Three players from the English top tier earn places alongside some usual suspects.
With the season in Europe’s top leagues around two thirds complete, CaughtOffside decided to take some time out to pick the Team of the Season so far.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored.
Goalkeeper – Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Borussia Monchengladbach – rating 7.3
This young German has been touted by the likes of Barcelona and at 21-years-old there is clearly a very bright future ahead of this stopper.
Right-back – Mathie Debuchy, Newcastle United – rating 7.5
After arriving at St James’ Park in January 2013 as part of manager Alan Pardew’s French revolution, the defender has risen in stature and confidence and is now first choice for the national team.
Centre-back – Alessandro Lucarelli, Parma – rating 7.8
Italians have a reputation for being strong at the back and also for extended careers, as shown by this 36-year-old who has helped Parma to six clean-sheets this season.
Centre-back – Mehdi Benatia, AS Roma – rating 7.6
Another star from Serie A now and the Morocco captain has helped Roma to a strong campaign with some fine performances at the back, even managing to pop up with five league goals as well.
Left-back – Ricardo Rodriguez, Wolfsburg – rating 8.1
At 21-years-old it’s little wonder this Swiss defender has been grabbing the attention of some of Europe’s elite and the 2014 World Cup will be a chance for the wider footballing community to see what Rodriguez is capable of.
Central midfield – Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal – rating 7.8
It would have been almost unthinkable 12 months ago that Ramsey would get anywhere near a European XI, but the past year has been sensational for the Welshman who has 13 goals in 27 matches this term.
Central midfield – Arturo Vidal, Juventus – rating 7.8
The self-confessed best box-to-box midfielder on the planet may have a very good point, as this Chilean is ruthless and has the whole package; strong in defence and attack, pace, strength and an eye for goal.
Central midfield – Ivan Rakitic, Sevilla – rating 7.9
Has caught the eye of many interested parties this term – not least for a fine brace against Real Madrid – and the Croatia international could be available due to Sevilla’s financial problems.
Right forward – Luis Suarez, Liverpool – rating 8.7
Arguably the best player in Europe this season, as after serving a six match ban at the start of the campaign the Uruguayan came back to first team action with a bang, with 23 league goals in 19 appearances currently.
Centre forward – Lionel Messi, Barcelona – rating 8.2
There is no keeping the supremely talented Argentine down even if he’s injured and has been stripped of his Ballon d’Or crown, as Messi has 19 goals in 23 games this season.
Left forward – Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid – rating 8.1
Making up an impressive trio in attack is the Madrid superstar and the man who took the Ballon ‘dOr away from Messi in 2013 and Ronaldo has a brillaint record of 32 goals in 30 matches in 2013/14.
