I haven't seen much of Mascherano lately, but he's a very good player and Woy will have studied him for the World Cup. But Woy was clearly trying to make a statement that the player who has had most influence in world football isn't necessarily a striker, and I think that's a good point to make. Maybe someone with time on their hands could list Watford's players of the season. I'm sure they weren't all strikers. Which proves either that Watford's electorate is more discerning than those voting for World Player of the Year, or that Watford's strikers have often been crap.
I agree with you about having non-strikers as being more influential at times, but in all seriousness, there is no way you can look past Ronaldo and Messi as the best two players in the world. But if we were looking purely at GKs, defenders and midfields, then for me: Neuer Kompany Hazard Watfords top three, for me, are: Cathcart Tozser Munari
Not even slightly surprised. For the record I think Tim Cahill's goal was the best out of the original 10 nominations.