30. Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)
Even if opposition defences succeed in an unlikely attempt to nullify the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo, they will still have to deal with the potent attacking force of Argentine winger Angel Di Maria on the opposite flank. Di Maria is the archetypal winger with his speedy runs and ability to conjure something out of nothing.
29. Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich)
While Gomez has found his place in the Bayern team occupied by Mario Mandzukic in recent games, the German striker remains one of the most natural finishers in the game. When Gomez is in confident form, it takes a highly competent defence to prevent the No. 9 from hitting the back of the net.
28. Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)
Schweinsteiger started off his career as a wide player but has since progressed into one of the best centre-midfielders in the game. The German player’s ability to direct the tempo of the game and his eye for a pass makes him perfectly suited to the centre of the park. Schweinsteiger is forming a formidable pairing with his compatriot Toni Kroos at the heart of the Bayern team.
27. David Silva (Manchester City)
The tricky midfielder floats in the space between midfield and defence where his technical ability allows him to provide the ammunition for his side’s strikers. The Spaniard was one of the shining stars of the Manchester City side that pipped city rivals United to the Premier League title last season.
26. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Leading his side from the back, Ramos has become an integral part of the Real Madrid defence. Starting his career at right-back, Ramos pace and ability in the air make him perfectly suited to the centre-back role that he has gone on to make his own. Ramos is one of the best defenders in the game but is also capable of losing his temper and getting himself sent off.
25. Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
After being shipped out by Barcelona, Toure has seemingly found himself a new home at Manchester City, where his powerful displays make him perfectly suited to the English game. Toure’s technical ability is rare for a player of his size allowing him to dominate games in the middle of the park.
24. Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
After failing to establish himself in a Manchester United side that contained the defensive pairing of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, Pique returned to Spain with his boyhood club Barcelona where his performances in recent seasons are likely to mean Sir Alex Ferguson regrets letting him go. Pique is set to take on the mantle left by Carlos Puyol and lead the defence for both Spain and Barcelona in the coming years.
23. Peter Cech (Chelsea)
The Czech goalkeeper continues to amaze with his reflex saves and reliability in the air. Cech was a bargain at just £7 million as his ability to produce a hand from nowhere continued to keep his Chelsea side in games they should have lost in last season’s Champions League.
22. Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
The rock at the heart of the Manchester City defence, Kompany led by example as he captained the Citizens to their first Premier League title. The Belgian defender is comfortable playing the ball out of defence and that has seen Barcelona identify Kompany as a potential heir to the ageing Carlos Puyol.
21. Mario Balotelli (AC Milan)
The mercurial striker can frustrate as much as can produce the spectacular but there is no doubting that on his day, Super Mario is up there with the very best. There remains a lingering feeling that the Premier League did not see the best of Balotelli and he could fire his boyhood club AC Milan to great things as he looks set to form an exciting partnership with young starlet Stephan El Sharaaway.