Messi Named World’s Best Playmaker Again… Ozil Comes 4th, Neymar’s Position Is Ridiculous [IFFHS Top 12 list]

Messi wins again
Over the Festive period, The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) have been publishing some of their lists of the calendar year.

The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) is an organization that chronicles the history and records of association football.
Some of the more surprising awards have included Mark Clattenburg as referee of the calendar year and Diego Simeone as coach of 2016 .
On Thursday, Leo Messi was named as the best playmaker in the world.
Messi is far from just a goalscorer
Before we get into the logistics of the IFFHS vote, it is worth pointing out that Messi is not really known for his playmaking, since he is so damn good at scoring goals!
Messi has won the best playmaker in the world role for the second time in two years.
IFFHS reveal that this category was voted on by voters in 56 countries. Andres Iniesta comes second, he won the award in 2012 and 2013. Toni Kroos was the 2014 winner.
Only Toni Kroos can stop Barcelona
Barcelona have dominated this award, since 2008, Xavi (4), Iniesta (2) and Messi (2) have now won multiple times in the past eight years.
Only Toni Kroos broke the Barcelona run.
Looking at this year’s list – some will be amused that Mesut Ozil comes in fourth. And the great newcomer is Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez.
The top 12 playmakers in world football, 2016 (IFFHS)