Gareth Bale only Premier League player in Uefa.com team of the year

The way Gareth Bale swept through the defences of Chelsea and Norwich City recently underlined the hope that he plays for Great Britain at London 2012 (AFP/Getty)

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale was today named in UEFA.com users' team of the year for 2011 alongside eight Spain-based players.

The 22-year-old Wales international, who helped Spurs reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season, was the only Barclays Premier League representative in the XI.

Five players from European champions Barcelona - Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi - made the line-up along with Real Madrid trio Iker Casillas, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bayern Munich's Holland forward Arjen Robben and AC Milan's Brazil centre-back Thiago Silva completed the team, chosen by 380,000 uefa.com users, with Barca coach Pep Guardiola selected on the bench.

PA