The top 100 players plying their trade in the ‘Beautiful Game’.
100. Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
The former Tottenham midfielder’s star has fallen this season as he has struggled to impose himself on the Real Madrid first team. That has to be taken in the context of a midfield containing the likes of Mesut Ozil, Pepe and Xabi Alonso however, and the Croatian’s goal against Manchester United shows he is still capable of playing at the highest level.
99. Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
The Dutchman has found himself slightly out of favour this season but is still capable of terrorising opposition defences. There are few things in football that inspire fear in a full-back more than the sight of Arjen Robben cutting in on his favoured left-foot.
98. Victor Wanyama (Celtic)
The young midfield enforcer has impressed many this season with his pugnacious displays in the centre of the park. Wanyama has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal and seems destined to play at the highest level.
97. Benat (Real Betis)
Benat recently broke into the Spanish squad following some impressive performances for Betis this season in La Liga. The player is in a similar mould to Chelsea star Frank Lampard and if reports in recent months are to be believed, Benat could be on his way to Stamford Bridge as the England star’s replacement.
96. Paulinho (Corinthians)
Another player who has been touted as a potential replacement for Frank Lampard, Chelsea know Paulinho’s capabilities all too well after he was instrumental in Corinthians’ victory over the London club in the World Club Championships. A box-to-box midfielder, Paulinho is tipped for a bright future.
95. Christian Eriksen (Ajax)
The Danish starlet has been attracting attention from across Europe after some dazzling performances in the Ajax midfield. A summer move to Liverpool or Spurs seems likely as the player has publically spoken of his desire to play in the Premier League. Eriksen has been described by Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen as the most technically gifted player he has ever played with.
94. Willian (Anzhi Makhachkala)
The Brazilian midfielder was strongly linked to Chelsea and Tottenham during the January transfer window before finally settling on a big money move to Russia. The corn-rowed playmaker played a key role in the Shakhtar Donetsk side that reached the knock-out stages of the Champions League this season, persuadeding Anzhi to shell out £30 million on securing the player’s signature.
93. Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk)
The tough-tackling midfielder is the heartbeat of the Shakhtar midfield and his impressive performances for the Ukrainian side has seen him strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford. The player is adept at doing the hard work in the middle of the park and has been seen breaking up the play with apparent ease against some of Europe’s top sides in the Champions League.
92. Hernanes (Lazio)
The Brazilian midfielder has been the driving force behind Lazio’s resurgence this season and has put in some exceedingly accomplished performances in the Europa League. The deep-lying playmaker is as comfortable putting in a tackle as he is passing the ball across the pitch and has weighed in with eight goals in Serie A this season for the Biancazzurri.
91. Leandro Damiao (Internacional)
Damiao impressed many with his performances in the Olympics last year and looks set for a summer move to Europe. The target man has the technical ability you would expect of a Brazilian, whilst combining those qualities with strength and power, and that is rumoured to be persuading Tottenham to shell out over £22 million in attempt to bring Damiao to White Hart Lane. His game should be well suited to the Premier League and could see Damiao become one of the biggest names on the European stage.
90. John Terry (Chelsea)
Although reaching the twilight of his career, Terry is still a formidable force when played at the heart of the Chelsea defence. He has been used sparingly by interim boss Rafa Benitez since picking up an injury in November and it remains to be seen whether Terry will continue to be the automatic selection he has been throughout his Stamford Bridge career.
89. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (St. Etienne)
The player dubbed the ‘African Neymar’ is set to become the subject of a summer bidding war after some impressive displays for Ligue 1 side St. Etienne. Aubameyang is proving himself to be a clinical finisher and that is persuading the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal to invest over £15 million to secure the player’s signature.
88. Carlos Puyol (Barcelona)
The Spaniard has been an integral part of both his club and national team’s defence over the last decade. Whilst still a formidable defender, Puyol has lost a yard pace as he enters his twilight years, meaning the player is further down our list than he may have been in previous seasons. Whilst still valued by the Catalan giants, Puyol is likely to find himself slowly fazed out of the Barcelona starting eleven come the end of the season.
87. Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk)
The Croatia captain is as much of a threat going forward as he is solid at the back, and regularly puts in probing crosses for opposition defences to deal with. Srna also helps out his side Shakhtar with the odd-goal as the defender is able to send in vicious, curling free-kicks.
86. David Villa (Barcelona)
The Spanish striker has suffered with injuries in recent times but is still capable of hitting the back of the net at the highest level. Villa has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League this summer with Arsenal and Spurs thought to be at the front of the queue.
85. Didier Drogba (Galatasaray)
Drogba played an integral role in Chelsea’s Champions League victory last season, leading from the front with tireless running when his side were under pressure. A brief spell in China has been curtailed by a return to Europe with Turkish giants Galatasaray and while Drogba is nearing the end of his career, his power and technique means he remains one of the best centre-forwards in the world.
84. Ezequiel Lavezzi (PSG)
The Argentine forward has a knack for popping up in the space between the opposition midfield and defence. Lavezzi’s pace and crossing ability is the perfect combination for Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s finishing and aerial prowess as the pair have terrorised Ligue 1 defences this season for the Qatari-backed French club.
83. Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
The defender has firmly established himself in the Chelsea side and is known for his no-nonsense approach to defending. Ivanovic’s versatility means he is comfortable both at right-back and in the middle of the defence, and the towering Serbian rarely lets the ball slip past him, whether it be on the floor or in the air.
82. Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United)
The player arrived from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund with a glowing reputation, and after a start disrupted by injuries is beginning to show why Manchester United spent over £17 million on the Japanese star. The technically gifted midfielder looks like he might be able to provide the creative spark that has been lacking in the Old Trafford midfield in recent years.
81. Marouane Fellaini (Everton)
The beanpole midfielder has excelled in recent seasons for Everton and seems destined to play for one of Europe’s top clubs. Fellaini prefers a more defensive midfield slot but has shown his versatility by putting in some fine displays up front for the Toffees. The Belgian midfielder’s time at Goodison Park could be coming to an end soon though after he expressed a desire to leave the Premier League side.
80. Scott Parker (Tottenham)
While the likes of Gareth Bale and Moussa Dembele have been attracting the plaudits in the current Tottenham side, their performances would not be possible without the industrious work of Scott Parker. The player is arguably one of the best at doing the dirty work and while his football often goes unnoticed, every top side needs a Scott Parker in their team.
79. Aaron Lennon (Tottenham)
Lennon has finally started to live up to his potential in recent seasons allowing Tottenham to provide a threat from both flanks in combination with Gareth Bale. The diminutive winger has polished his end product, and his mazy runs mean Lennon now ranks amongst the best wingers in the Premier League.
78. Samuel Eto’o (Anzhi Makhachkala)
The Cameroonian international is known for his blistering pace and clinical finishes, and while some of his speed has been lost as he gets older, Eto’o is still capable of hitting the back of the net with regularity. Playing in a deeper role for Anzhi, Eto’o has reinvented himself as a goal-scoring playmaker.
77. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04)
After a disappointing spell in Italy with AC Milan, Huntelaar has rediscovered his goal-scoring form and hit the back of the net 29 times last season for Bundesliga side Schalke. The Dutch target man could be set for a spell in the Premier League after being linked with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.
76. Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
The arrival of Santi Cazorla from Malaga last summer helped to soften the blow for Arsenal fans who were still reeling from the sale of Robin Van Persie to Manchester United. The Spanish playmaker has fitted right in to Arsenal’s style of play and won the hearts of the Arsenal faithful with some fine early season displays.
75. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
While the Spanish goalkeeper may have found himself higher up the list in previous seasons, Casillas has struggled this year after reportedly falling out with Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, and eventually finding himself dropped from the Real starting eleven. Despite that, Casillas remains one of the most accomplished glovesmen in the world and it would be a surprise if the Bernabeu captain left the club before the ‘Special One’.
74. Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich)
The Croatian forward impressed during last summer’s European Championships for Croatia, scoring three goals in as many games and that persuaded current Bundesliga leaders Bayern to spend £12 million on the player’s signature. The forward has proven himself for the German giants, and while Mandzukic may not score with the regularity of team-mate Mario Gomez, he provides a physical presence up top that the German international lacks.
73. David Luiz (Chelsea)
The Brazilian defender has ironed out the mistakes that crept into his game earlier in his career and now looks to be on his way to becoming an accomplished ball-playing defender. Luiz’s technical ability has recently seen him appearing in the Chelsea midfield after impressing in the position during the club’s spell at the World Club Championships.
72. Javier Pastore (PSG)
PSG spent over £35 million to bring the Argentine midfielder in from Italian side Palermo and so it is perhaps a surprise that the player has not appeared more for the Ligue 1 side. Reported friction with Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic may be the explanation but it is surely a matter of time before the talented youngster is allowed to threaten opposition defences with his mazy runs from the middle of the park.
71. Oscar (Chelsea)
The Brazilian playmaker is clearly technically gifted and has a penchant for the spectacular and it certainly seems we are yet to see the best from the young starlet. The player is happy to take on defenders, has an eye for a pass and a powerful shot, and a more central role than the one currently given to him by Rafa Benitez could see the 21-year old shine.
70. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Hazard was the driving force behind Lille’s title winning season in 2011 and that was enough to persuade Chelsea to pay £32 million to secure the Belgian’s signature. A fantastic start to his Chelsea career has been followed by slightly more subdued performances but the 21-year old is still young and looks certain to be a key part of the Chelsea team for years to come.
69. Joe Hart (Manchester City)
The England No.1 established himself as amongst the best goalkeepers in the world after helping Manchester City to Premier League glory last season. Some costly mistakes this season see Hart ranked lower than he might otherwise have been but he remains a reliable stopper between the City and England sticks.
68. Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid)
The Portuguese player struggled to replicate his form for Benfica when he first arrived at the Bernabeu but seems to have turned a corner and is starting to show why Madrid lavished over £25 million on him. Capable of playing at left-back or in the midfield, Coentrao has seen his attacking instincts suppressed by a certain Cristiano Ronaldo on the Madrid left-wing but showed what he is capable of in the recent Champions League tie with Manchester United where he would have scored a brace were it not for the goalkeeping heroics of David De Gea.
67. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
There remains a great deal of confusion amongst the Chelsea faithful over the club’s decision to allow midfielder Frank Lampard’s contract to expire. The reported interest from the likes of Manchester United, Inter Milan and Juventus suggest many believe Super Frank is still capable of mixing it at the highest level. In case there were any doubts, Lampard has weighed in with 11 goals in 15 starts in the Premier League this season, making him top goalscorer in the league at Stamford Bridge.
66. Moussa Dembele (Tottenham)
Many Spurs fans were worried about how their side were going to cope following the summer exit of midfielder Luka Modric. The Croatian has barely been missed however following the arrival of Belgian midfielder Demebele from Fulham. The powerful midfielder provides a potent attacking threat from the middle of the park and is the perfect foil for the pace of winger Gareth Bale.
65. Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)
Named Player of the Year by Old Trafford supporters last season, Valencia’s powerful runs on the wing strike fear into the heart of Premier League full-backs. While he has failed to live up to his performances last season, the winger is still a formidable attacking threat when surging down the Old Trafford byline.
64. Ramires (Chelsea)
The Brazilian midfielder offers much more than your standard defensive midfield player. While Ramires is adept at breaking up the play, he also offers an eye for a pass and penetrating runs from the midfield more akin to an attacking midfielder. Ramires is fastly establishing himself as a vital member of the Chelsea team.
63. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
After a slow start to his Real Madrid career, Benzema has now firmly cemented his position in in the Bernabeu starting eleven. With his mazy dribbling and lethal finishing, the French international has matured into a potent attacking threat for both club and country. Still only 24, Benzema has time to improve even further.
62. Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
After being released by Barcelona at the age of 16, Alba joined tiny Catalan side UE Cornella. He has since worked his way back up the football ladder, culminating in him re-joining the Catalan giants last summer. Alba has put in some impressive performances in the last year for both club and country.
61. Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)
An integral part of the Juventus side that went unbeaten last season, Bonucci’s mobility defies his towering stature. The focal point for the beginning of many of his side’s counter-attacks, the player has formed a strong understanding for both his club and his national side with Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli.
60. Javier Mascherano (Barcelona)
After inexplicably failing to make the grade at Alan Pardew’s West Ham, Mascherano has since gone on to establish himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football. Robust and technically gifted, Mascherano has also found himself employed in the centre-back spot for Barcelona, a position to which he has adapted with ease.
59. Fernando Llorente (Atletico Bilbao)
The Spanish international will have disappointed many when Juventus announced they were signing the player on a free transfer at the end of the current season. The strong forward has been impressive for Bilbao and the Spanish national team, and is comfortable with the ball in the air or at his feet.
58. Marcelo (Real Madrid)
The Brazilian full-back has taken on the mantle left by his fellow compatriot Roberto Carlos with his rampaging runs down the left wing. The player has a burst of speed that makes the left-back as dangerous going forward as he is formidable in defence, and he has now firmly established himself as first choice for both Madrid and Brazil.
57. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Gerrard is now nearing the end of his illustrious career but is still a vital part of the Liverpool and England team. Capable of splitting defences with 40 yard passes, scoring vital long range efforts, as well as breaking up opposition attacks, the midfielder will be a tough act to replace when he eventually decides to hang up his boots.
56. Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
The German winger has been attracting interest from the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea, despite only signing for the Bundesliga champions from Borussia Monchengladbach as recently as last summer. Dortmund will be desperate to keep hold of him but may find their resolve tested by £30 million plus bids come the summer.
55. Pepe (Real Madrid)
A player you want playing with you rather than playing against you, the Portuguese defender has played a key role in Madrid’s stifling of Barcelona in recent seasons. While Pepe may stretch the rules to the very limit, no one can argue with the player’s effectiveness. Capable of playing in defence or in midfield, Pepe has been a permanent fixture in the Real side since his move from Porto in 2007.
54. Hulk (Zenit St. Petersburg)
The aptly named forward scored an impressive 57 goals in 91 games for Portuguese side Porto before moving to Russian side Zenit St Petersburg last summer for a fee rumoured to be in the region of £40 million. Hulk has not warmed to his new surroundings however, has enjoyed a fractured relationship with the club’s fans that could pave the way for a move come the summer.
53. Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Recommended to the club by Zinedine Zidane, the French youngster has burst onto the scene this season and is rapidly establishing himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet. Displaying a composure that defies his years, the 19-year old is responsible for the repositioning of Pepe into the Madrid midfield. Varane seems destined to become one of the best defenders, if not players, of his generation.
52. Lucas Moura (PSG)
20 year-old Brazilian wonderkid Lucas Moura has made an immediate impact on PSG following his arrival in the January transfer window. Seemingly unfazed by the significant outlay spent by the Ligue 1 side to bring him to the club, Moura is set to take Europe by storm after quickly establishing himself as a vital player in the PSG side.
51. Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
While Vidal’s work may not be as visible as his team-mate Andrea Pirlo, Vidal performs a vital function for the Old Lady with his tireless box-to-box running. The Chilean midfielder also showed he is capable of weighing in with a goal or two after some impressive strikes against Chelsea in the Champions League.
50. Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)
The Serbian defender was one half of a formidable defensive partnership, alongside Rio Ferdinand, that made the Manchester United backline at times seem impervious. Vidic has struggled in recent times for fitness, resulting in United boss Sir Alex Ferguson starting to employ him sparingly but on his day, he remains amongst the best centre-backs in the world.
49. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
While the player is still capable of winning games for United, the player has unarguably failed to fully live up to his early potential. Rooney is technically-gifted and hard-working but the arrival, and subsequent form, of Robin Van Persie has shone a bright light on the England striker’s failings. May find himself forced out of Old Trafford come the summer.
48. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
The German goalkeeper is famous for playing almost as a sweeper for Bayern Munich, sprinting off his line to cover anything that gets in behind the German side’s defence. Neuer has won over Bayern fans, who were initially disappointed with the club’s decision to sign a player from rivals Schalke, with his outstanding agility and adept shot-stopping ability.
47. Marek Hamsik (Napoli)
The Slovakian midfielder has established himself as fan favourite at Serie A side Napoli after consistently weighing in with goals from the middle of the park. His time at the club may be about to come to an end though as the player was robbed in the city for a second time and is rumoured to be on the verge of a move to Chelsea or Manchester City.
46. Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich)
The German midfielder has finally begun to assert himself in games for Bayern Munich after impressing at a young age. Kroos has an advanced understanding of the game that allows him to arrive unannounced in areas of space and dictate the game from the middle of the park. Still only 22, Kroos is set to become a vital player for both Bayern and the German national side.
45. Leighton Baines (Everton)
The England defender is perhaps unlucky to find himself playing his football at the same time as Ashley Cole, otherwise he may have found himself enjoying an illustrious international career. Baines has come into his own this season, leading to some beginning to question whether he may now in fact be better than his England rival. His whipped crosses and attacking runs played a key role in Everton’s early season good form.
44. Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
While the player may not be well-liked amongst Premier League fans, few can question his ability, and Cole has been consistently amongst the best left-backs in the world for a number of seasons. Cole has been first-choice for club and country over the last decade but is finding himself come under pressure to keep hold of his international jersey following the impressive form of Leighton Baines.
43. Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
While the German striker may not have the speed and technique of his peers, his ability to find space is almost unrivalled, and his uncanny ability to pop up in the right place, at the right time saw him finish the 2010 World Cup as joint-top scorer. Muller has gone on to become an important part of a Bayern team taking the Bundesliga and Champions League by storm.
42. Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund)
At just 20 years old, Gotze is setting the Bundesliga alight with some mesmerising displays for Borussia Dortmund. The versatile German can play across the midfield where he terrorises defenders with his pace and tricky runs. Gotze is one of the hottest prospects in world football.
41. Andre Schurrle (Bayer Leverkusen)
Capable of playing on the wings or as a forward, Schurrle has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea after some impressive performances for Bayer Leverkusen. A £25 million release clause comes into effect in the summer which may leave the Bundesliga club powerless to hold on to him.
40. Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
Leading by example from the back of the Juventus side, Chiellini provides the strong foundation for Antonio Conte’s impressive team. The defender started his career as a left-back but has since gone on to make the centre-back position his own. One of the stars for Italy in last summer’s European Championships that saw them reach the semi-finals.
39. Neymar (Santos)
The Brazilian wonderkid is seemingly linked with another top European side on a daily basis but is set to remain at Santos, at least until the end of the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. Neymar may find himself listed higher up the list in the next few years but currently remains unproven on the European stage. It is worth remembering that Robinho also impressed for Santos before failing to live up to his potential for the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan.
38. Frank Ribery (Bayern Munich)
On his day, the French winger is impossible to stop with his combination of pace and trickery, and has the ability to unlock the tightest of defences. A key member of the current Bayern Munich side, Ribery has the ability to win games on his own.
37. Phillip Lahm (Bayern Munich)
The ambidextrous full-back has been a permanent fixture in the German national side since the age of 20 and has since gone on to become one of the finest defenders in the modern game. Epitomises how his position has progressed with his surging runs forward coupled with reliable solidity at the back.
36. Stephan El Shaaraway (AC Milan)
El Shaaraway has been prolific for AC Milan since breaking into the Serie A side’s first team and looks set to form a devastating partnership with Mario Balotelli. The youngster showed his commitment to the Italian giants by reportedly signing a contract with no terms detailed and telling the club to pay him what they think he is worth.
35. Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
One of the few bright points in a disappointing season for his club Arsenal, Wilshere is firmly establishing himself as one of the hottest prospects in European football. Wilshere plays with a composure that defies his young age and looks certain to become an integral part of the Arsenal team, provided they are able to hang on to him.
34. Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona)
What Fabregas lacks in pace he more than makes up for with his technical skills and positional sense. Whilst not always an automatic starter in the Spain and Barcelona team, that has to be taken into the context of a generation of midfielders that includes the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Fabregas was an integral part of his former club Arsenal before returning to the Nou Camp to play for his boyhood club.
33. Thibault Courtois (Chelsea, On loan at Atletico Madrid)
Whilst Courtois remains somewhat of an unknown quantity in England, the Belgian goalkeeper has been drawing plaudits from across Europe following his displays in goal for Atletico Madrid. Courtois has since been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, and Chelsea may find themselves losing the player if they do not provide him with first-team football soon. Atletico recently agreed a deal to keep the player on loan for another season.
32. Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich coveted the player’s signature so much they agreed to splash out over £30 million to release the player from his contract with Atletico Bilbao. Martinez has provided some defensive steel to the Bavarian’s midfield that allows the likes of Ribery and Kroos to flourish. Martinez is also adept at filling in at centre-back.
31. Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund)
The Polish striker has caught the attention of many with some impressive performances for Borussia Dortmund and the Polish national team. Lewandowski looks set to leave the club this summer, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich reportedly keen on the player’s services. His ability to hold up the play and bring others into the game makes him well-suited to Premier League football.
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.
20. Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Bayern Munich may live to regret allowing Hummels to move to Borussia Dortmund as the German centre-back is rapidly establishing himself as one of the finest defenders in Europe. Hummels is comfortable on the ball, composed at the back and a natural leader, and is reportedly attracting interest from a host of clubs from the European elite.
19. Gigi Buffon (Juventus)
A stalwart for both Juventus and Italy during the last decade, Buffon is arguably the best goalkeeper in world football. The player has 124 caps and counting for his national side. Buffon has won a plethora of awards for his goalkeeping exploits and was an integral part of Antonio Conte’s Juventus side that went unbeaten last season.
18. Thiago Silva (PSG)
The Brazilian played all over the pitch before finally settling on the centre-back position where he has since gone on to excel. So important was Silva to the AC Milan team, fans of the club protested when news emerged that he was being sold to the Qatari-backed Ligue 1 side, PSG.
17. Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)
The industrious striker is famous for falling out with his managers, most recently going on strike to Argentina after refusing to come on as a sub for Manchester City. But when Tevez is happy and on form, his class is readily apparent and the Argentine played a key role in firing Manchester City to the title last season.
16. Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid)
The goggle-eyed midfielder has seemingly won round Madrid boss Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese manager reportedly dismissed the player’s abilities. Ozil has since gone on to prove his class, becoming a shining light in a Real Madrid side packed with star players. Ozil is perhaps most responsible for Luka Modric’s failure to break into the Real first team.
15. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
The Argentine will forever be etched into the memories of Manchester City fans after his last minute goal in the final game of last season secured the Premier League title for the club. Still only 24, Aguero is still getting better and City may find themselves losing the player if they fail to mount improved attempts at the Champions League trophy.
14. Juan Mata (Chelsea)
Despite Chelsea’s disappointing season, Mata has proven his class with some quality displays in the Blues’ midfield. The Spaniard is currently the first name on the team sheet at Stamford Bridge and has been in great form this season, weighing in with a number of goals and assists. Fernando Torres would probably prefer Mata stopped giving him so many opportunities to miss.
13. Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
The Liverpool midfield has never really recovered from the loss of Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard is the master of sitting just in front of the defence, breaking up the play before unleashing cross field passes to release the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria. Ronaldo may get the headlines but Xabi Alonso makes the side tick.
12. Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)
While those ahead of him are busy orchestrating attacks, Busquets gets on with the job of preventing the other team scoring. Busequet’s football may not be as pretty as that of his team-mates, but his role is equally as important to the Catalan giant’s success. Still only 24, the midfield enforcer is set to remain amongst the best in his position for years to come.
11. Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)
Despite his ageing years, Pirlo remains one of the best playmakers in the game. The Italian put in some outstanding performances for Italy in last summer’s European Championships as he led his team to the semi-finals. His displays were epitomised by his ice-cool Panenka penalty chip over Joe Hart against England. At 33, Pirlo remains a vital part of the current Juventus team and was integral to their unbeaten season last year.
10. Xavi (Barcelona)
The pint-sized midfielder has been at the heart of Barcelona and Spain’s success in recent years, epitomising their style of play with his neat, accurate passes coupled with the ability to suddenly provide a defence splitting through-ball. Regularly tops the charts for passes completed, the Spaniard is arguably one of the best players his country has ever produced.
9. Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid)
The Colombian striker is rapidly establishing a reputation as one of the most clinical finishers in European football, something Chelsea learned the hard way when they let in three against the striker in the European Super Cup. Atletico Madrid are already making contingency plans for the player’s departure this summer and the likes of PSG, Manchester City and Chelsea are all set to enter a bidding war to secure the player’s services.
8. Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
The controversial striker has been in scintillating form this season with his mazy dribbling and clinical finishes. Liverpool may find themselves struggling to hold onto the player as Suarez may decide it’s time to ply his trade in the Champions League. Bayern Munich are known to be interested but there are likely to be no shortage of suitors should the player become available. Liverpool are likely to demand a fee in excess of £40 million.
7. Edinson Cavani (Napoli)
The Uruguayan forward is set to become the winner of the golden boot in Serie A this season after hitting the back of the net an impressive 18 times for his side Napoli. A big money move seems likely come the summer with the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Arsenal all being reported to be preparing a bid for the player. Cavani will not come cheap though and interested parties may have to stump up in excess of £50 million for the player.
6. Robin Van Persie (Manchester United)
The Dutchman has excelled at Old Trafford this season following his summer switch from Arsenal. Manchester City may now be regretting their failed attempt at secure the player’s signature after seeing his goals fire Manchester United to a comfortable lead in the Premier League. Whenever Van Persie is on the ball, opposition defences know they cannot relax as the striker regularly scores from the most unlikely of areas.
5. Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
The Spaniard seemingly glides across the pitch with the ball stuck to his feet. Iniesta is the master of subtlety, springing passes from nowhere and turning up unannounced. Still only 28, Iniesta is the creative spark in the Barcelona side that suddenly unlocks defences who dare to sit back and invite the Catalan giants forward.
4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG)
The leader of the Qatari-backed revolution at PSG, Ibrahimovic has instantly adapted to life in Ligue 1. The Swede proved himself capable of turning it on against top opposition with a sublime volleyed-lob during his country’s friendly with England. Technically-gifted, powerful, creative and with a penchant for the spectacular, Ibrahimovic has it all.
3. Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
The Welsh winger has dazzled this year with some scintillating performances for his side in the Premier League and Europa League. Bale looks certain for a move to Europe’s elite with Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG all announcing their interest in the player. Tottenham will be hoping to hang on to him for one more season as they look to have another crack at the Champions League but they may be powerless to resist an offer in excess of £50 million.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
The Portuguese sensation has been mesmerising since his arrival at the Bernabeu as he scores goal after goal from the left-wing for the Spanish giants. If he was playing at a different time to that of a certain Argentine, Ronaldo would be heralded as the undisputed best in the world, but he has had to play second fiddle to the Barcelona star in recent years.
1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Lionel Messi collected his fourth Balloon d’Or and has basically not taken his foot off the pedal since. Has netted in 17 straight La Liga matches and when all the talk was about Barcelona’s ‘blip’ the Argentine stepped up once again to put in a mouthwatering display against AC Milan to book his side’s spot in the Champions League quarter-finals.
If the mercurial attacker isn’t already worthy of the title of one of the best footballers to have ever played the game then it’s only a matter of time before he is heralded as THE best ever.