35. Hugo Lloris – Tottenham Hotspur
The Spurs ‘keeper did well to displace an evergreen Brad Friedel and has continued to enhance his reputation as one of the world’s best goalkeepers. So hard he even played with a concussions. Go on Hugo!
34. Michael Carrick – Manchester United
The defensive midfielder is still showing that what he does is so simply effective that he has become the latest player to have a position named after him. Years from now children up and down the country will say that they play in the ‘Michael Carrick position’ when asked what their role is.
33. Sergio Ramos – Real Madrid
Ramos has had his problems in the capital this term, but his ability and commitment have never been in question. Now seems to have made the full on transition from right back to centre back, the Spanish international only seems to get better with age (albeit more cynical too) and should he eventually decide to leave Los Blancos his new employers will have one of the world’s most accomplished defenders on their hands.
32. Mats Hummels – Borussia Dortmund
The German international is a classy, commanding and composed, though at 24 he still has a lot to learn if he is to become one of the country’s true greats.
31. Arda Turan – Atletico Madrid
The Turkish winger has been a major contributor to his side’s fledgling success this season and was even linked with a move to Liverpool over the summer. You can be bet he stayed as Atletico look like the first team in years to break the Real/Barca domination at the top of La Liga.