Three Premier League superstars make the epic list…
Courtesy of the always excellent fanatix.
Note: This list strictly discounts wingers, forwards, and creative central midfielders. It’s all about the ‘no.10s’!
10) Mario Gotze – Bayern Munich & Germany
Gotze has struggled with injuries so far this term, and has so far struggled to implement himself in Pepe Guardiola’s high-flying side. His talent is undeniable though, and his ability to unlock defences playing behind a striker is stunning. Between the ages of 19 and 20, he was a key reason Borussia Dortmund won back to back Bundesliga titles, and now looks almost guaranteed to add countless more with their more illustrious rivals.
9) Mathieu Valbuena – Marseille & France
The little Frenchman stands at only 5 ft. 5″, but thanks to his outstanding ball control and vision, is a constant menace in the final third. Last season, no player in Europe made more key passes then Valbuena, who has again been at his creative best this term.
8) Marek Hamsik – Napoli & Slovakia
For a central playmaker, Hamsik is more powerful and direct than most. He prefers to arrive late in the box, or attempt long shots, rather than trying to thread through intricate passes for his strikers. The Slovakian is still wonderfully effective though, and has already scored six league goals this term.
7) Wesley Sneijder – Galatasaray & Holland
In 2010, when his country got to the final of the World Cup and Inter Milan won an historic treble, Sneijder was probably the best playmaker in the world. Now he’s decided to play his football in Turkey, others have overtaken him, but his wonderful array of passing and set-piece ability means he still makes this list.
6) Isco – Real Madrid & Spain
What a player this young chap’s going to be. At the moment, Isco is overshadowed by the ridiculous Cristiano Ronaldo, and the ever-improving Gareth Bale at Madrid, but his early season performances have alerted the world to his practically incomparable talent. The 21-year-old has scored six and assisted two more this term.
5) Oscar – Chelsea & Brazil
At just 22-years-old, Oscar is Brazil’s first-choice playmaker, ahead of the likes of Kaka, Ronaldinho, Coutinho and Willian. He also keeps Juan Mata out of the Chelsea side. Already an outstanding player, and will no doubt be one of the world’s very best in the coming years.
4) Cesc Fabregas – Barcelona & Spain
The former Arsenal man now plays in an advanced role for the Catalan giants in La Liga, and has become one of their most important and influential performers. He’s registered eight assists in the league this term, which is as many as any player in Europe. At just 26, he’s still got plenty of years left at the top of the game.
3) David Silva – Manchester City & Spain
Silva is a brilliant, brilliant playmaker. Watching him drift between the lines of defence and midfield, and recycle possession with clever tricks and flicks is a joy to behold – and the service he provides for Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo could well win City the Premier league title this season.
2) Mesut Ozil – Arsenal & Real Madrid
‘The King of the assist’, Ozil has made creating chances for teammates a habit over the past five seasons. In that time, no other player in Europe has registered more assists than the uber talented German. At £42m, he was probably still a bargain for the Gunners this summer.
1) Andres Iniesta – Barcelona & Spain
Iniesta is still head and shoulders above the rest. His skill on the ball, his unrivalled vision and intricate passing, and the way he dictates matches for club and country makes him the best playmaker in the world. He’s won everything there is to win in football, both internationally and domestically, and will go down as one of the game’s greatest.
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