Xavi has been one of the most consistent midfielders for a while. Obviously, he doesn't get the recognition that he should. He is overshadowed by Messi (who I felt deserve it, and will probably win it next year), he's not a goal scoring machine. The way I see it, if you were to compare it to a car. Xavi is the engine for Barcelona, while Ronaldo is the look of the car for Manchester United. When you see a great looking car down the street, whats the first thing you say? "Wow, nice car..." and not "Woah nice engine" ...
Then again... I'm a Ronaldo hater, and want to pork Messi.