World XI sees Chelsea pay price for winning ugly Another who converted his spot kick at the Allianz Arena, Cole, was outstanding as Chelsea won the Champions League. How Marcelo could be selected ahead of Cole is particularly baffling. Cole is better defensively, more disciplined tactically and seems to have an uncanny knack of making countless goal-line clearances. He also delivers relentlessly good performances despite struggling to train 48 hours after games because of an ankle problem. It would be interesting to know who Jose Mourinho would deem the more special left-back, his old king Cole or his current Real man Marcelo. The Fifa/Fifpro centre-halves are Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos, both El Clasico men, both Euro 2012 winners. Both are accomplished ball-playing centre-halves yet Manchester City fans will argue that Vincent Kompany deserved consideration. The Belgian is a leader, a redoubtable defender and a fine ambassador for the club. Even more worthy of consideration from a purely defensive perspective in 2012 were Giorgio Chiellini and Mats Hummels. Quibbles continue in the midfield three. Andres Iniesta was voted the main man at Euro 2012, Xabi Alonso excelled for Spain as well as Real Madrid in winning La Liga while Xavi Hernández has arguably not enjoyed his greatest year, but still came away with Euro 2012 honours. The only Premier League midfielder who could have felt slightly aggrieved was Frank Lampard, whose performance in the Champions League final was immense, both in subduing Bastian Schweinsteiger and then scoring in the shoot-out. Again Munich is overlooked. Question marks could be raised in Italy, too, as Andrea Pirlo was Italy's brains and heartbeat during Euro 2012 as well as for Juventus. Up front, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the most talented, influential players in the world. Fifpro's third choice, Radamel Falcao, has been outstanding for Atlético Madrid and is being pursued by all the leading clubs, particularly Real Madrid, who hope to land the Colombian in the summer. Yet if there was one striking performance that caught the eye in 2012 it was arguably Drogba in the Champions League final. Drogba's impact was eloquently encapsulated by the Chelsea chairman, Bruce Buck, reflecting on the final. "In the dressing room after the match, I said to Frank Lampard: "Frank, I really feel terribly guilty." He said: "Why?" Because when they scored, I gave up. I thought the game was over. When it went into injury time and they had a penalty, I gave up. Then when it went to penalties, I really gave up because Germans never miss penalties! I feel totally guilty here. Frank said: "Don't worry. Didier didn't give up!"" He certainly didn't. Through sheer strength of indomitable character, Drogba dragged Chelsea back into the game, equalising and then converting the winning penalty. If not Drogba, the Premier League could have been represented by another forward. Robin van Persie was named Footballer of the Year for his prolific exploits at Arsenal, a spree he has maintained at Manchester United. Whatever Premier League, Serie A and Bundesliga frustration over the La Liga All-Stars, the joy of sport is that it offers another chance. Not for Drogba, who has left the major leagues, but the others can make a point in 2013. Do not bet against Van Persie appearing in the Fifa/Fifpro team of 2013.