Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer (l-r.) were two of FC Bayern's standout performers in 2015/16. - © © gettyimages
Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer (l-r.) were two of FC Bayern's standout performers in 2015/16. - © © gettyimages

Müller and Neuer make UEFA Best Player in Europe shortlist

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FC Bayern München duo Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer are in contention for the 2015/16 UEFA Best Player in Europe accolade after the ten-man shortlist was announced on Monday.

Journalists from each of UEFA's 55 member associations were asked to provide their top five players on the continent from last season, ahead of a second vote which will determine the three finalists - the names of which will be revealed on 5 August.

The winner will be announced during the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Monaco on 25 August.

Müller's nomination comes on the back of his most prolific campaign yet in a Bayern shirt. The Germany international forward scored 20 Bundesliga goals in 2015/16 as Bayern secured a record fourth successive Bundesliga title. His four DFB Cup strikes helped Bayern complete a domestic double, while he found the net eight times in the UEFA Champions League.

Another one of Bayern's most consistent performers last term, Germany no.1 Neuer kept no less than 20 clean sheets in 34 Bundesliga appearances. He also recorded four shut-outs in both the UEFA Champions League and DFB Cup.

Ten-man shortlist in full:

Gareth Bale (Real Madrid & Wales)

Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus & Italy)

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid & France)

Toni Kroos (Real Madrid & Germany)

Lionel Messi (Barcelona & Argentina)

Thomas Müller (Bayern München & Germany)

Manuel Neuer (Bayern München & Germany)

Pepe (Real Madrid & Portugal)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid & Portugal)

Luis Suarez (Barcelona & Uruguay)