Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has welcomed being nominated for the Ballon d'Or.
De Gea has made the initial shortlist for the gong.
The Spaniard has kept 10 clean sheets in his 14 appearances in all competitions.
He said: “I'm happy to have been nominated for the Ballon d'Or as it's always nice when players are recognised like this, especially when it involves goalkeepers - being on the list means that we are doing our jobs well.
“But then it's all about keeping going and working hard.
“The other keeper nominated is Gianluigi Buffon.
“He is a goalkeeping legend and a legend of the game in general.
“He's still playing at the age of 39 and he's still performing well - he's just a great, great goalkeeper.
“He'd be in the top three of five greatest ever, for sure."
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo remains favourite for the Ballon d'Or after last season's Double triumph.
Source: tribalfootball.com