The top fifty players in the world right now.
50. Romelu Lukaku – Chelsea (on loan at Everton)
The Belgian international is proving that he is a deadly goalscorer at Premier League level as he continues to make the net bulge on Merseyside.
49. Marek Hamsik – Napoli
His influence has grown with the club’s and will likely be a key figure in any success they may enjoy in the near future.
48. Mario Gomez – Fiorentina
It’s amazing to think that Bayern Munich were so willing to let him leave and he is now currently showing them what they are missing in Serie A.
47. Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
Many critics called for the French international to leave the club over the summer when Arsenal came knocking as they believed that he wasn’t good enough to be there. However, he has quickly turned his form around to prove the doubters wrong by bagging 12 goals in 26 appearances across all competitions.
46. Pablo Zabaleta – Manchester City
The Argentine full-back may not be the most exciting player, but he is solid, reliable and always chips in with a goal when one is needed. An admirable captain for a strong City side.
45. Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Borussia Dortmund
Another player that spurned a move to the Premier League for the action packed Bundesliga. He is set to become Armenia’s first football superstar as he helps the country boost their chances at finally making a major international tournament.
44. Carlos Tevez – Juventus
The 29-year-old has put the tough times of Manchester City behind him in order to re-establish himself as one of the world’s best players. He appears to have matured and his tenacity and goalscoring touch have not deserted him now that he is in Italy. He already has 12 goals in 25 games this season, but it will be at the World Cup that we will see where he head is really at.
43. Diego Lopez – Real Madrid
He’s been so good that he has displaced one of the club’s most favourite sons with consummate ease and is still the first choice between the sticks at the Bernabeau a year after he first took Casillas’ spot.
42. Adem Ljajic – Roma
The 22-year-old was on fire with Fiorentina last season, helping them to a strong finish at the top of the Serie A table, so it’s not wonder that Roma made sure they brought him on board, where he is currently doing the same for them.
41. Raphael Varane – Real Madrid
The young Frenchman has gone from strength to strength in Madrid and has now made a regular starting spot his own as he continues to take the league by storm.
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.
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.
30. Francesco Totti – Roma
Even at the age of 37 the uber-classy forward can still illuminate the pitch as well as he could when he was 25. He is still proving that you can teach an old dog new tricks and he recently put pen-t0-paper on a new deal that will keep him at the club until he is 39. Will surely be a major catalyst in Roma’s chase if the Scudetto this season.
29. Neymar (Barcelona)
Brazilian has adapted well to life in European football and has already gone some way to proving his doubters wrong, some believing that the young attacker would struggle to find his feet at Barcelona, and is clearly a player with a very bright future.
The 21 year old has racked ten goals and ten assists in his 24 appearances for the Catalan side, showing that as well as finding the back of the net the youngster is very much a team player.
28. Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
Though he can’t maintain his current style of play forever, the one club man has not shown any signs of slowing down just yet and is still capable of a moment of magic when the time calls. He is likely to have his last hurrah with the England national team this summer, but Reds fans can rest assured that he is already safely ensconced in their hall of fame.
27. Gerard Pique – Barcelona
Pique has come along way from that nervous chubby faced kid he was during his time with Manchester United, and has transformed himself into one of the best central defenders in the world. Effortlessly classy and equipped with an eye for goal too, he is a nailed on regular for club and country with an honours list as long as your arm.
26. Mario Balotelli – AC Milan
Super Mario may be playing in a struggling side at the moment but one thing not in doubt is his ability. Still with a lot to learn, he can be prone to tantrums and petulant behaviour. However, he is slowly pushing that side of his game to one side in order to focus on the constructive aspects and could be tipped to have a solid World Cup with getting one over on the British press acting as his motive.
25. Wayne Rooney – Manchester United
His future at the club may be in doubt and his much publicised discontent on the bench at Old Trafford seems to be detracting from the fact that United struggle when he is not in the side. Still a powerful influence on both his club and country, David Moyes and Roy Hodgson will be hoping to get him back into a state of mind that will see him firing on all cylinders.
24. Daniele De Rossi – Roma
Roma came dangerously close to letting the 30-year-old walk out of the club this summer and it’s a good job they didn’t. He has stepped up this term and took his place back from Michael Bradley, striking up a solid partnership with new boy Kevin Strootman in the process. There is only one player that could have replaced Francesco Totti as captain and it is he. Roma’s main problem now is to figure out who will replace him.
