Ronaldo ignored as Xavi tournament’s top player

SPAIN midfielder Xavi was named the best player at Euro 2008, but there was no place for Ronaldo among the 10 midfielders selected by UEFA’s technical panel.

Those Premier League players that did make the 23 were Ronaldo’s club-mate Edwin van der Sar, Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, Michael Ballack and Jose Bosingwa from Chelsea — and Tottenham-bound midfielder Luka Modric.

UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh said Ronaldo’s absence was due to the fact Portugal did not progress further in the tournament.