Liverpool F.C. — Best pictures!

Today’s game between South Africa and Spain for the third place in the Confed Cup would provide a chance for Barcelona playmaker Xavi to break clear of Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo in the FTBL Top 23 of the world’s top midfielders.

Barcelona international midfielder Xavi (pictured) proved utterly powerless as the U.S. put an abrupt end to Spain’s run of 35 unbeaten matches with a 2:0 victory yesterday in the Confed Cup in South Africa. The playmaker saw his rating sink as a consequence.

Arsenal and Spain playmaker Cesc Fabregas (pictured left) will have a perfect opportunity to consolidate his hold on the 2nd place in the rating of Spanish midfielders in the semi-final against the U.S. in the Confed Cup and break clear of rivals Xabi

Cristiano Ronaldo, whose move to Real Madrid in a mega deal has now been confirmed, remained locked in a tug war with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi for the top spot in FTBL rating of the world’s top midfielders throughout the season, with the Portuguese holding

Barcelona’s Argentine prodigy Lionel Messi (pictured), who five days ago topped the FTBL rating of the world’s best midfielders, has dropped to 4th place, even letting new Real Madrid sign Cristiano Ronaldo overtake him.