7. Andrea Pirlo
The midfield maestro as always been a great player, everyone knew that, but over the past two years he has become one of the most watched a revered players in Europe at the grand old age of 34.
The second of just two Serie A players in the CaughtOffside 50 he was instrumental in orchestrating Juventus’ Scudetto victory and is as much of a part of the Azzuri set up as he ever was.
A truly world class string puller, he has outshone the likes of Xavi and Iniesta this year as his influence grows with age. He oversaw Juve’s return to prominence in the Champions League, helping them to cruise past the group stages only to be undone by eventual winners Bayern Munich in the quarter finals.
He holds a unique distinction in that no player in Europe has scored more free kicks than he has throughout the 2012-13 season, with the cherry on the cake being the superb strike he recorded against Mexico at the Confederations Cup on what was his 100th cap.
JUVENTUS
Games: 45
Goals: 5
Assists: 11
ITALY
Games: 13
Goals: 3
Assists: 6
HONOURS: Supercoppa Italiana, Serie A