40. Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
Leading by example from the back of the Juventus side, Chiellini provides the strong foundation for Antonio Conte’s impressive team. The defender started his career as a left-back but has since gone on to make the centre-back position his own. One of the stars for Italy in last summer’s European Championships that saw them reach the semi-finals.
39. Neymar (Santos)
The Brazilian wonderkid is seemingly linked with another top European side on a daily basis but is set to remain at Santos, at least until the end of the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. Neymar may find himself listed higher up the list in the next few years but currently remains unproven on the European stage. It is worth remembering that Robinho also impressed for Santos before failing to live up to his potential for the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan.
38. Frank Ribery (Bayern Munich)
On his day, the French winger is impossible to stop with his combination of pace and trickery, and has the ability to unlock the tightest of defences. A key member of the current Bayern Munich side, Ribery has the ability to win games on his own.
37. Phillip Lahm (Bayern Munich)
The ambidextrous full-back has been a permanent fixture in the German national side since the age of 20 and has since gone on to become one of the finest defenders in the modern game. Epitomises how his position has progressed with his surging runs forward coupled with reliable solidity at the back.
36. Stephan El Shaaraway (AC Milan)
El Shaaraway has been prolific for AC Milan since breaking into the Serie A side’s first team and looks set to form a devastating partnership with Mario Balotelli. The youngster showed his commitment to the Italian giants by reportedly signing a contract with no terms detailed and telling the club to pay him what they think he is worth.
35. Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
One of the few bright points in a disappointing season for his club Arsenal, Wilshere is firmly establishing himself as one of the hottest prospects in European football. Wilshere plays with a composure that defies his young age and looks certain to become an integral part of the Arsenal team, provided they are able to hang on to him.
34. Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona)
What Fabregas lacks in pace he more than makes up for with his technical skills and positional sense. Whilst not always an automatic starter in the Spain and Barcelona team, that has to be taken into the context of a generation of midfielders that includes the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Fabregas was an integral part of his former club Arsenal before returning to the Nou Camp to play for his boyhood club.
33. Thibault Courtois (Chelsea, On loan at Atletico Madrid)
Whilst Courtois remains somewhat of an unknown quantity in England, the Belgian goalkeeper has been drawing plaudits from across Europe following his displays in goal for Atletico Madrid. Courtois has since been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, and Chelsea may find themselves losing the player if they do not provide him with first-team football soon. Atletico recently agreed a deal to keep the player on loan for another season.
32. Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich coveted the player’s signature so much they agreed to splash out over £30 million to release the player from his contract with Atletico Bilbao. Martinez has provided some defensive steel to the Bavarian’s midfield that allows the likes of Ribery and Kroos to flourish. Martinez is also adept at filling in at centre-back.
31. Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund)
The Polish striker has caught the attention of many with some impressive performances for Borussia Dortmund and the Polish national team. Lewandowski looks set to leave the club this summer, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich reportedly keen on the player’s services. His ability to hold up the play and bring others into the game makes him well-suited to Premier League football.