Xavi named player of Euro 2008

Spain midfielder Xavi was named by UEFA on Monday as the best player at Euro 2008.

Spain beat Germany 1-0 in the final on Sunday to win their first major title in 44 years.

Xavi was key to Spain's triumph thanks to his superb short passing game and ability to break down opposition attacks.

The 28-year-old Barcelona player started in five games at the finals and scored once.

UEFA also announced the team of the tournament, the best 23 players of Euro 2008 on Monday.

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands).

Defenders: Jose Bosingwa (Portugal), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Carlos Marchena (Spain), Pepe (Portugal), Carles Puyol (Spain), Yuri Zhirkov (Russia).

Midfielders: Hamit Altintop (Turkey), Luka Modric (Croatia), Marcos Senna (Spain), Xavi (Spain), Konstantin Zyryanov (Russia), Michael Ballack (Germany), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Lukas Podolski (Germany), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands).

Forwards: Andrei Arshavin (Russia), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Russia), Fernando Torres (Spain), David Villa (Spain).