As we discussed in last week's podcast, the USA has 23 roster spots to fill for the coming World Cup. No one (including, it seems, Bob Bradley) is set on the number of players we're taking for each position or the overall look of the squad. Compounding the issue is that even the most hardcore supporters of the US Men's National Team have difficulty keeping track of all of the players currently listed on the website's Player Pool.

Today Barcelona defeated Zaragoza 4-2 in the Spanish League, and the small Argentinean super-star, Lionel Messi, scored three goals and got himself a penalty that he humbly let Ibrahimovic take and score. With these three goals Messi has scored eight goals in a week, and is far ahead in the top scoring list of the Spanish League.

I have been praising Messi for a few years now, but this year he is awesome, and tonight, with his four goals against Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinal, I am on my knees.Thank you Messi.

The Liverpool legend Kenny Daglish reckons that the Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere should definitely be lining up for Fabio Capello's England side when they face Montenegro on Tuesday night, and believes he has earned the right to be considered one of the best players in England, despite his tender years.

Adel Taarabt (QPR)

Signed by QPR after an impressive loan spell, the 21 year old winger was once touted as the 'next Zidane'. You could argue that the claim is a tad far-fetched now, but it was proposed with intent – he is still a quality player, still learning his trade in a competitive division.

Gylfi Sigurðsson

Reading's leap from relegation candidates to play off contenders last season was no fluke. Instead it was due to a step up in quality, most notably from midfielder Sigurosson . The Icelandic international won Player of the Month for March with a return of 5 goals in 6 games as well as a player of the season award.

I must add my voice to the choir of critics of the chosen finalists for the 2010 Golden Boot: three Barcelona players, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and Lionel Messi are the contenders for this year's title as the world's best player.Barcelona are indeed a powerful team that plays the most entertaining football in the world, and these three players are indeed the spinal chord of the team.

So the snow has once again ruined football for the weekend. There are no matches to watch on TV, the sunday League game is called off, and your mates have pulled out of the kick-about at the park...all of a sudden Christmas shopping with your loved one becomes all the more likely.

Following my need to make top-10's for the year 2010, here is the list of my favourite 10 players of the year:10) Carles Puyol: a brilliant defender who gives both Barcelona and Spain tranquility and solidity. His role in both of the world's greatest teams should not be underestimated!9) Iker Casillas: In my view, the best goalkeeper in the world.