The ultimate guide to the best footballers in the world right now.
50. Keisuke Honda
The only Japanese player in the CaughtOffside 50 from what is a rapidly improving team. Japanese players are now household names across Europe and have firmly established themselves in the top leagues.
However, there is still only one with the ability and star power to turn heads so effortlessly and that is the CSKA Moscow midfielder.
Comfortable in a number of positions, whether it be as a central attacking midfielder, as a second striker or a deep-lying playmaker. He is also known for his free-kicks, dribbling and ability as a dead ball specialist, as the world found out in South Africa in 2010.
He is likely to make the move to AC Milan soon, and will finally be able to test himself in one of the World’s top divisions, and not a moment too soon. At 27-years-old he is entering his peak and will surely have some form of European success on his mind.
A key contributor to CSKA’s impressive season last term that saw them pick up a Russian Premier League title, a Russian Cup and a Russian Super Cup.
CSKA MOSCOW
Games: 28
Goals: 9
Assists: 7
JAPAN
Games: 5
Goals: 3
Assists: 1
HONOURS: Russian Premier League, Russian Cup, Russian Super Cup
49. Henrik Mkhitaryan
Mkhitaryan is a newcomer not only to the CaughtOffside 50, but also to a lot of people’s consciousness.
He has quickly become one of Europe’s most sought after stars this summer, with Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund fighting in out over his signature. The latter won, and they can take comfort in the fact that they have bagged Europe’s highest scoring midfielder with 29 goals in all competitions – that’s more than Gareth Bale’s efforts with 23.
His uncanny eye for goal, late runs into the box and direct style when taking opposition players on will not only add (even more) goals to the Dortmund club, but also help soften the blow of Mario Gotze’s departure to Bayern Munich.
Quite possibly the first outright star of Armenian football, it will sadly be some time before we get to see him at an international tournament.
A successful year with Shakhtar Donetsk, both personally and collectively, has seen him crash into the top 50 and if he can continue that form in the Bundesliga then expect him to be a few places higher next time around.
SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Games: 42
Goals: 29
Assists: 13
ARMENIA
Games: 9
Goals: 3
Assists: 1
48. James Rodriguez
The 22-year-old has been lauded as Colombia’s most talented player since Carlos Valderrama in the ’90s, and it’s easy to see why.
His trickery and pace made him one of the key reasons for Porto’s good form last season, with two victories made even sweeter by the fact that they were able to pip cross city rivals Benfica Portuguese Primeira Liga in what was a breathless encounter from start to finish.
Not only did his brilliant domestic form catch the attention, his exploits in the Champions League ensured that Porto were once again featured in the latter stages – his winner against PSG in the group stages being a particular highlight.
French big spenders Monaco have shelled out €45 million for him this summer, along with his Porto teammate Joao Moutinho, and though the Principality club won’t be competing in any European competitions this season, their ambition has been outlined by their activity in the transfer market.
Colombia should also be incredibly fun to watch at next year’s World Cup as he’ll be lining up alongside fellow CaughtOffside 50 entrants Radamel Falcao and Jackson Martinez.
PORTO
Games: 34
Goals: 11
Assists: 13
COLOMBIA
Games: 7
Goals: 1
Assists: 2
HONOURS: Primera Liga, Portuguese Supercup
47. Fernandinho
One of only two players in the CaughtOffside 50 to play in the all conquering Shakhtar side during 2012-13, Fernandinho has established himself as one of Europe’s most revered centre midfielders over the past year and has seen the reward in a big money move to Manchester City this summer.
Part of Donetsk’s Brazilian contingent, the 28-year-old was the conductor of a Shakhtar side that once again romped to the championship in the Ukraine – claiming a league and cup double, as well as the Super Cup to boot. He is a superb reader of the game and dominant tackler, and is just as impressive directing the way the side plays and creates chances – striking up 10 assists last term.
Shakhtar also lit up the Champions League group stages and the Brazilian controlled the midfield in three of the four matches against Chelsea and Juventus.
His one blight of the season was being harshly overlooked by Brazil for the Confederations Cup earlier this summer, but his €35 million transfer to Manchester City will surely give him every chance of being in the squad for the big show next year.
SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Games: 36
Goals: 6
Assists: 10
BRAZIL
Games: 1
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
HONOURS: Ukrainian Super Cup, Ukrainian Premier League, Ukrainian Cup
46. Romelu Lukaku
The powerful teenager may only have been playing at West Bromwich Albion last season, but his goals helped an otherwise poor side punch above their weight to secure their highest ever finish in the English top flight.
Quick, strong, and with an indelible eye for goal, it’s easy to forget that he is still only 20-years-old, and now that he is back at Chelsea with a manager that is ready to give him a chance to prove himself, it would be no surprise to see him surpass Fernando Torres as the club’s main striker.
His crowning moment for the Baggies was the hattrick he netted in the final game of the season against Manchester United. The game ended in a 5-5 draw, and it undoubtedly gave Sir Alex Ferguson a reason to remember his final game in charge.
Part of the exciting young Belgian squad that is all set to make a World Cup return next summer, he’ll be hoping for a personally and collectively successful season at Stamford Bridge as he hopes to be given the starting nod against fellow CaughtOffside 50 inductee, Christian Benteke.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Games: 38
Goals: 17
Assists: 7
BELGIUM
Games: 6
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
45. Burak Yilmaz
The Turkish international has gatecrashed the CaughtOffside 50 thanks to his impressive form in the Champions League last season, as well as his electric domestic form.
After joining Galatasaray for the bargain fee of €5 million last summer, he quickly became a household name due to his European form – finishing as the top scorer of the Champions League group stages.
His goals fired them into the quarter final stages, where they crashed out at the hands of Spanish giants Real Madrid. After years of disappointment on the European front, the Turkish side were able to reflect on a relatively successful campaign this time around.
