The Ballon d'or and defenders
 

Obviously Messi is a worthy Ballon D'or winner. However, following Philipp Lahm's comments about defenders being overlooked for footballing trophies like Ballon D'or etc and his suggestion there should instead be goalkeeper or the year, defender of the year, forward/ striker of the year etc

Has the quality of defenders gone downhill? Lahm's amazing and would be worthy of a Ballon D'or nomination in any year of his career. Who else

Where are the players in mould of Maldini, Baresi, Puyol, Vidic, Beckenbauer, Cannavaro etc?

Yeah there should be separate categories. Attacker, Midfielder, Defender, GK. (Although obviously that's up for debate with wingers/wing backs etc)