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Bayern Munich have nine stars in contention for a place in the UEFA team of the Year after the shortlist was revealed. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, defenders Philipp Lahm, Jerome Boateng, Mehdi Benatia and David Alaba, midfielders Arjen Robben and Xabi Alonso and forwards Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski are all in the frame. The players in contention for a place were chosen based on their overall performances in European club football and international competitions, with the final XI being determined by fans in an online poll. Real Madrid, who won the Champions League last season, have eight players in contention, among them Cristiano Ronaldo -- the man with the most appearances (eight) in the UEFA Team of the Year since it began in 2001 -- and the world's most expensive footballer, Gareth Bale. Atletico Madrid, defeated by Real in that Champions League final, have Koke, Arda Turan, Diego Godin and Miranda on the list. The nominations in full are as follows: Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus) and Beto (Sevilla). Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid); Diego Godin, Miranda (Atletico Madrid); Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City); Philipp Lahm, Jerome Boateng, Mehdi Benatia, David Alaba (Bayern Munich); Ezequiel Garay (Zenit St. Petersburg); Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund). Midfielders: Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, James Rodriguez (Real Madrid); Arjen Robben, Xabi Alonso (Bayern Munich); Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona); Angel Di Maria (Manchester United); Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund); Paul Pogba (Juventus); Yaya Toure (Manchester City) and Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid). Forwards: Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema (Real Madrid); Diego Costa (Chelsea); Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris Saint-Germain); Thomas Muller, Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich); Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal); Lionel Messi, Neymar (Barcelona); Jonatan Sorian (FC Salzburg) and Carlos Tevez (Juventus).
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