Robert Jarni: My team of 2013

One of Croatia's most-capped footballers with 81 internationals, Robert Jarni – part of the side that finished third at the 1998 FIFA World Cup – played in Italy, Spain, England and Greece but it is Germany, and in particular FC Bayern Munchen, who dominate his selection for UEFA.com users' Team of the Year 2013.

The UEFA Champions League holders provide no fewer than six players for Jarni's XI, though it is his inclusion of a fellow Croatian, Mario Mandžukić, that gives him particular pleasure. "I am really glad about Mandžo," said the 45-year-old.

View Jarni's choices below and submit your own selection before 13.00CET on Thursday 9 January.

Vote for your Team of the Year 2013

Manuel Neuer: While still at Schalke he showed great quality and it was obvious he would grow into a world-class goalkeeper. For me he is now No1 in Europe.

Philipp Lahm: He is very experienced, a top professional and one of those players who can play everywhere you want: left-back, right-back or even in midfield. A top-quality footballer.

David Alaba: He is very powerful. Maybe he's lacking some tactical know-how in his defensive work, but he is very strong and fast and he is growing into a top-class player.

Thiago Silva: He and Sergio Ramos are absolutely peerless in their positions. He's got fantastic sense as a centre-back and he is powerful and unbeatable in his defensive work.

Sergio Ramos: Everything I said about Thiago Silva I can apply to Sergio Ramos. Great sense, great anticipation and world-class in his defensive duties.

Paul Pogba: He is a fantastic young talent who has grown into a top defensive midfielder at Juventus. He's got huge potential and great attacking awareness too, particularly when coming into the opposition area from deep.

Franck Ribéry: He made a huge impression this year. He is often the man of the match and the player who can easily provide the winning goal. At the same time he's a team player and a great individual on the pitch.

Bastian Schweinsteiger: He has proved so many times that he is world-class. He is very often the most important player on the pitch, and with his experience and physical strength he looks very impressive.

Cristiano Ronaldo: I would pick Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player in the world today. Wherever he plays, he doesn't care who is on the other side, he will always be equally good and strong.

Lionel Messi: Without doubt he is an outstanding player; his quality is world-class. It's a joy to watch him play. He is also surrounded by fantastic players at Barcelona; it would be interesting to see him in some other teams.

Mario Mandžukić: He is our boy, a Croatian. I am really glad he has made a big impact and that after some difficult times in Croatia he has become a top-class player. He always had physical strength and technical ability and now he has dedicated everything to football. He is still improving.

Robert Jarni was talking to Elvir Islamović.