23. Eden Hazard – Chelsea
The Belgian ace is finally beginning to show why Chelsea splashed out so much on his services and is already only two goals shy of matching his tally from last season – which spanned over 62 games. Jose Mourinho will most likely build the squad around him over the next few seasons as he grows in influence and confidence.
22. Dani Alves – Barcelona
It’s probably too late to label him as the new Roberto Carlos (albeit on the other side of the pitch) but like his compatriot he is still capable of bombing up and down the wing with the ball glued to his feet before launching a pinpoint cross over into the box. He still hasn’t slowed down despite his advancing years and probably won’t either. That’s why he’s so good.
21. Philip Lahm – Bayern Munich
The Bayern skipper seems to have been around forever and his influence on the side hasn’t diminished over the years, despite still looking about 14-years-old. Bayern’s all conquering side last season needed a leader capable of keeping them in line and guiding them over the course of a tough campaign. Lahm was perhaps the only one quietly persuasive enough to pull it off, and for that he is invaluable.
20. Robin Van Persie – Man United
Man United man would be higher up but for lengthy injury concerns but when fit the Dutchman is one of the best in the business.
A player David Moyes will look to push the Old Trafford side onwards and upwards once he is full fit for battle. Netted 30 goals in his debut season at Man United and has proven a hugely dependable forward.
19. Mario Gotze – Bayern Munich
The 21-year-old had been expected to make an impact with the Bundesliga champions this season and he has not disappointed. With eight goals in 20 in games so far he is showing that he belongs at the top and will be given a better chance at collecting some silverware as is former club continue to fall behind once again.
18. David Silva – Manchester City
Silva was already well on his way to becoming a world class talent when he joined the club from Valencia in 2010, and now he is virtually the finished article. He creates so much for the club’s forwards and is so frequently at the top of the Premier League assist chart come May. Dangerous, quick and growing into a fearless runner, his fitness will be vital for City’s success.
17. Yaya Toure – Manchester City
It’s still astounding to think that Barcelona let Toure go, but their loss has been City’s gain and the Ivorian is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous midfielders in the Premier League. His ball winning, passing, tackling and shooting have all served City at various points, and you can guarantee that they would not have clinched the league title two seasons ago had it not been for him.
16. Diego Costa – Atletico Madrid
Brazilian born striker, who wishes to represent the Spanish national team, has been in inspired form this season helping Diego Simeone’s side mount a genuine La Liga title challenge.
Has formed a potent partnership with David Villa up front for the Vicente Calderon, netting an astonishing 19 goals in 19 domestic league appearances and has proven his ability to make an impact in the Champions League with his four goals in three games helping Atletico through to the last 16 with relative ease.
15. Radamel Falcao – Monaco
At Atletico Madrid last season he was easily the best striker on the planet as he proceeded to bang in 34 strikes in 40 appearances. However, he let his reputation down by leaving Madrid for Monaco in a move he swears was not financially motivated. With 10 in 15 so far this term he has shown that he still knows where the net is, but it’s nowhere near as impressive has it would be had he stayed in Spain.
14. Xabi Alonso – Real Madrid
It’s no wonder that Madrid were so desperate to keep him, and the club can now breathe a huge sign of relief as he has not committed himself to another year at the Bernabeu. A smooth operator in the middle, he keeps the Madrid machine moving with minimal fuss and can always be counted on to be a calming influence when needed.
13. Sergio Aguero – Man City
Man City man has been in marvelous form this term and has formed an excellent partnership with new signing Alvaro Negredo in a Manuel Pellegrini side that is very attack orientated.
Aguero will also be looking to continue his fine form for the Argentine national team for whom he has scored five goals in his last seven appearances. A cult hero at the Etihad Stadium side and could be set for a good run at a Champions League triumph.
12. Robert Lewandowski – Borussia Dortmund
The Polish international has become one f the world’s most sought after signings over the past two years thanks to his outstanding goal tally and his link up play with the rest of the midfield. Now confirmed what everyone suspected by announcing he will be joining Bayern Munich in the summer, fans can expect him to go from strength to strength.
