TOP TEN PLAYERS 2011
1) CRISTIANO RONALDO
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Madrid savior, now has the pressure of the Madrid citizens after being transferred from Manchester United to Real Madrid. With this picture (above) outlining the entire Madrid Metro, Cristiano Ronaldo has the whole city of Madrid on his shoulders. This electrifying player who tallied 42 goals in the 07-08 season now looks to help Madrid defeat their rival Barcelona in route to try to win a title in 09-10. This Portuguese phenom deserves to be in the top ten. He is the most expensive player and he was bought for £ 80m.
2) LIONEL MESSI
Lionel Messi is definitely one of the best soccer players in the world. His national team is Argentina while he plays for FC Barcelona as his club team. It is no doubt that Messi is one of the most talented and most skillful performers on the planet. Messi was the UEFA Champions League top scorer in 08-09. Lionel Messi mesmerizes defenders and makes goalies look useless. He is definitely one of the ten best players in the world.
3) ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
This Swede recently made headlines by joining the already powerhouse Barcelona. He was transferred from Serie A team of Inter Milan. Ibrahimovic has the ability to change the game in one blink of the eye. The dynamic forward will benefit Barcelona as he looks to team up with Henry and Messi. Ibra’s 25 goals saw him take home the coveted Capocannoniere for the first time in his career.
4) RICARDO KAKA
Kaka was another big signing from Real Madrid’s spending spree this summer. Kaka definitely makes Real Madrid a contender especially with the addition of his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. This talented Brazilian transferred from AC Milan to Real Madrid in hopes of contending for a Champions League Title. This midfielder has an argument to be in the top ten with his list of awards. Some of his individual awards include: 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Ball, 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Best XI, and Time 100 Most Influential People In The World 2009.
5) STEVEN GERRARD
The Liverpool Captain, Steven Gerrard, has all the talent in the world. This Englishman has the ability to control a game and to thread the needle. “Stevie G” has many different awards that only support his case to be on this list. He was the FWA Player of the Year, PFA Fans’ Player of the Year, PFA Team of the Year, and March’s Premier League Player of the Month, enough said.
6) XAVI HERNANDEZ
Xavi Hernadez is not the fastest player in the world, nor does he have the best foot skills. This center midfielder is definitely one of the best players in the world. He is one of the best creators in the game. Xavi orchestrates Barcelona’s every move. The team moves through this talented player. This native Spain player was the top assist provider in La Liga as well as the top assist provider in Champions League. Is there a better assist man out there?
7) ANDRES INIESTA
Andres Iniesta, was possibly one the most underrated players out there. Now the 25 year old, with his breakout season, has represented Spain at every age. This humble superstar has never had the publicity or popularity as other players out there, but he lets his talent speak for itself. Along with his other teammates, Iniesta’s stunning performances have shinned out throughout the past year.
8) FRANK LAMPARD
Frank Lampard, the Chelsea superstar, is placed on this list for a number of reasons. The midfielder has been one of the most consistent players in the past years. Lampard has continued to dazzle in front of goal, as well as in the middle of the field, where he has cut defences open with accurate passes struck over unthinkable distances. Being Chelsea’s 2009 Player of the Year is definitely an impressive award. Chelsea is loaded with talent and is always considered a high contender.
9) FERNANDO TORRES
Fernando Torres is a terrific striker. He originates from Spain and plays for Liverpool with Stevie G.
With excellent control, great technique, unreal awareness, and great balance, Torres is one of the top center forwards in the world. This player has the ability to take over a single game within seconds. This player was transferred to CHELSEA for £ 50m.
10) FRANCESC FABREGAS
Fabregas is a Spanish footballer who plays as a central-midfielder. Fàbregas started his career as a trainee with FC Barcelona but was signed by Arsenal in September 2003 at the age of 16. Following injuries to key midfielders in the 2004–05 season, he established himself as Arsenal's starting central midfielder and playmaker. He went on to break several of the club's records, earning a reputation as one of the best young players for his position. He is the captain of the Premier League team Arsenal.
