41. Christian Eriksen
The 21-year-old is a player with a huge future that he has so far had no problems with justifying. Though he has been the subject of Maradonian levels of unnecessary hype, he’s proved that he truly is an old head on young shoulders as he helped Ajax to yet another Eredivisie title.
His influence amongst the squad has risen considerably since scoring his first Champions League goal and winning himself the handsome title of Danish Footballer of the Year.
He has been the subject of heavy transfer speculation already this summer, with the likes of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund both said to be taking closer looks at him – a truly heavy blow to Ajax’s title winning credentials should he move on.
Endlessly skilful, and with an eye for creating goals for others as well as notching a few of his own, Eriksen can expect to be a regular feature in the CaughtOffside 50 for years to come, and if he can continue to help the Danish national side towards World Cup qualification then the demand for his services will go through the roof.
AJAX
Games: 46
Goals: 13
Assists: 23
DENMARK
Games: 9
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
HONOURS: Eredivise, Johan Cruijff Shield