25. Wayne Rooney – Manchester United
His future at the club may be in doubt and his much publicised discontent on the bench at Old Trafford seems to be detracting from the fact that United struggle when he is not in the side. Still a powerful influence on both his club and country, David Moyes and Roy Hodgson will be hoping to get him back into a state of mind that will see him firing on all cylinders.
24. Daniele De Rossi – Roma
Roma came dangerously close to letting the 30-year-old walk out of the club this summer and it’s a good job they didn’t. He has stepped up this term and took his place back from Michael Bradley, striking up a solid partnership with new boy Kevin Strootman in the process. There is only one player that could have replaced Francesco Totti as captain and it is he. Roma’s main problem now is to figure out who will replace him.
23. Eden Hazard – Chelsea
The Belgian ace is finally beginning to show why Chelsea splashed out so much on his services and is already only two goals shy of matching his tally from last season – which spanned over 62 games. Jose Mourinho will most likely build the squad around him over the next few seasons as he grows in influence and confidence.
22. Dani Alves – Barcelona
It’s probably too late to label him as the new Roberto Carlos (albeit on the other side of the pitch) but like his compatriot he is still capable of bombing up and down the wing with the ball glued to his feet before launching a pinpoint cross over into the box. He still hasn’t slowed down despite his advancing years and probably won’t either. That’s why he’s so good.
21. Philip Lahm – Bayern Munich
The Bayern skipper seems to have been around forever and his influence on the side hasn’t diminished over the years, despite still looking about 14-years-old. Bayern’s all conquering side last season needed a leader capable of keeping them in line and guiding them over the course of a tough campaign. Lahm was perhaps the only one quietly persuasive enough to pull it off, and for that he is invaluable.