50 best players in Europe in 2014/15: Chelsea & Arsenal stars chasing El Clasico duo Messi & Ronaldo

A run down of the fifty best players in Europe’s top five leagues for the 2014/15 season, including Premier League stars at Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City…

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50) Bas Dost (Wolfsburg)

A player who has emerged out of nowhere, Bas Dost has had a superb season in front of goal for Wolfsburg, scoring 16 times in just the second half of the season.

49) Jeremy Menez (AC Milan)

One of the best goalscoring wingers in Europe this season, Jeremy Menez has shone with AC Milan, scoring 16 goals from out wide.

48) Nabil Fekir (Lyon)

A terrific young forward, Nabil Fekir has caught the eye in Ligue 1 with Lyon, scoring 14 goals and providing 9 assists at the age of just 21.

47) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)

One of the best defenders in Europe, Mats Hummels has had another strong season despite some worse form for Dortmund overall.

46) Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)

A classy young midfield playmaker, Marco Verratti has stepped up his game for Paris Saint-Germain this season.

45) Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

A world class goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer doesn’t always have a lot to do but has maintained his fine form for Bayern Munich.

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44) Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)

Still going strong at the age of 35, Andrea Pirlo is still one of the finest midfielders and passers in the game.

43) Miralem Pjanic (AS Roma)

Another top class midfielder, Miralem Pjanic has caught the eye with AS Roma and may earn interest from bigger clubs.

42) Olivier Giroud (Arsenal)

With 17 goals this season, Olivier Giroud has been hugely improved for Arsenal and looks a dangerous striker on the top of his game.

41) Juan Cuadrado (Chelsea)

Despite not making a huge impact at Chelsea so far, Juan Cuadrado had an excellent first half of the season with Fiorentina.

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40) Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli)

Still one of Europe’s top strikers, Gonzalo Higuain has had another hugely productive season for Napoli, scoring 23 goals and setting up 8 more.

39) Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich)

One of the best young attackers in Europe, Mario Gotze has continued his fine progress with Bayern Munich, despite a recent dip.

38) Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)

ONe of the best defensive midfielders in Europe, Nemanja Matic has been a crucial performer for Chelsea in their title challenge.

37) Roberto Firmino (Hoffenheim)

With 12 goals and 8 assists for Hoffenheim, Roberto Firmino has continued to progress as one of the best young talents in Europe.

36) Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)

Another outstanding young winger with a great future, Raheem Sterling has been crucial for Liverpool once again this season.

35) Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)

Another starlet on the books at Anfield, Philippe Coutinho has been a joy to watch this season with some exceptional displays.

34) Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)

A much improved player from last season, Mesut Ozil has shown how much of a world class playmaker he can be this season.

33) Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

Despite a poor season from City as a whole, Sergio Aguero has remained one of the best strikers in the world with 26 goals to maintain a challenge for the Premier League Golden Boot.

32) David de Gea (Manchester United)

Perhaps the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment, David de Gea has had an amazing season for United this year.

31) Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)

A top class defensive midfielder who may be on his way out of Dortmund, Ilkay Gundogan looks a genuine talent who could shine at a bigger club.

30) Isco (Real Madrid)

Showing his fine potential for Real Madrid this season, Isco has been a key performer for the club as they chase a title and Champions League double.

29) Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)

A stand-out performer for Arsenal, Santi Cazorla has been world class in the second half of this season.

28) James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)

Despite some injury problems, James Rodriguez has made a real impression in his first season for Real Madrid, following on from a brilliant World Cup for Colombia.

27) Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

Perhaps not at his very best for Bayern Munich, but Robert Lewandowski’s impressive goal tally continues as he settles in at a new club.

26) Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain)

An underrated striker, Edinson Cavani has not had the best of times at PSG, but teams still can’t seem to stop him scoring.

25) Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris Saint-Germain)

He may be 33, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still one of the best in the world on his day and has had another fine season.

24) Koke (Atletico Madrid)

A young playmaker with a great future, Koke has been instrumental again this season for Atletico Madrid.

23) Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)

A superb signing by Real Madrid, Toni Kroos has instantly become one of the team’s most important players in midfield.

22) Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

With 23 goals from out wide, Antoine Griezmann looks the real deal since his big move to Atletico Madrid.

21) Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

A goal machine, Karim Benzema has had yet another excellent season for European Champions Real Madrid.

20) Mario Mandzukic (Atletico Madrid)

Another great signing by Atletico to replace Diego Costa, Mario Mandzukic has made a great impact in his first season in La Liga.

19) Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain)

Still one of the best defenders in the world, Thiago Silva has been a real leader again this year for PSG.

18) Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)

A player who made an instant impact at Chelsea, Cesc Fabregas has added real class, quality and creativity to Jose Mourinho’s side.

17) Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon)

With 29 goals and 6 assists, 23-year-old Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette looks an utterly world class talent who could fire the side to a surprise title win.

16) Carlos Tevez (Juventus)

A player back to his best this season, Carlos Tevez leads the Serie A scoring charts and has helped Juventus to the Champions League semi-finals.

15) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Revitalised under Louis van Gaal, Wayne Rooney has been tremendous for Manchester United and a key player in their improvement this term.

14) Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)

Panned by some critics, Gareth Bale still has a hugely impressive 17 goals and 8 assists from out wide for Real Madrid.

13) Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)

One of the best attacking midfielders in the game, Marco Reus has been superb again for Borussia Dortmund this season and could be set for a big move.

12) Kevin De Bruyne (Wolfsburg)

One of the most outstanding breakthrough performers, Kevin De Bruyne has 15 goals and 22 assists for Wolfsburg and looks like a player Chelsea should never have let go.

11) Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)

With 20 goals and 13 assists, Thomas Muller quietly continues to go about his business as one of the best goalscoring midfielders in the game and a real asset for club and country.

10) Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)

With an incredible 30 goals, Harry Kane of Tottenham is another outstanding young striker who has come out of nowhere to show his class.

9) Paul Pogba (Juventus)

Probably the best young player in the world, Juventus starlet Paul Pogba has been top class again this season and looks a future Ballon d’Or winner.

8) Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)

A superbly skillful winger, Arjen Robben has been brilliant again for Bayern Munich, scoring 19 goals and setting up 8 more from out wide.

7) Diego Costa (Chelsea)

A powerhouse striker enjoying a great first season in the Premier League, Diego Costa has been one of the signings of the summer and a much-needed addition for Chelsea.

6) Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)

A player Barcelona should never have let go, Alexis Sanche has been another outstanding buy, shining as one of the best players in the Premier League in his first year at Arsenal.

5) Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Tipped to win PFA Player of the Year, Eden Hazard has improved even further for Chelsea this term, lighting up the Premier League with his talent.

4) Luis Suarez (Barcelona)

Despite a slow start, Luis Suarez has continued to establish himself as a world great at Barcelona, playing a huge role in their rise to the top of La Liga and to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

3) Neymar (Barcelona)

Into his second season in Europe, Neymar has been another outstanding performer for Barcelona, showing that he is the real deal at this level.

2) Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Harsh perhaps, but Lionel Messi is just behind Cristiano Ronaldo on individual brilliance this season, though he has still adapted superbly to his new role in the Barca team.

1) Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

A player on another level, Cristiano Ronaldo has 48 goals already this season and looks unstoppable, even if Real’s own form has dipped slightly of late.