The Istanbul club were their usual dominant selves domestically, leading the charge for the Super Lig from beginning to end as Burak topped the goalscoring charts for a second season running with 24 strikes next to his name.
GALATASARAY
Games: 39
Goals: 32
Assists: 8
TURKEY
Games: 4
Goals: 2
Assists: 1
Honours: Super Lig, Super Kupa
44. Christian Benteke
It’s rare for such an unknown young player to become an instant hit in the Premier League, but the giant Belgian striker managed to do just that when he arrived from Gent for the bargain basement fee of just £7 million.
He impressed so much last season that he had been targeted by the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur after bagging 19 goals in the league for Villa – smashing the record set by Dwight Yorke in the 1990s.
Powerful, deceptively quick and with an almost telepathic understanding with fellow Villa forward Andreas Weimann, he has been unplayable at times with the understanding best highlighted by the goal scored during the side’s 3-1 triumph at Anfield in December.
Paul Lambert managed to convince him to stay this season in what must be one of the biggest coups of the summer and he will now look to carry on from where he left off in order to get the jump on compatriot Romelu Lukaku in the national team pecking order.
Inducted into the CaughtOffside 50 because of his good form and outrageous potential to become one of the best strikers in the world, though at 22, he still has a long way to go.
ASTON VILLA
Games: 39
Goals: 23
Assists: 7
BELGIUM
Games: 10
Goals: 6
Assists: 1
43. Alvaro Negredo
Sevilla aren’t exactly a small club, but it is hard to grab headlines in Spain when you don’t play for either Barcelona or Real Madrid. However, the 27-year-old managed to do just that by becoming the highest scoring Spanish player in La Liga last term.
Nicknamed ‘the beast’ for his tenacity in and around the penalty box, his 31 goals across all competitions meant that the Andalusian side remained in the consciousness of the casual Spanish football observer.
Those goals have also earned him a £16.5 million move to Manchester City this summer, thus helping to ease the Spanish side’s financial crisis, but his continued exclusion from the national side is baffling.
Obviously capable of scoring at the highest level, he will be hoping his move to the Premier League club will give him the chance to show what he is able to do in Elite European competition in what is an important year for players with international aspirations everywhere.
SEVILLA
Games: 42
Goals: 31
Assists: 5
SPAIN
Games: 2
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
42. Gonzalo Higuain
It’s strange to think that Real Madrid were willing to let the Argentine international leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer after his goals were one of the key reasons that the club were able to keep up with Barcelona for so long.
Consistently consistent, the 25-year-old has hit double figures in terms of goals every season since 2007 and now he has made the move to Italy he will be hoping for more of the same in Rafa Benitez’s new look Napoli side.
Starting off the season well with three goals in the first three games, he then helped Real clinch their only title of the season, the Supercopa de Espana, against fierce rivals Barcelona.
Managing to break the 100 goals mark whist at Real this season, his transfer has most likely left a bitter taste in fans mouths as he is undoubtedly on of the finest forwards on the planet today, only now he has to fill the boots left by Edinson Cavani, which will be no easy task.
REAL MADRID
Games: 44
Goals: 19
Assists: 9
ARGENTINA
Games: 10
Goals: 8
Assists: 6
HONOURS: Supercopa de Espana
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
40. Mario Balotelli
It’s been a strange old season for Super Mario, having gone from being the perennial Enfant Terrible under Roberto Mancini at Manchester City to king of Milano with AC, the sometimes troublesome forward can be forgiven for not knowing whether he’s coming or going.
However, there is a sense that he is finally starting to mature. Evidenced slightly at last summers European Championships, he had found himself left out of the starting XI by Cesare Prandelli, gone were the jokes and smiles as he sulked on the bench, only for him to return shortly after to scroe in the next game amidst wild celebrations.
His choices can still be a little suspect, but now we have seen that he can be the player everyone knows he can be when he puts his all into doing so.
A poor start to the Premier League season saw him bag just one goal, though constant disagreements with Mancini could have led to his downfall at Eastlands, though a quick fire 12 goals in 13 games for Milan shows that he is still a world class striker.
MAN CITY/MILAN
Games: 33
Goals: 16
Assists: 7
ITALY
Games: 11
Goals: 6
Assists: 2
39. Ilkay Gundogan
A player with the unlimited potential to be a world beater, Gundogan was a shining light in an otherwise disappointing season for the side from the Westfalenstadion.
The 22-year-old found the going tough upon his arrival from Nuremberg two seasons ago, but since Nuri Sahin made way to head to Real Madrid Gundogan found his place in the team and has gone from strength to strength that saw his phenomenal passing vision and tireless running have seen him become the heartbeat of the side.
Still prone to being a little green in the gills, he shows excellent character as the side marched to the final of last season’s Champions League and even had the gall to tuck away the fist penalty of his career in the showpiece event to temporarily restore parity.
Calls have been made for Germany coach Jogi Lowe to drop experienced midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger in order to accommodate him, but if he manages to replicate the form he displayed last term once again, he’ll be able to displace the Bayern man on his own merits.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Games: 45
Goals: 4
Assists: 4
GERMANY
Games: 5
Goals: 0
Assists: 2
38. Thibaut Courtois
The first of just two goalkeepers in the CaughtOffside 50, the young Belgian international has proved once again that he has a bright future in the game.
Still unable to get a look in at Chelsea, where, to be honest, his inclusion over that of Petr Cech would not yield a gulf in quality at all, he headed to Spain for another season with Atletico.
Conceding a stingy 29 goals in 37 matches, he earned himself the prestigious Zamora Trophy, given to the custodian with the lowest goals-to-game ratio in the Spanish top flight.
His crowning moment came in the club’s Copa Del Rey triumph over cross city rivals Real in May. A 2-1 victory handed bragging rights to Atletico, and Coutois was a significant part of that feat with a string of impressive saves.
