The Top 100 Best Footballers In the World: 2013 Edition

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50. Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)


 

The Serbian defender was one half of a formidable defensive partnership, alongside Rio Ferdinand, that made the Manchester United backline at times seem impervious. Vidic has struggled in recent times for fitness, resulting in United boss Sir Alex Ferguson starting to employ him sparingly but on his day, he remains amongst the best centre-backs in the world.

49. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)


 

While the player is still capable of winning games for United, the player has unarguably failed to fully live up to his early potential. Rooney is technically-gifted and hard-working but the arrival, and subsequent form, of Robin Van Persie has shone a bright light on the England striker’s failings. May find himself forced out of Old Trafford come the summer.

48. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)


 

The German goalkeeper is famous for playing almost as a sweeper for Bayern Munich, sprinting off his line to cover anything that gets in behind the German side’s defence. Neuer has won over Bayern fans, who were initially disappointed with the club’s decision to sign a player from rivals Schalke, with his outstanding agility and adept shot-stopping ability.

47. Marek Hamsik (Napoli)


 

The Slovakian midfielder has established himself as fan favourite at Serie A side Napoli after consistently weighing in with goals from the middle of the park. His time at the club may be about to come to an end though as the player was robbed in the city for a second time and is rumoured to be on the verge of a move to Chelsea or Manchester City.

46. Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich)


 

The German midfielder has finally begun to assert himself in games for Bayern Munich after impressing at a young age. Kroos has an advanced understanding of the game that allows him to arrive unannounced in areas of space and dictate the game from the middle of the park. Still only 22, Kroos is set to become a vital player for both Bayern and the German national side.

45. Leighton Baines (Everton)


 

The England defender is perhaps unlucky to find himself playing his football at the same time as Ashley Cole, otherwise he may have found himself enjoying an illustrious international career. Baines has come into his own this season, leading to some beginning to question whether he may now in fact be better than his England rival. His whipped crosses and attacking runs played a key role in Everton’s early season good form.

44. Ashley Cole (Chelsea)


 

While the player may not be well-liked amongst Premier League fans, few can question his ability, and Cole has been consistently amongst the best left-backs in the world for a number of seasons. Cole has been first-choice for club and country over the last decade but is finding himself come under pressure to keep hold of his international jersey following the impressive form of Leighton Baines.

43. Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)


 

While the German striker may not have the speed and technique of his peers, his ability to find space is almost unrivalled, and his uncanny ability to pop up in the right place, at the right time saw him finish the 2010 World Cup as joint-top scorer. Muller has gone on to become an important part of a Bayern team taking the Bundesliga and Champions League by storm.

42. Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund)


 

At just 20 years old, Gotze is setting the Bundesliga alight with some mesmerising displays for Borussia Dortmund. The versatile German can play across the midfield where he terrorises defenders with his pace and tricky runs. Gotze is one of the hottest prospects in world football.

41. Andre Schurrle (Bayer Leverkusen)


 

Capable of playing on the wings or as a forward, Schurrle has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea after some impressive performances for Bayer Leverkusen. A £25 million release clause comes into effect in the summer which may leave the Bundesliga club powerless to hold on to him.

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