" in 2012 even though Messi and Ronaldo are also very worthy.

World Soccer journalist Gavin Hamilton, representing England, voted for Iniesta. He said about the Spanish football hero:"I vote for Iniesta. He had a great performance at EURO 2012 to help Spain win. Besides being a great talent, Iniesta is very humble. His behavior on and off the field is exemplary - a true role model for others to follow."

According to Thethaovanhoa - DT