His form has also put him in line with Simon Mignolet for the number one jersey with the Belgian national side, though his involvement in European competition with the Spaniards will most likely give him the advantage over his counterpart in Liverpool.
ATLETICO MADRID
Games: 44
Clean Sheets: 24
BELGIUM
Games: 8
Clean Sheets: 5
37. Steven Gerrard
The 33-year-old may be paying the price for loyalty to Liverpool, but he is still undoubtedly one of the best players in the Premier League, as well as one of the best English players in the world right now.
The talismanic midfielder will now play the role of grandfather to the squad following Jamie Carragher’s retirement and will need to step up to that position quickly as the club are still in the throes of a transitional period, and they will need him more than ever if they lose Luis Suarez.
Still with an eye for a pass, tackle, and a goal, he managed to wrack up 10 goals and assists in the Premier League last term, proving that despite his advancing years he can still be such a massive influence on the culture of the side.
Also still depended on heavily for the English national side, there’s no doubt that he will be on the plane to Brazil next year should he stay injury free, and should the side actually make it there too, of course.
LIVERPOOL
Games: 42
Goals: 11
Assists: 12
ENGLAND
Games: 6
Goals: 0
Assists: 3
36. Stevan Jovetic
It wasn’t long ago that the Montenegrin international was just a gangly teenager with a funny haircut. However, last season saw him complete his metamorphosis into one of the classiest and most sought after strikers in Europe.
His goals and assists have been instrumental in helping Fiorentina qualify for the Europa League – heartbreakingly two points short of making it into the Champions League, the original goal he had set out to achieve.
Alongside fellow Balkan born attacker Adem Ljajic, he terrorised Serie A defences with their combination of well times runs, creative ability and, crucially, eye for goal.
His big money move to Manchester City this summer will surely add some sorely missed silverware to his own personal trophy cabinet, and the fee that new coach Manuel Pellegrini paid for him is nothing if not a show of faith in the player’s ability.
FIORENTINA
Games: 34
Goals: 13
Assists: 5
MONTENEGRO
Games: 7
Goals: 1
Assists: 23 
35. Dante
The first Bayern Munich player in the CaughtOffside 50, and perhaps, one of the most unexpected.
The Brazilian centre back made the switch to the Alianz Arena last summer from fellow Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach to a relative cry of ‘who?’ from certain sections of the club’ support.
However, they needn’t have been worried as the 29-year-old proved to be a rock for the treble winners, helping them to keep thier goals against tally down to just 18 goals in the league. Shutouts against Juventus and Barcelona in the Champions League only served to strengthen his position as one of the bargains of the season.
Fellow Bayern teammate Philip Lahm has described him as one of the best defenders he has ever played with and his recent inclusion into the Brazilian national side has only seemed to confirm what the German skipper has been saying all along.
His pace, power and dominance in the air have stood him in good stead for the coming season as he looks to hold onto the spot he’s earned with the Selecao.
BAYERN MUNICH
Games: 45
Goals: 1
Clean Sheets: 25
BRAZIL
Games: 5
Goals: 1
Clean Sheets: 1
HONOURS: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Champions League, DFL-Supercup, Confederations Cup
34. Raphael Varane
It’s not very often that a youngster at Real Madrid causes such a stir, mostly because they don’t get much of a chance in the first team, but Varane has made a first team spot his own alongside Pepe, who has said that he believes the French stopper will become “one of the best in the world”.
It’s been a steady progression for the former Lens defender since joining the club two years ago. Making his first impact in January during his Classico debut at the Bernabeu where his all action display saw him clear a Xavi shot off the line, produce two world class, goal stopping tackles on Cesc Fabregas and Lionel Messi before finally thumping home a late equaliser. Varane then scored again in the second leg to send Real through at the expense of their bitter rivals.
He was soon keeping Pepe out of the starting line up as he made the position his own and his elegance and unbelievable reading of the game far belies his tender years. A CaughtOffside 50 regular for sure.
REAL MADRID
Games: 33
Goals: 2
Clean Sheets: 11
FRANCE
Games: 2
Goals: 1
Clean Sheets: 1
HONOURS: Spanish Supercup
33. Javi Martinez
Not a bad season for a player who started the campaign under extreme pressure to perform following his high profile €40 million move from Athletic Bilbao over the summer – a Bundesliga record.
Slotting in next to the experienced Bastian Schweinsteiger, he helped pull the strings in the club’s midfield to help them achieve an historic treble, and his expert reading of the game ensured his defence were well protected, conceding just 18 league goals as they romped to the title ahead of rivals Borussia Dortmund.
His influence was certainly visible in Europe too, as he outplayed both Xavi and Andres Iniesta during the Champions League semi final clash against Barcelona.
He has already proved that he is worth every cent of his hefty transfer fee this season, cementing his place in the CaughtOffside 50, and with long time admirer Pep Guardiola taking over the reins in Bavaria we can expect him to feature here heavily in the future.
BAYERN MUNICH
Games: 43
Goals: 3
Assists: 4
SPAIN
Games: 5
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
HONOURS: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Champions League, DFL-Supercup
32. Isco
The midfield starlet built on the promising form shown during the 2011/12 season by upping his game even more and earning a well deserved transfer to Real Madrid in the process.
Helping lead Malaga to the quarter final stages of the Champions League at the first time of asking, his displays – particularly his brace against Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg on the opening day of the competition, had caught the eye and made sure he was at the forefront of everyone’s minds once they had finally crashed out.
However, still unable to break his way into the Spanish national set up for this summer’s Confederations Cup, he consoled himself with the big money move to the Capital city and a starring role in the Under-21s storming of their own tournament.
All eye will be on him this term as he looks to cement himself in the Real starting line up. He still has a long way to go, but the surroundings in Madrid will surely aide, rather than halt his fledgling career.
