20) Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)
The ageless Italian midfielder continues to be a vital player for both club and country, helping Juventus win consecutive Serie A titles, and Italy reach the final of Euro 2012 and finish third in the Confederations Cup.
19) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
One of the finest defenders in world football, the German World Cup winner has both Barcelona and Manchester United hopefully watching his availability. The 25-year-old is only going to get better.
18) Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)
The German midfielder was one of the stand-out players of the World Cup final this summer, and deserved to get his hands on that famous trophy as much as anyone. There is little this 29-year-old has not achieved.
17) Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
Ten World Cup goals in two tournaments, as well as a whole host on honours for club and country, this versatile attacker is renowned as one of the best players in the world, and Munich moved quickly to tie him down to a new contract earlier this year.
16) Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Th Belgian star has spoken of his desire to match the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and while he has not yet hit those heights he his still one of the most talented players in the world.