Di Maria 2nd Behind Surprise No.1 And Balotelli Controversially Included Among Premier League’s Best Players

FourFourTwo names the best players in the English top tier.

Respected football magazine FourFourTwo have named the 100 best players in world football of which 29 currently play in the Premier League.

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Here are those representatives from the English top tier.

29. Mario Balotelli, Liverpool

Has been widely considered a flop since completing a £16m summer move from AC Milan and therefore Balotelli’s inclusion is something of a surprise.

28. Pablo Zabaleta, Manchester City

Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium back in 2008 this right-back has been a stalwart in the City side as they have won two league titles and the FA Cup.

27. Samir Nasri, Manchester City

Another Citizens star now and although an outcast in the France national team is a regular under Manuel Pellegrini.

26. Hugo Lloris, Tottenham Hotspur

An inclusion from a side not considered among the traditional ‘big’ teams, Lloris is undoubtedly a top-class goalkeeper.

25. Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal

May not have been as good this season as last, but the Welshman has shown his qualities.

24. Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea

Since Jose Mourinho converted him to a left-back Azpilicueta has been described by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville as ‘the best defender in England.’

23. David de Gea, Manchester United

Had an erratic start to life at Old Trafford, but now the ‘keeper is gaining many points for his side with his superb performances.

22. Santi Cazorla, Arsenal

Has dropped down the pecking order in recent times under Arsene Wenger, but still has huge amounts of class.

21. Juan Mata, Manchester United

Another Spaniard struggling to recreate his form of the past, but could still be key to the Red Devils’ success.

20. Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool

Despite Luis Suarez stealing all the plaudits last term this striker netted 21 league goals to help the Reds to second place.

19. Daley Blind, Manchester United

Signed from Ajax over the summer the Netherlands international has made a strong start to life at Old Trafford.

18. Raheem Sterling, Liverpool

Still only 19-years-old this forward is already a firm fixture for both club and country.

17. Oscar, Chelsea

When Mourinho first arrived back at Stamford Bridge in 2013 the 51-year-old named this Brazilian as his preferred No.10 and he is beginning to live up to that.

16. Wayne Rooney, Manchester United

May not quite be the force he once was, Rooney appears to be developing into a new role as a leader now as captain for club and country.

15. Mesut Ozil, Arsenal

Has fallen down the order after an indifferent first 12 months at the Emirates Stadium following a club record £42.4m transfer from Real Madrid.

14. Robin van Persie, Manchester United

Despite many claiming the 31-year-old is waning van Persie’s goalscoring record for Man United remains impressive.

13. Branislav Ivanovic, Chelsea

Arguably the best right-back in world football this Serbian has really developed his skills having started out at the Blues as a central defender.

12. Radamel Falcao, Manchester United

Made the loan move to the Theatre of Dreams from AS Monaco over the summer and as yet it’s unclear whether that will be success or not.

11. Vincent Kompany, Manchester City

The captain of the Citizens and to many one of the most reliable centre-backs in the game.

10. Nemanja Matic, Chelsea

Returned to Stamford Bridge from Benfica in January and has immediately slotted back in the West Londoners’ side.

9. Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal

Signed from FC Barcelona for £35m over the summer the Chile international has taken to English football immediately.

8. Eden Hazard, Chelsea

Tipped to win the Ballon d’Or in the future this Belgian is perhaps overlooked sometimes when praise is being handed out.

7. David Silva, Manchester City

Since the Spain international first arrived in Manchester back in 2010 no other player in the league has provided more assists than Silva.

6. Yaya Toure, Manchester City

With 20 league goals last term from midfield this 31-year-old played a big part in City winning the league once again.

5. Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea

Returned to England after three years with boyhood side Barcelona over the summer and has been brilliant for Mourinho’s side.

4. Sergio Aguero, Manchester City

With a hugely impressive goalscoring record Pellegrini must be wishing that Aguero could stay fit for longer than he does currently.

3. Thibaut Courtois, Chelsea

Still only 22-years-old this ‘keeper is highly rated and other than Bayern Munich No.1 Manuel Neuer is considered the best in the world in his position by many.

2. Angel di Maria, Manchester United

Just missing out on top spot is the British record £59.7m man who joined United from Madrid this summer.

1. Diego Costa, Chelsea

Top of the pile is another new signing and with 1o league goals already Costa has made quite the impression following a £32m switch.