MALAGA
Games: 47
Goals: 12
Assists: 6
SPAIN
Games: 2
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
HONOURS: European Under-21 Championship
31. Fred
The 29-year-old earned his spot in the CaughtOffside 50 by enjoying his finest ever year for club and country.
The former Lyon striker was by all rights a forgotten man in Europe since moving back to Brazil last summer, but he has proceeded to light up the Brasileiro Serie A with his goals and, crucially, earn his place back in the Selecao.
Acting quickly to prove his critics wrong, who said that he had been flop in France rather than a player who just hadn’t fulfilled his tremendous potential, he bagged five goals in five consecutive starts for the national team in the build-up to the Confederations Cup and carried that form into the tournament proper where he finished as top scorer and champions as Brazil steamrolled Spain in the final 3-0.
Now it is just a question of doing it again this year to ensure himself of a spot in the squad next summer.
FLUMINENSE
Games: 38
Goals: 28
Assists: 10
BRAZIL
Games: 11
Goals: 10
Assists: 3
30. Giorgio Chielini
The 28-year-old enjoyed another impressive season with both club and country this term as he captained Juve’s rise to the top of Serie A as well as being a key figure in the renaissance that the Azzuri are currently enjoying.
Perennially linked with a move away from the Old Lady, he has consistently stayed true despite a number of admiring glances from the Premier League, and he’ll be glad that he did after the season he has just had.
Marshalling the back line alongside Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonnuci, he kept the club’s goal defect down to just 24 and his command displays ensured that he would remain a permanent fixture with the national team too.
Juve enjoyed a fine, and slightly unexpected, run in the Champions League that ended when they met with eventual winners Bayern Munich in the quarter finals, having already disposed of Chelsea in the group stages.
The way he is going he will soon be up there in the pantheon of greats alongside Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi and if that happens then he will surely be a regular fixture in the CaughtOffside 50 for some time too.
JUVENTUS
Games: 32
Goals: 1
Clean Sheets: 23
ITALY
Games: 8
Goals: 1
Clean Sheets: 2
HONOURS: Serie A, Supercoppa Italiana
29. Mario Mandzukic
Also earning his CaughtOffside 50 spot thanks to a fine debut season with Bayern Munich, the Croatian international performed the seemingly impossible task of displacing Mario Gomez with the minimum of fuss.
Gomez was intended to be the main man last term, having scored 41 goals in the previous campaign, but Mandzukic had impressed so much during Euro 2012 that he was given his chance in the starting line up, which he grabbed with both hands.
Now he has pushed Gomez out of the club entirely as he has become their main man in the lone striker role, commanding a starting spot across all competitions, and bagging some important goals against the likes of Arsenal and Juventus in the process.
However, it wasn’t just his goals that proved key. Mandzukic’s tireless running and defending from the attack were a crucial cog in Bayern’s pressing system, as seen especially by his outstanding man-marking of Juventus’ Andrea Pirlo during their quarter final clash.
BAYERN MUNICH
Games: 40
Goals: 22
Assists: 4
CROATIA
Games: 9
Goals: 3
Assists: 3
HONOURS: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Champions League, DFL-Supercup
28. Robert Lewandowski
For the second season running the Polish international has confirmed himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.
Dortmund may have had a disappointing campaign but the 24-year-old did all that he could to keep Bayern at bay by notching 36 times in 49 appearances, but sadly it wasn’t enough as they ended the season empty handed.
However, he created plenty of Kodak moments for himself despite the team’s failings, most notably his breath taking brace against Real Madrid in the semi final of the Champions League and those two goals helped him finish as the competition’s second highest goalscorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
Borussia have so far resisted the urge to cash in on him now, but that means he will be able to talk away for free next summer when his contract expires. Reports have linked him with a move to Bayern Munich, following in the footsteps of former teammate Mario Gotze. If true then Bayern will quite possible have grabbed the bargain of the century as he is now proven in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Games: 49
Goals: 36
Assists: 13
POLAND
Games: 6
Goals: 2
Assists: 3
27. Manuel Neuer
Another of Bayern’s star studded squad to make the CaughtOffside 50, Neuer was one of the key reasons for the squad conceding so few goals this season on their march to the treble.
He is perhaps the unsung hero of the club’s Champions League success, by keeping four clean sheets against the likes of Juventus and Barcelona, he then surpassed himself in the final with a string of fine saves to keep Borussia Dortmund at bay and cap off a fine season with a European trophy.
He may not have been called upon as frequently as many of the other world class goalkeepers around Europe, but his sharpness and cat like reflexes were ready and waiting when the time came to spring into action.
Also established as the German national side’s number one, he is not expected to give that title up anytime soon either and will be in between the sticks for their World Cup campaign next summer. International honours remain the only thing missing from his excellent list of achievements and he will be looking to rectify that after another dominant season with the Bavarian giants.
BAYERN MUNICH
Games: 50
Clean Sheets: 26
GERMANY
Games: 7
Clean Sheets: 3
HONOURS: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Champions League, DFL-Supercup
26. Paulinho
It’s been quite the journey for Paulinho, having made his debut with Brazilian second division side Bragantino he is now a Copa Libertadores winner with Corinthians.
He could be classified as the definition of a late bloomer having spent time in both Lithuania and Poland, both of which were unsuccessful, but can now count a series of high profile title victories under his belt.
Usually situated at the summit of the midfield, his passing and running were vital in helping club and country to an impressive trophy haul and the player earned himself a move to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in the process.
He has chipped in with his fair share of goals too, frequently timing late runs into the box and displaying a knack for a tidy finish. He has become crucial for the Brazilian national side and will likely fit in well to Tottenham’s style of play too, hopefully enough to keep his place in the Selecao in time for next summer’s World Cup in his home land.
