Move over Iker Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon. There's a new kid in town and his name is Manuel Neuer.

After a successful World Cup in 2010, Neuer established himself as Germany's uncontested number one and inked a lucrative transfer deal with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich; thanks in large part to his impressive showing with FC Schalke 04 in 2010-2011.

The 25-year-old's physical and technical abilities make him one of the brightest young stars in football today; so much so that we're giving him the top notch at the goalkeeper position ahead of soccer royalty (Casillas, Buffon).

Widely considered as the best right back in world football, Daniel Alves continued to demonstrate his brilliance by helping Barcelona capture La Liga and Champions League glory in 2011.

The 28-year-old's quickness and versatility in the right back position are important attributes in Barcelona's system, which requires a player to stop attacks and pressure oppossing defenses down the wings.

Though Alves had a forgettable Copa America in the summer, we cannot ignore the Brazilian's natural ability and influence in the game. He's make our list, without any complaints.

Vincent Kompany has truly blossomed into one of the best defenders in world football. The Belgium defender helped big-spending Manchester City capture the FA Cup in May and was nominated to the FIFPro team of the year in 2011.

Kompany's consistency and physical presence in Roberto Mancini's defensive line also allowed him to earn City's captaincy in the 2011-2012 campaign. His stellar play, along with precise positioning and excellent ball skills, make him the complete defensive package.

So far, Kompany's purchase is turning out to be a bargain for the big-spending Citizens.We're rewarding the 25-year-old this year, but expect him to make many more Best XI lists in the future.

It's tough to argue about Gerard Pique's inclusion in our Best XI gala. Pique possesses everything that we want in a central defender; tall, physically imposing, technically sound, and a dangerous aerial threat in set pieces.

Pique's 2011 campaign encompassed all of that and some for Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Quite simply, Pique's a crack and a strong pillar that any team would like to build their team around.

With all the accolades accumulated this year, Pique's true conquest was winning Shakira's heart in 2011. What will he do for an encore? It remains to be seen.

Philipp Lahm continues to be one of the most underrated footballers on the planet. Even though he captains both the Bayern Munich and Germany sides, Lahm is well-known for his stamina, dribbling pace and precise tackling ability.

The 28-year-old raised eyebrows in the summer when he released his autobiography detailing his professional and personal experiences in football. Many critics attacked his claims and current form, but this did not stop the diminutive defender from enjoying an otherwise successful 2011 campaign.

If you have any doubts, feel free to take a closer look at his form and stats. Case closed.

The reigning African Player of the Year enters our list with no surprise. Yaya Toure's stamina, athleticism and physical gifts are reasons why English clubs fear the roaming defensive midfielder.

And the truth is that Toure has earned all the honors directed his way. His play with City was nothing short of amazing and helped change the club's new found culture.

The bridge that Toure offers between the defensive and midfield lines is revolutionary in today's modern game; as defensive midfielders are now responsible to generate offense instead of regaining simple ball possession. We applaud Toure and expect more from him in 2012.

Excluding Andres Iniesta from any Best XI list should be considered borderline blasphemous. El Cerebro (The Brain) is one of the main reasons why Barcelona and the Spanish national team have reached a level of invincibility (if possible) over the past year.

Iniesta's partnership with Xavi means that oppossing clubs can only hope for mistakes (if possible) to advance the ball past the midfield line. If the past few years have taught us anything, it's that this task would be a complete exercise of futility.

Moreover, Iniesta always shows up during the biggest moments. Who wouldn't want a clutch player on their squad?  Not us, that's for sure.

Xavi Hernandez's skill and worth has been documented in greath length this past year. To put it simply, Xavi's the central nervous system for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Though the squads could function without him, the teams would not have the same dominating look or feel.

The mesmerizing tiki-taka style that he's mastered with fellow compatriot (hint, hint) Andres Iniesta is textbook and worth teaching to young aspiring footballers. Once the ball reaches Xavi's feet, you might as well forget about winning it back.

Xavi's inclusion in the Best XI is a no brainer. Only question here is if he'll ever get a chance to lift the World Player of the Year award; something that he'll battle over with Barcelona teammate (hint, hint) Lionel Messi.

Neymar had an incredible 2011 to say the least. After helping Santos win the Copa Libertadores in 2011, the young starlet was touted as the next ‘big thing’ in Brazilian football. What followed in the preceding months were heavy tabloid fodder, resulting in transfer rumors landing the teenage sensation to La Liga clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Everything went according to plan for Neymar up until Brazil’s complete disappointment in Copa America back in July. Many questioned Neymar’s ability to take the next step against bigger and better competition, and rightfully so.

But that truth is that Neymar’s the most talented player in Brazil’s current generation of footballers. Grabbing CONMEBOL’s major club tournament is no laughing matter, and if his current deal with Santos holds true, expect the 19-year-old to dominate the Brazilian headlines until World Cup 2014.

In terms of personal accomplishments, Cristiano Ronaldo had a fantastic 2011 year. The self-proclaimed 'dribbling tornado' shattered Real Madrid's goal scoring records previously held by legends Alfredo Di Stéfano, Hugo Sánchez, and Manuel Alday.

Like all professional athletes, Ronaldo's ultimately judged on the trophies that his team captures from season to season. Even though he helped Real Madrid win the Copa del Rey title, the club expectations fell way too short from the club's standards.

Ok, so maybe he's not a 'complete' winner like Charlie Sheen. However, we cannot deny Ronaldo's world-class ability and the skills which set him apart from regular football mortals.

Do we really have to explain why this guy tops the list? Seriously now, do we?

Aside from Argentina's meltdown in Copa America, Lionel Messi had an unbelievable year. With all the trophies that he helped grab with Barcelona in 2011, Messi continues to be the most electrifying player in the sport.

His skills, accomplishments, and value have been well documented. The only thing left now is to see what's in store for 2012. We for one cannot wait to see what he'll do next.