10. Mesut Ozil – Arsenal
The Gunners pulled off one of the coups of the summer when they convinced the German international to join them and he has quickly affirmed himself as one of the most intelligent players in the English top flight. He has also taken to the physical demands of the English game without any problems either and will undoubtedly be a key figure in any success they will have this season.
9. Xavi – Barcelona
It’s often easy to forget that he’s on the wrong side of 30 now as he still seems as sprightly as he’s always been. Often one of the first names on the teamsheet, as long as his partnership with Andres Iniesta continues to flourish then the Spanish champions will continue to dominate for another few seasons.
8. Marco Reus – Borussia Dortmund
Reus has become one of the most electric and in demand midfielders of his generation, and has already cemented his place in Dortmund’s hall of fame by ruling out a move to Bayern Munich like his former colleagues Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski. A vital cog in the Yellow machine, he is the player Jurgen Klopp will be building his new squad around.
7. Andrea Pirlo – Juventus
Now a ripe age of 34, like a fine wine he has only got better with age and thanks to his beard a heavy cult following has ensued. Juventus realised they were about to make a tremendous mistake by letting him go as both Spurs and Chelsea started sniffing around and a new deal has promptly been placed in front of him, much to the delight of the Old Lady’s fans.
6. Gareth Bale – Real Madrid
The Welshman became the world’s most expensive player this summer, depending on who you believe, and has settled into Spanish football like a duck taking to water. His has continued to score and create for fun and even seems to be at peace with his new way of life away from the pitch. The only way is up.