CORINTHIANS
Games: 42
Goals: 15
Assists: 1
BRAZIL
Games: 16
Goals: 5
Assists: 1
Honours: Campeonato Paulista, Confederations Cup, Club World Cup, Copa Libertadores
25. Arturo Vidal
The Chilean won his place in the CaughtOffside 50 by excelling in the centre of midfield for Juventus to become one of Europe’s best performing midfielders, scoring a creating goals in equal measure.
He was the club’s top scorer in all competitions, which is extraordinary considering his position and who he plays alongside in Turin, and even more so when you consider that scoring goals was not his primary function in the side. His primary job was to protect the back four and win the ball back, but his drive through the middle saw him make the most tackles in the early stages of the Champions League as well as be the hero by hitting the back of the net so regularly.
Vidal is a warrior too, dragging his side through an encounter with Chelsea whilst barely being able to run and his influence was sorely missed in the quarter final defeat to Bayern Munich.
Often overshadowed by his midfield partner Andrea Pirlo, Vidal was just as vital to the club’s Scudetto win as anyone else, and it is of little surprise that Real Madrid have come knocking with a big money offer.
JUVENTUS
Games: 45
Goals: 15
Assists: 12
CHILE
Games: 6
Goals: 2
Assists: 0
HONOURS: Serie A, Italian Supercup
24. Arjen Robben
The 29-year-old has gone from heartbreaking lows to dizzying highs over the course of the past season. Having been made the scapegoat for missing the crucial penalty in Bayern’s Champions League final defeat a year ago, and being unable to help the club wrestle the title back from Borussia Dortmund, he bounced back in spectacular fashion to play a major part on the club’s success this time around.
His days at the club seemed to be coming to a close at the beginning of last season as he was roundly booed by the club’s support and missed a large chunk of the campaign through injury.
However, once he returned to full fitness there was no stopping the Dutch winger as he returned with some of the finest football he had ever played, running Barcelona’s full backs through a loop as he scored in both home and away legs in their encounter and he was rewarded for his good form by setting up Mario Mandzukic’s opener and scoring a last minute winner of his own in this season’s final at Wembley.
The only thing keeping him from a higher spot in the CaughtOffside 50 is the lack of games earlier on in the season, otherwise he may well find himself inside the top 10.
BAYERN MUNICH
Games: 31
Goals: 13
Assists: 13
HOLLAND
Games: 8
Goals: 1
Assists: 5
HONOURS: Champions League, Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, DFL-Supercup
23. Xavi
Despite the club wining the Spanish league again this season, it feels as though proceedings at the Camp Nou were a little quieter this time around.
The evergreen Xavi, though, proved at 33-years-old that he is still capable of playing some illuminating football, a thought echoed by the club as they offered him a new extension to stay and help the younger members of the side out until 2016.
He may be quiet and understated, by he has ‘future Barcelona coach’ written all over him and there is a sense that once his playing days are done he will be all ready to go and be installed straight away.
However, he still has a lot of football to play before that and was once again included in the FIFA team of the year. He still managed to chip in with his fair share of goals and is just as important to the national side as he’s ever been.
This could be one of the last times that he will appear in the CaughtOffside 50 as his career ticks by into its twilight.
BARCELONA
Games: 48
Goals: 6
Assists: 13
SPAIN
Games: 11
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
22. Frank Lampard
Much like the previous entrant, this could be Lampard’s first and only stand in the CaughtOffside 50 as the 34-year-old is about to embark on his final season with the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Also the only English player to enter the list, he had appeared to be heading for the exit at Christmas as owner Roman Abramovic looked set to let his deal expire after so many years of good service.
However, his leadership, goals and range of passing from the middle was enough to break him back into the line up in west London and earn a further one year extension to his deal.
The club may be on the verge of taking a new direction with youngsters such as Edin Hazard and Oscar, but Lampard’s contribution has been vital and will aide the side in more ways than one as Jose Mourinho looks set to return and implement the changes after six years away.
Still with an unstoppable eye for goal, he broke the club’s goalscoring record set by club legend Bobby Tambling and still broke into double figures for the season on its own.
CHELSEA
Games: 50
Goals: 17
Assists: 8
ENGLAND
Games: 7
Goals: 6
Assists: 1
HONOURS: Europa League
21. David Luiz
Since signing a new deal with the club in September the Brazilian defender-cum-midfielder has been one of the brightest sparks in the Chelsea squad and has now set the bar high in terms of personal performances.
Starting of the campaign at the heart of the defence, he quickly proved that he is a more than capable defensive midfielder, further adding another dimension into the club’s repertoire.
Furthermore, he had goals in him, and not just tap ins either. A freekick in the early stages of the Champions League was capped off with wonder strikes against Fulham and Basle later on in the season as well as notching a free kick against Aston Villa during the 8-0 thrashing on boxing day.
There’s a good chance that he would feature higher in the CaughtOffside 50 had he not showed a darkside to his game against Manchester United where he went down easily under a challenge from Rafael. He was then seen to smile and laugh at the nearby crowd, which caused anger and drew him some significant criticism.
CHELSEA
Games: 57
Goals: 7
Assists: 5
BRAZIL
Games: 16
Goals: 0
Assists: 2
HONOURS: Europa League
20. Thiago Silva
Constantly lauded as the greatest centre back of his generation, the Brazilian has certainly done those credentials no harm following a successful season with Paris Saint Germain.
Part of the double deal that saw himself and Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrive from AC Milan last summer, he set about repaying the hefty fee by playing a starring role in bringing the Ligue 1 title back to the Parc des Princes after a 17 year wait.
The 28-year-old’s reading of the game and distribution from the back has made him a formidable opponent for years now, and it’s no surprise that Barcelona have been keeping a close eye on him with a view to making a bid this summer. The side did get to see him close up during the latter stages of the Champions League last summer.
Not content with just dominating at club level, though, Silva is virtually a guaranteed starter with the national team where he will line up alongside one of fellow CaughtOffside 50 inductees Dante or David Luiz.
