60. Javier Mascherano (Barcelona)
After inexplicably failing to make the grade at Alan Pardew’s West Ham, Mascherano has since gone on to establish himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football. Robust and technically gifted, Mascherano has also found himself employed in the centre-back spot for Barcelona, a position to which he has adapted with ease.
59. Fernando Llorente (Atletico Bilbao)
The Spanish international will have disappointed many when Juventus announced they were signing the player on a free transfer at the end of the current season. The strong forward has been impressive for Bilbao and the Spanish national team, and is comfortable with the ball in the air or at his feet.
58. Marcelo (Real Madrid)
The Brazilian full-back has taken on the mantle left by his fellow compatriot Roberto Carlos with his rampaging runs down the left wing. The player has a burst of speed that makes the left-back as dangerous going forward as he is formidable in defence, and he has now firmly established himself as first choice for both Madrid and Brazil.
57. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Gerrard is now nearing the end of his illustrious career but is still a vital part of the Liverpool and England team. Capable of splitting defences with 40 yard passes, scoring vital long range efforts, as well as breaking up opposition attacks, the midfielder will be a tough act to replace when he eventually decides to hang up his boots.
56. Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
The German winger has been attracting interest from the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea, despite only signing for the Bundesliga champions from Borussia Monchengladbach as recently as last summer. Dortmund will be desperate to keep hold of him but may find their resolve tested by £30 million plus bids come the summer.
55. Pepe (Real Madrid)
A player you want playing with you rather than playing against you, the Portuguese defender has played a key role in Madrid’s stifling of Barcelona in recent seasons. While Pepe may stretch the rules to the very limit, no one can argue with the player’s effectiveness. Capable of playing in defence or in midfield, Pepe has been a permanent fixture in the Real side since his move from Porto in 2007.
54. Hulk (Zenit St. Petersburg)
The aptly named forward scored an impressive 57 goals in 91 games for Portuguese side Porto before moving to Russian side Zenit St Petersburg last summer for a fee rumoured to be in the region of £40 million. Hulk has not warmed to his new surroundings however, has enjoyed a fractured relationship with the club’s fans that could pave the way for a move come the summer.
53. Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Recommended to the club by Zinedine Zidane, the French youngster has burst onto the scene this season and is rapidly establishing himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet. Displaying a composure that defies his years, the 19-year old is responsible for the repositioning of Pepe into the Madrid midfield. Varane seems destined to become one of the best defenders, if not players, of his generation.
52. Lucas Moura (PSG)
20 year-old Brazilian wonderkid Lucas Moura has made an immediate impact on PSG following his arrival in the January transfer window. Seemingly unfazed by the significant outlay spent by the Ligue 1 side to bring him to the club, Moura is set to take Europe by storm after quickly establishing himself as a vital player in the PSG side.
51. Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
While Vidal’s work may not be as visible as his team-mate Andrea Pirlo, Vidal performs a vital function for the Old Lady with his tireless box-to-box running. The Chilean midfielder also showed he is capable of weighing in with a goal or two after some impressive strikes against Chelsea in the Champions League.