Top 5 Soccer Players in the World
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal & Real Madrid)
Outscored Messi in the 2010-11 Spanish domestic season but has less influence on games than the nimble Argentine. Ronaldo, though, is stronger and taller than Messi, and his goals-to-games ratio similar. Since joining Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009, Ronaldo has been a revelation, making the world record outlay of US$131 look less outrageous with every hat-trick. His famous stepover is imitated in parks right across the world.2. Lionel Messi (Argentina & Barcelona)
Two times World Player of the Year, Messi is by some distance the best player on the planet. His ability to mesmerize defenders with a mix of skill and pace is unmatched and it appears as though the ball is glued to his feet at times. The Barcelona star is versatile enough to play anywhere across the frontline, but his country Argentina have so far failed to find a way to get the maximum out of this extraordinary talent.3. Xavi Hernandez (Spain & Barcelona)
Barcelona’s midfield metronome dictates the tempo of a match with his phenomenal pass completion rate. He works superbly with partner-in-crime Andres Iniesta, the pair undoubtedly responsible for enhancing Messi’s game further with the steady stream of passes with which they provide in the final third. Xavi is now into his 30s, and a chronic Achilles injury notwithstanding, has the potential to continue for several years yet.
The archetypal box-to-box midfielder. Essien is the model player: fast, strong, well-built, tactically aware and professional. He could add a few more goals to his game, but not at the expense of the valuable defensive contribution he gives to the team. Chelsea had to haggle with tough negotiators Lyon for his signature in 2005, but the Ghanaian was well worth the wait. A player with no real weakness.5. Wayne Rooney (England & Manchester United)
If there were question marks over Rooney's goalscoring abilities, they were well and truly answered in the 2009/10 season. Now that he has added more goals to his game, Rooney is the all-round player. Superb awareness, long-range passing, hold-up play and a never-say-die sprit combine to make a precious asset for club and country.
Top 5 Soccer Players in the World
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal & Real Madrid)
Outscored Messi in the 2010-11 Spanish domestic season but has less influence on games than the nimble Argentine. Ronaldo, though, is stronger and taller than Messi, and his goals-to-games ratio similar. Since joining Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009, Ronaldo has been a revelation, making the world record outlay of US$131 look less outrageous with every hat-trick. His famous stepover is imitated in parks right across the world.
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina & Barcelona)
Two times World Player of the Year, Messi is by some distance the best player on the planet. His ability to mesmerize defenders with a mix of skill and pace is unmatched and it appears as though the ball is glued to his feet at times. The Barcelona star is versatile enough to play anywhere across the frontline, but his country Argentina have so far failed to find a way to get the maximum out of this extraordinary talent.
3. Xavi Hernandez (Spain & Barcelona)
Barcelona’s midfield metronome dictates the tempo of a match with his phenomenal pass completion rate. He works superbly with partner-in-crime Andres Iniesta, the pair undoubtedly responsible for enhancing Messi’s game further with the steady stream of passes with which they provide in the final third. Xavi is now into his 30s, and a chronic Achilles injury notwithstanding, has the potential to continue for several years yet.
4. Michael Essien (Ghana & Chelsea)
The archetypal box-to-box midfielder. Essien is the model player: fast, strong, well-built, tactically aware and professional. He could add a few more goals to his game, but not at the expense of the valuable defensive contribution he gives to the team. Chelsea had to haggle with tough negotiators Lyon for his signature in 2005, but the Ghanaian was well worth the wait. A player with no real weakness.
5. Wayne Rooney (England & Manchester United)
If there were question marks over Rooney's goalscoring abilities, they were well and truly answered in the 2009/10 season. Now that he has added more goals to his game, Rooney is the all-round player. Superb awareness, long-range passing, hold-up play and a never-say-die sprit combine to make a precious asset for club and country.
If there were question marks over Rooney's goalscoring abilities, they were well and truly answered in the 2009/10 season. Now that he has added more goals to his game, Rooney is the all-round player. Superb awareness, long-range passing, hold-up play and a never-say-die sprit combine to make a precious asset for club and country.