PSG
Games: 39
Goals: 3
Assists: 22
BRAZIL
Games: 12
Goals: 0
Assists: 10
HONOURS: LIGUE 1, CONFEDERATIONS CUP
19. Philip Lahm
The past season has been a fitting tribute for a player who has been so consistent for both club and country for so many years.
The 29-year-old has been a solid and dependable captain for several seasons now, despite still only looking like a fresh faced debutant. He was the ringleader of a stingy defence that conceded just 18 goals in the Bundesliga that helped the club finish a whole 25 points ahead of their Champions League final counterparts Borussia Dortmund.
An impressive crosser of the ball, and rarely ever beaten by his man, Lahm is the epitome of consistency and has seen enough managerial changes in his career to suggest that he finds adapting to different tactical styles effortless, which is good news as Pep Guardiola will be implementing his own philosophy this summer.
An unforgettable comeback year after last season’s disappointments, Lahm will likely be a regular fixture in the CaughtOffside 50 f0r years to come.
BAYERN MUNICH
Games: 47
Goals: 0
Clean Sheets: 27
GERMANY
Games: 7
Goals: 0
Clean Sheets: 3
HONOURS: Champions League, Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, German Supercup
18. Neymar
The time has come now for the flamboyant Brazilian to show the world just what he can do following his move from Santos to Barcelona this summer.
There have been some serious question marks over just how good he actually is, but if his Confederations Cup performances are anything to go by then European football fans will be in for a real treat. The 21-year-old illuminated the tournament with his silky skills, mazy dribbles and outstanding goalscoring ability, which saw him finish the tournament with four goals, including one in the final.
He got his hands on the golden ball as the best player at the tournament, and will be hoping that his game improves significantly enough in Spain for him to stand a good chance at winning it again at the World Cup next year.
SANTOS
Games: 36
Goals: 27
Assists: 13
BRAZIL
Games: 20
Goals: 15
Assists: 11
HONOURS: Confederations Cup
17. Santi Cazorla
One of only a handful of players in the CaughtOffside 50 to not have any honours next to his name for the past season.
However, his electric displays and output into helping Arsenal secure Champions League football next term cannot be overlooked. He was named as Man of the Match in his debut against Liverpool on the opening day of term and went from strength to strength in the Premier League, even if his teammates didn’t.
Despite Arsenal’s trophy cabinet going untouched for yet another season, he managed to pick up the club’s annual Player of the Season gong as well as continue to establish himself in the Spanish national side.
ARSENAL
Games: 42
Goals: 12
Assists: 14
SPAIN
Games: 11
Goals: 3
Assists: 2
16. Andres Iniesta
There was a time when a list such as the CaughtOffside 50 would have been peppered with Barcelona players, but sadly Iniesta is just one third of Catalan based attackers who have made the cut.
Iniesta was the club’s main creative force from the middle this season in what has been a turbulent year. Having lost both coach and captain for prolonged stretches, and with key players not performing to their best, the club have had to rely on the 29-year-old for more inspiration on his own and rather than as a unit.
However, that didn’t phase the Spanish international, who rose to the challenge without thinking twice as he contributed with an amazing 22 assists in all competitions to help the club cruise to the title once again.
His prowess didn’t fail to deplete either come the summer as he finished second behind Neymar in the voting for the Confederations Cup’s best player, even though Spain were uncharacteristically poor for a change.
BARCELONA
Games: 48
Goals: 6
Assists: 22
SPAIN
Games: 16
Goals: 0
Assists: 3
HONOURS: LA Liga
15. Bastian Schweinsteiger
Like his teammate, Philip Lahm, Schweinsteiger has been another Bayern stalwart that seems to have been around forever.
Many critics had been quick to write the German international off at the start of the season, using labels like ‘has been’, or worse, ‘never will be’, but he fought back to prove them all wrong in the best way possible – by winning a treble.
Moved from out wide to the middle by Jupp Heynckes he went on to form a strong understanding with new signing Javi Martinez, for whom he was the perfect foil, building a solid base in which to keep the Bayern machine ticking over comfortably.
He had been branded, along with several of his club teammates, as someone who just didn’t have the stomach for the big games, he was able to once again silence the critics by collecting the treble that the club had made look easy.
He is certain to go straight into the German national side ahead of their World Cup campaign next summer.
BAYERN MUNICH
Games: 45
Goals: 9
Assists: 1
GERMANY
Games: 8
Goals: 1
Assists: 4
Honours: Champions League, Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, DFL-Supercup
14. Mario Gotze
The attacking midfield star missed part of the previous campaign through injury, but returned for a personally impressive season this time around, even though it ended in disappointment as they lost out on their league title as well as the Champions League.
The 21-year-old made it into double figures for both goals and assists this season, with only Iniesta, Mata and Franck Ribery creating more goals for their teammates that him.
He was responsible, alongside Robert Lewandowski, for the dismantling of Real Madrid in the semi final of the Champions League and even managed to bag himself a hattrick in the DFB-Pokal clash against Hannover.
His credentials as a ‘false 9’ will no doubt have been noticed by Pep Guardiola as the two now link up at Beyern – a situation that threatened to turn ugly after news of his signing with the German champions broke just days before the two sides met in the final of the Champions League.
Understandably, he sat out of the final and watched his new side claim the title. He also now hold the title of being the most expensive German player in history following his €37 million switch and looks set to continue his rise up the footballing ladder with the Bavarian giants next season.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Games: 44
Goals: 16
Assists: 21
GERMANY
Games: 7
Goals: 3
Assists: 1
13. Edinson Cavani
The big Uruguayan would most definitely be higher in the CaughtOffside 50 had Napoli actually won some silverware last season, sadly, though, that was not the case as they just couldn’t match the might of Juventus over the whole course.
However, 38 goals in 43 appearances was enough for PSG to warrant spending an impressive €63 million to secure his services.
