tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69861249992186907852024-02-19T17:33:44.286-08:00Ademir to Zizinhocommehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00860764566079132210noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-84322018261298221562014-09-12T07:17:00.001-07:002014-09-12T07:17:08.329-07:00Time For Fans To Take Direct Action On Ticket Prices<p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">In recent weeks focu</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">s has again turned to the inexorable rise of ticket prices and the action taken by a small section of fans to try and curb the ceaseless march upwards. Yet so far, despite frequent and widespread complaints over ticket prices, hopes that this might take effect still appear unlikely to be fulfilled.</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At the heart of the issue is the differing way in which the game is perceived by fans and club owners. Supporting a football club is not a rational act. Following a team across the country every week, dedicating your life to eleven men kicking a ball cannot be adequately explained to those without a passion for football. When the incredible cost that accompanies such whole-hearted support is taken into account it looks stranger still.</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">The act of buying a football club is rarely rational eith</span><span class="s2">er. As an investment they seldom</span><span class="s2"> offer the sort of return that level-headed businessmen might demand, yet that has not prevented generations of would-be </span><span class="s2">Abramovichs</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s2">hoovering</span><span class="s2"> up the nation’s most adored institutions. Once they have taken over, owners typically display a bi-polar approach to the club’s finances, at the same time spending with reckless abandon and somehow trying to fund their profligacy by raising revenues.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">The most dependable source for increased income had always been, in one way or another, the fans. Whether through gate receipts, </span><span class="s2">merchandise or TV subscriptions</span><span class="s2">, </span><span class="s2">demand</span><span class="s2"> for football has never been higher and therein lies the problem.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">Last season the Premier League saw average attendances of over 36,000, the highest figure since 1950. Indeed only twice in English football history (the post-war boom seasons of 1948-9 and 1949-50) has the average gate at top-flight grounds been higher. Now that figure is naturally dependent on the clubs who make up the league (the absence of QPR and Wigan helped boost the Premier League at the expense of the Championship</span><span class="s2"> in 2013-14</span><span class="s2">) and the number of top division teams, but it is clear that </span><span class="s2">the popularity of the game is at an all-time high.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Given the parlous state of the finances of most clubs (only Manchester United and Arsenal have consistently generated a profit in recent years) is it any surprise that they have chosen to exploit one of the few revenue streams which seems to have almost no limit?</span></p><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s5" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">It’s al</span><span class="s2">l very well for the FSF to look at the recent TV deals and claim:</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s4"><span class="bumpedFont20">"The increase in Premier League media rights alone could have led to all 20 clubs letting in each and every supporter for all 38 games for free last season without being any worse off than </span></span><span class="s4"><span class="bumpedFont20">they had been the season before.</span></span><span class="s4"><span class="bumpedFont20">"</span></span><span class="s4"><span class="bumpedFont20"> The fact is that almost all those clubs were losing money last season and due to the unending spiral of wage inflation will be again soon.</span></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">If fans want to see</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s2">a fall in prices genuine action needs to be taken. Marches, like that organised by </span><span class="s2">the FSF last month, help to raise awareness of fans’ opinions but they are undermined by the fact that attendances are so high. For owners to take real notice</span><span class="s2">,</span><span class="s2"> fans need to start boycotting matches, refusing to purchase food and drink inside the ground and to stop buying merchandise from the on-site “superstore”. These are acts which will start to hit home with owners who ultimately are dependent on these revenue streams for some semblance of sustainability.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">The great difficulty that accompanies this is the fact that</span><span class="s2">nobody acts in isolation. Arsenal and Spurs have often been held up as the clubs with the most outrageously expensive ticket prices and yet each club is reputed to have a waiting list for season tickets of over 40,000 people. If one fan votes with his feet and fails to renew there will be a host of others ready and willing to take his place. Given this, it would take a bold supporter to walk away and expect droves to follow suit.