11. Andres Iniesta – Barcelona
Just when you think you’ve seen him do it all he still has a trick up his sleeve to leave you breathless. Still as important to the side as he’s ever been, the club acted quickly to tie him down to a new deal when it looked as though he could be joining Manchester United. However, in reality it’s hard to imagine him in another club’s shirt.
10. Mesut Ozil – Arsenal
The Gunners pulled off one of the coups of the summer when they convinced the German international to join them and he has quickly affirmed himself as one of the most intelligent players in the English top flight. He has also taken to the physical demands of the English game without any problems either and will undoubtedly be a key figure in any success they will have this season.
9. Xavi – Barcelona
It’s often easy to forget that he’s on the wrong side of 30 now as he still seems as sprightly as he’s always been. Often one of the first names on the teamsheet, as long as his partnership with Andres Iniesta continues to flourish then the Spanish champions will continue to dominate for another few seasons.
8. Marco Reus – Borussia Dortmund
Reus has become one of the most electric and in demand midfielders of his generation, and has already cemented his place in Dortmund’s hall of fame by ruling out a move to Bayern Munich like his former colleagues Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski. A vital cog in the Yellow machine, he is the player Jurgen Klopp will be building his new squad around.
7. Andrea Pirlo – Juventus
Now a ripe age of 34, like a fine wine he has only got better with age and thanks to his beard a heavy cult following has ensued. Juventus realised they were about to make a tremendous mistake by letting him go as both Spurs and Chelsea started sniffing around and a new deal has promptly been placed in front of him, much to the delight of the Old Lady’s fans.
6. Gareth Bale – Real Madrid
The Welshman became the world’s most expensive player this summer, depending on who you believe, and has settled into Spanish football like a duck taking to water. His has continued to score and create for fun and even seems to be at peace with his new way of life away from the pitch. The only way is up.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Paris Saint Germain
The mercurial Swede has taken France by storm since arriving and the goals he has scored over the past two seasons alone can fill an entire show reel and each one seems to be better than the last. His performances in Europe have given the side a real shot at going all the way and after conquering Ligue 1 that will be the main goal.
4. Franck Ribery – Bayern Munich
After enjoying such a fine season the French winger can feel hard done by that he didn’t win this year’s Ballon d’Or. However, this time around he’s going for it again and has already trumped his goal tally in only half the number of performances. His influence and ability has struck fear into the Bundesliga and at 30 he will be hungry for more success, including with the national side.
3. Lionel Messi – Barcelona
What else is there to say about Messi that hasn’t already been said before? Had injury not robbed him of the tail end of the year there is no doubt he would be even higher on this list as well as celebrating another Ballon d’Or victory.
He really is one of a kind, and not even a lack of full fitness can slow him down as he showed against Getafe in his comeback at the beginning of January where be bagged a brace just minutes after being introduced.
He boasts a frightening goal record of 329 goals in 397 appearances and at his current rate could break the 1,000 goal mark before he hangs up his boots, which would be a truly impressive feat.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid
Whether you like him or not, it’s hard to begrudge him his success this year as his performances consistently enlighten and entertain fans the world over, and it’s hard to not be taken in by his cocky swagger. Flaunt it if you’ve got it, Crissy!
While he can’t boast to be a one club man like Messi can, he also holds a terrifying goalscoring record – notching 230 in 223 since moving to the Spanish capital in 2009 and will forever be a part of the eternal debate over who is the greater player with his Barca counterpart.
Now approaching 30 it will be interesting to see how he adapts his game to continue exerting his influence over the side and keep himself at the zenith of the football world.
1. Luis Suarez – Liverpool
Many believed his days on Merseyside were numbered when he was slapped with a ten game ban at the end of last season for sinking his teeth into Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, something that was just the latest in a long line of face palming incidents revolving around the player last year.
However, he has since fought his way back into the affections of Liverpool fans with an astonishing goal to game ratio that has seen him become one of the deadliest strikers in the world.
Of his 22 goals so far, the have been six braces, one hat trick and an impressive four goal haul in his habitual destroying of Norwich City in December, and he has topped that off with 11 assists as his partnership with Daniel Sturridge continues to flourish.
Liverpool managed to hang onto him last summer, but with form like that they may not be so lucky this time around.
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