The club’s second placed finish in the Serie A table was their best finish since the days of Diego Maradona in 1990, and he, alongside Marek Hamsik in the San Paolo midfield have been largely responsible for dragging the side up from the ashes following several humiliating demotions.
Many critics didn’t believe that he was able to break the 30-goal mark again after his chief facilitator Ezequiel Lavezzi was sold, also to PSG, last summer. But the 27-year-old had no problem breaking that barrier and even managed to bag four in a Europa League encounter against Ukrainian side Dnipro, as well as smashing in three goals at the Confederations Cup to further his international credentials too.
NAPOLI
Games: 43
Goals: 38
Assists: 8
URUGUAY
Games: 15
Goals: 6
Assists: 2
12. Thomas Muller
The penultimate Bayern Munich player in the CaughtOffside 50, and he could not be more worthy of his place on the list after only making his breakthrough in 2009.
The 22-year-old was a part of the devastating attacking quartet that also included Franck Ribery, Toni Kroos, and Arjen Robben that saw him collect 23 goals and 17 assists of his own.
And similarly to Robben, he discovered he had the uncanny ability to score when it really mattered, managing to grab goals in every Champions League knockout round up until the showpiece final – including home and away in the 7-0 thrashing of Barcelona – as well as in the DFB-Pokal final.
He has also continued to establish himself further in the German national side, and will be expected to be a part of the squad for next year’s World Cup – that’s if he can cement a regular starting spot in the Bayern squad for the coming season.
Quick, blessed with great technique and and an astute tactical maturity, there isn’t much doubt that Muller will be warming any benches anytime soon.
BAYERN MUNICH
Games: 47
Goals: 23
Assists 17
GERMANY
Games: 9
Goals: 3
Assists: 4
HONOURS: Champions League, Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, DFL-Supercup
11. Juan Mata
The quiet Spaniard has enjoyed a particularly good season this year that has seen him shoot straight into number 11 in the CaughtOffside 50.
For what he lacks in voice, he more than makes up for with his feet as he has overshadowed the rest of the side’s talented midfield in a season that has been somewhat disappointing for the club.
He is a player that can boast the most assists in this list – with 35 in all competitions, and he isn’t shy of scoring a few of his own either, bagging 19 in the process.
His assists have all come at the right times too, with the most important being the pass to Branislav Ivanovic for the winner against Benfica in the Europa League final in May. It was a goal that ensured that Chelsea became just the third team in history to win the Champions League and then go on to lift the Europa/Uefa Cup in successive seasons.
There had been speculation surrounding his future at Stamford Bridge this summer, but Jose Mourinho knows a good player when he sees one and the Spanish international certainly falls into that category.
CHELSEA
Games: 64
Goals: 19
Assists: 35
SPAIN
Games: 10
Goals: 2
Assists: 4
HONOURS: Europa League
10. Jackson Martinez
It wouldn’t be unfair to say that Porto have one of the most underrated scouting networks in Europe as they continue to find hidden gems stashed away in South America before bringing them in for a minimal amount and selling them on as world class stars.
The 26-year-old signed on from Mexican side Chiapas last summer and took to life in Europe like a duck to water by bagging 26 goals in 30 league appearances to help pip rivals Benfica to the title.
Strong, physical, outrageously intelligent and able to score with either foot he has become one of the most sought after strikers in Europe with the likes of Manchester United and Napoli both linig up to take a closer look.
He also found European competition easy to navigate too as his three goals early on helped the club ease past the group stages before they eventually lost out to Malaga in the quarter finals.
Managing to outscore the club’s former striker – and his current international teammate Radamel Falcao with 11 goals in his first 12 games, it’s no wonder that a number of club’s have been taking an interest in him.
PORTO
Games: 40
Goals: 31
Assists: 2
COLOMBIA
Games: 4
Goals: 3
Assists: 0
HONOURS: Primiera Liga, Portuguese Supercup
9. Luis Suarez
Once again he couldn’t go a season without causing some form of controversy after biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic toward the end of the campaign that saw him pick up a 10 game ban that will carry on into the new season.
But for all of the trouble he seemingly brings on himself, there is absolutely no doubt that he is a world class striker fully deserving of a place in the CaughtOffside 50.
The Uruguayan international is so key to the Liverpool side that had he been banned for longer, or earlier, the side would have struggled to escape from the lower half of the Premier League table as Brendan Rodgers’ men continue to pass through this transitional period.
He managed to snag 30 goals in all competitions for the Merseyside club, as well as notch up 13 assists to prove just how vital he is to the Liverpool cause, and his record at international level stands amongst the best this season too.
However, Liverpool may have to try and find a way of living without him next season as he looks set to move on with Real Madrid and Arsenal battling it out for his signature.
LIVERPOOL
Games: 44
Goals: 30
Assists: 13
URUGUAY
Games: 12
Goals: 6
Assists: 0
8. Radamel Falcao
There was no way that he was going to have a bad season given his first act was to smash a hattrick past Chelsea in the European Super Cup last August. And seeing as it ended with one of football’s most expensive transfers to Monaco, it’s fair to say that it’s been a good year for the Colombian international.
Scoring for fun, the 27-year-old is the third and final member of a Colombian attacking trio to score well in the CaughtOffside 50 with Jackson Martinez and James Rodriguez for company, and it’s not likely to be his last time either.
Another prolific season in front of goal for Atletico with 34 goals in 40 games for the Spanish capital side and was a central figure in their victory over cross city rivals Real in the Copa Del Rey final back in May.
His €60 million move from Atletico to Monaco drew some heavy criticism, but he has undoubtedly bought into the project that is unfolding at the principality club and though he won’t be playing any European football next season, there is no doubt that he will ensure that it will arrive the following year.
ATLETICO MADRID
Games: 41
Goals: 34
Assists: 3
COLOMBIA
Games: 6
Goals: 5
Assists: 1
HONOURS: European Supercup, Copa Del Rey
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
6. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The Mercurial Swede proved once again that he is a hit wherever he goes and helped the club win their first league title since 1994.
