40. Olivier Giroud – Arsenal
The former Montpellier ace has done well to hold the Arsenal frontline on his own this term and after a slow start last year he is finally beginning to show the world just what he is capable of.
39. Cesc Fabregas – Barcelona
It’s no wonder that Manchester United were desperate to bring him on board over the summer as his passing and vision were key to Arsenal’s way of operating during his time there. However, he has not been playing as much as he’d like in Catalonia, but that’s what happens at a club like that, and when he has been called upon he has been nothing less than world class.
38. Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal
The Welsh international has been in inspired form so far this season and has largely been regarded as one of their most improved and most important player so far.
37. Antoine Griezmann – Real Sociedad
The French winger has been so instrumental to the side’s rise over the past two seasons that now the rest of Europe are sitting up and starting to take notice. Sociedad would do well to hold on to him for much longer.
36. Stefan Kiessling – Bayer Leverkusen
Frequently the most quietly consistent player in the German top flight and has always stayed true to the club in the face of speculation linking him with a move away. It’s almost tragic that he won’t be going to the World Cup after falling out with Joachim Low.