Gerrard shortlisted for world XI
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is one of 15 midfielders to be nominated for the 2012 FIFPro World XI.
The 32-year-old joins the likes of Xabi Alonso, Frank Lampard, Yaya Toure and Xavi Hernandez on a shortlist which will be reduced to three in January 2013.
More than 50,000 professionals around the world cast their vote on the 11 players who will form the line-up, which will be revealed at the Ballon d'Or gala on January 7 next year.
The nomination comes as reward for a successful year for Gerrard, who reached appearance landmarks for club and country - 600 for Liverpool and 100 for England.
Gerrard also lifted the Carling Cup with the Reds in February, played in the FA Cup final defeat by Chelsea, and helped the Three Lions progress to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.