Alongside fellow new signing from AC Milan, Thiago Silva, he set about lighting up Ligue 1 with his own unique antics and illuminating brand of football that won him even more fans, and probably a couple more enemies just for good measure.
Ibrahimovic immediately took France by storm and was the catalyst for PSG’s title victory, top-scoring in the league with 30 goals and named Ligue 1 Player of the Year in the process.
The 31-year-old also left his mark in the Champions League, chalking up the most assists in the tournament and scoring against Barcelona in his side’s unfortunate quarter-final exit.
Last season also saw him score what could quite possibly be the goal of the century in a friendly for Sweden against England with an outrageously placed overhead kick from all of 30-yards. However, his future at the Parc des Princes has been cast into doubt thanks to the arrival of Edinson Cavani from Napoli, prompting talk of a move to another European giant just a year after arriving in the French capital.
PSG
Games: 46
Goals: 35
Assists: 18
SWEDEN
Games: 9
Goals: 8
Assists: 3
HONOURS: Ligue 1
5. Robin Van Persie
A player truly worthy of his place in the top five of the CaughtOffside 50 after almost single handedly inspiring Manchester United to the title last season.
The 29-year-old sparked plenty of debate when he left Arsenal to join the Red Devils last summer, but it turned out to be a stroke of genius by Sir Alex Ferguson and many can look at it as one of the greatest parting gifts he could have given the club.
RVP finished the season as the Premier League’s top goalscorer with 26 strikes that were instrumental in helping United reclaim the title back from cross city neighbours Manchester City. He demoted former star striker Wayne Rooney to the bench, something that has now caused the England man to question his future at the club.
The Dutchman also has an excellent record for turning up for the big games, notching goals against the top eight teams in the Premier League last term, and should this good run of form continue then the club will have no problems in keeping City at arms length in their efforts to reclaim the title.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Games: 48
Goals: 30
Assists: 13
HOLLAND
Games: 8
Goals: 6
Assists: 2
HONOURS: Premier League
4. Franck Ribery
The final and highest ranking Bayern Munich player in the CaughtOffside 50 is perhaps the most deserving thanks to his personal contribution to the club’s treble winning season.
Ribery has endured both good and bad times on and off the pitch in recent years, but last season’s exploits should have more than made up for the low moments, especially after being written off by critics as being past his sell by date.
However, at just 30-years of age he has enjoyed arguably his best season yet as he recaptured the form that once had him listed as one of the most electric players in Europe.
He was Bayern’s most consistent attacking player across the board last season and was an unrelenting creative force cutting inside from the left flank and his 23 assists were only bettered by Chelsea’s Juan Mata – who played considerably more games than the Frenchman.
He has it all to do again next season, though, if he hopes to come away with a higher finish in the next instalment of the CaughtOffside 50, and it will be interesting to see just what Pep Guardiola has in stall for him.
3. Gareth Bale
The highest ranked Premier League player in the CaughtOffside 50 saw his team win nothing last season, though individually he cleaned up as though his life depended on it.
His influence on the Tottenham side was so great that many lauded them as a one man team, and though it wasn’t quite as drastic as that, there was certainly a case for them being much better off with him than without.
The 24-year-old has steadily seen his role change within the squad, moving from left back, to left wing before finally settling in the free role just behind the strikers where his assists have become almost as important and frequent as his goals.
His efforts in both league and cup tournaments saw him named as Player of the Year by both the FWA and PFA, who also crowned him Young Player of the Year.
Quick, powerful and with a wonderful left foot, it’s no wonder that Spurs are fighting as hard as they can to keep a hold of him as Real Madrid prepare a world record £85 million bid to prize him away from White Heart Lane.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Games: 44
Goals: 26
Assists: 15
WALES
Games: 8
Goals: 5
Assists: 2
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
The Real Madrid man was inevitably going to score high on this list, and his abilities, if not his trophies, have seen him come in at number two.
The 28-year-old boasted a goal-per-game ratio across all competitions last season, but once again saw all the plaudits head east to Barcelona for a second successive season.
However, the Portuguese international outperformed Messi on the big occasions in 2012-13 and broke the record for scoring in consecutive Clasico games. His two goals at Camp Nou, which lead Real to the Copa del Rey final were particularly memorable and Ronaldo rarely let the side down when it really mattered.
He also scored twice to eliminate his former club, Manchester United, from the Champions League and scored in every round of the knockout stages until Madrid’s semi-final exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund to become the competition’s top scorer. He also found the net in the 2-1 Copa del Rey final defeat to Atletico Madrid.
REAL MADRID
Games: 55
Goals: 55
Assists: 14
PORTUGAL
Games: 9
Goals: 4
Assists: 3
HONOURS: Spanish Supercup
1. Lionel Messi
The first winner of the CaughtOffside 50 was hardly going to be anyone else.
Another great season for the statisticians among us as he notched 60 goals in 50 games across all competitions to help Barcelona cruise to yet another La Liga title as well as claiming the European Golden Shoe and putting Argentina on the brink of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup.
Had he not fallen foul to a troublesome hamstring injury in the side’s Champions League semi final encounter against Bayern Munich he could well have surpassed the 73 goal haul he recorded just one season earlier, and he may well have also added to the side’s league title, which was the only trophy the club were able to get their hands on.
Plenty of personal records were smashed this year as he recorded the most goals ever in a calendar year, scoring in consecutive matches against every Liga team and claiming a fourth successive Ballon d’Or – all of which made this another personally successful season for the man Rosario.
There seems to be no stopping the 26-year-old, and expect him to feature highly in next year’s list too.
BARCELONA
Games: 50
Goals: 60
Assists: 20
ARGENTINA
Games: 12
Goals: 9
Assists: 2
HONOURS: La Liga