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">The other key step has to be a level of realism in fan expectations. Partly this is a vicious circle with support</span><span class="s2">er</span><span class="s2">s understandably expecting more</span><span class="s2"> success, more silverware, more superstars</span><span class="s2"> given the increase in prices, but this </span><span class="s2">has to be paid for. Fans rarely complain of a club being too ambitious in the transfer market or of giving their star striker an improved contract as they aim to prevent an exodus of talent. I’m sure there were Leeds and Portsmouth fans urging caution as they chased lofty ambitions but they were certainly drowned out by a more jubilant majority.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">Asking fans to be more measured in their expectations is perhaps a step too far. By its very nature football is a game of dreams; fans don’t turn up to see the ordinary but to hope for the extraordinary. The problem is that such thinking has</span><span class="s2"> led directly to the arms race which has ensued over the last 20 years as revenues has risen vertiginously and wages have shot up still faster.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">Of course, it would be remiss to write about ticket prices without making the obligatory reference to Germany</span><span class="s2">. As David Conn, a one-man cottage-industry of such articles, never fails to observe, it’s possible to buy a season ticket at Bayern Munich for roughly £100 while standing sections at the likes of </span><span class="s2">Borussia</span><span class="s2"> Dortmund are priced to be inclusive to all.</span><span class="s2"></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">While such low pricing is, of course, admirable, it rather masks </span><span class="s2">the innate problem. Tickets are a scare resource</span><span class="s2">. Prices are the</span><span class="s2"> simple</span><span class="s2">st</span><span class="s2"> method of allocating</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s2">that resource to those wh</span><span class="s2">o want it the most. If prices in</span><span class="s2"> England were dropped it wouldn’t enable fans </span><span class="s2">who</span><span class="s2"> are currently “priced out” to attend games at Old Trafford or the Emirates</span><span class="s2"> in any numbers purely because there aren’t any spare tickets to be had at the moment.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">Meanwhile the ever-increasing pressure of Financial Fair Play</span><span class="s2">suggests </span><span class="s2">that ticket prices will continue to be a source of lucrative income in the coming years. With clubs such as Manchester City no longer able to rely on the largesse of their Emirati patrons, they will inevitably be forced to raise their prices to the level paid by similarly successful sides if they hope to stay on the right side of the law. An unintended consequence of Michel </span><span class="s2">Platini’s</span><span class="s2"> crusade to end financial doping will surely be further ticket inflation rather than the prudence that was envisaged.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2"><br></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">As things stand hopes of cheaper tickets remain just a pipe dream. Marches, chants and 80</span><span class="s6" style="vertical-align: super;">th</span><span class="s2"> minute walk outs won’t change anything. The only way for fans to drive a change in the pricing structure at top clubs is to vote with their feet and stay away. Until then</span><span class="s2"> clubs will continue to raise prices as they aim to maximise the revenue they receive to receive from “loyal consumers”. Football supporters will always be i</span><span class="s2">rrational, it’s the very nature of following this great game,</span><span class="s2"> but expecting owners to act in the same way is just deluded.</span></span></p>commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-24690588988646728052014-06-02T04:47:00.001-07:002014-06-02T04:48:04.047-07:00What does this World Cup mean for the legacy of Lionel Messi?As the 2014 World Cup in Brazil draws near, certain expectations start to form. The location, for reasons of history and stereotypical images of samba football, means that many are predicting a great festival of the game. The hosts naturally are expected to do well. Meanwhile the eyes of the world turn to Lionel Messi and wonder whether he can deliver something truly special. <br />
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Almost since his Barcelona debut people have wondered quite what this phenomenal player might achieve. The comparisons with greats of the past, particularly his compatriot Diego Maradona, have followed throughout his career so far. Unquestionably his club exploits place him among the highest rank of football legends. The consistent brilliance that he has displayed over recent years mean that few could dispute his place within that most exalted company, but what about his contribution on the international stage, and how might that change based on Brazil 2014?<br />
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For many critics of the Argentine number 10, the World Cup represents the ultimate hurdle and a competition in which he is yet to impress. When looking at the legends of yesteryear, the World Cup is often held up as the ultimate barometer of success, but it isn’t exclusively the case. Neither George Best nor Alfredo Di Stefano ever played on the greatest stage, yet few would dispute their miraculous gifts. In their own ways, Best’s flame burning brightly but briefly while Di Stefano’s peerless play continued late into his 30s, each illustrated such ability and technique that they have a wealth of advocates happy to place them as the finest ever. <br />
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Of the wider collection of the game’s greatest figures, the likes of Ferenc Puskas and Johan Cruyff both played, with distinction, at the World Cup but never claimed the ultimate prize. Both men were defeated finalists of course, while Messi has so far never progressed further than the quarter-finals. Yet in a way their failures remain more famous than the successes of their conquerors. The teams of Hungary in 1954 and the Netherlands in 1974 are remembered while the West German sides who triumphed at their expense are rarely counted among the sport's true greats.<br />
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More fundamentally does the World Cup still represent the pinnacle of footballing greatness? Certainly it remains the most special prize, but that owes as much to the scarcity of opportunity and the format as much as it does to the quality of football. Alex Ferguson famously suggested that the Champions League had usurped the World Cup as the home for the game’s finest players. This year’s edition will be lacking the likes of Gareth Bale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic; hostages to the countries of their birth rather than their own unique talents.<br />
<br />
Moreover the compact nature of the finals means that luck becomes a major factor. With doubts over the participation of Radamel Falcao and Luis Suarez hanging over Colombia and Uruguay, the timing and significance of injuries are likely to play a significant part in judging anyone on their World Cup efforts. Pele missed almost the duration of the 1962 tournament through a thigh injury while in 1966 Portugal’s ability to impede the man known as “O Rei” helped to bring the reigning champions’ defence of their title to a premature end. Similarly Maradona played throughout the 1990 tournament under the effects of painkillers and injections thanks to an ankle issue which seriously impeded his influence. <br />
<br />
The influence of luck or good fortune though extends far beyond the realms of injuries. Almost every champion in World Cup history has profited from one moment or other that has smoothed their path to glory. Maradona's "Hand of God" might stand out as the most famous, but England's controversial third goal in 1966 and the penalty shoot-out wins of Brazil in 1994 and Italy in 2006 both owed much to Lady Luck. The regular rejoinder that "these things even themselves out" might hold some weight over the course of a long league season, but with a maximum of seven matches at the World Cup there just isn't a chance for such optimism.<br />
<br />
The two great hurdles for Messi to overcome in his path to be recognised as the greatest of all time are Pele and Maradona, two players with impeccable World Cup credentials. Their achievements on the biggest stage are legendary and for many judges Messi will have to emulate their feats if he is to be crowned as the game's finest practitioner.<br />
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Pele began his World Cup career at 17, with a series of bravura performances as Brazil roared to a first global crown in Sweden. Although his participation in 1962 and 1966 was devastated by injury, his return in 1970 after returning to the national team ended in ultimate glory at the most memorable World Cup ever. Furthermore his record of three World Cups looks unlikely to be matched in the foreseeable future. <br />
<br />
At this point it looks inconceivable for Messi to equal the achievements of Pele at the World Cup. More than that, the comparison between the two players is almost impossible to make. As has often been thrown at Messi, he is fundamentally a player with a narrower skill set than a number of the greats. Pele was two footed, quick, strong and exceptional in the air for someone of his modest stature. In contrast to modern perceptions (not helped by the regular references to the 1281 goals that he scored), he was far more than just a goal scorer, with a football brain the equal of any rival. He was the complete forward, but that does not in itself mean he was the best.<br />
<br />
The differences between the two players in their style, the eras in which they played and the competitions in which they participated, means that Messi will never decisively supplant Pele as the sport's greatest figure. Just as Don Bradman and Babe Ruth will always remain the most fabled figures in their respective sports, so Pele will always be, for a loyal section of observers, the de facto king of football. <br />
<br />
That is not to say that Messi cannot be a better, more effective footballer. He has shown time and again an ability to decisively influence the biggest matches, to settle contests against the planet's best teams. What's more, given the nature of the modern Champions League and Barcelona's financial strength, he is likely to have multiple more chances to claim famous victories. But whatever he achieves, Pele's legend will still be there and realistically his crown will never be conclusively wrested from the Brazilian's grasp.<br />
<br />
The comparison with Maradona is the one that is in Messi's power to change. It's not just his shared nationality which has invited comparisons with the fabled Diego. Their similarities in style (both overwhelmingly left-footed, with a scampering dribbling habit, a desire to float between the lines) mean that while they weren't clones (Maradona tended to dictate games from deep far more), it is at least a discussion worth having.<br />
<br />
Maradona's legend in popular perception is, erroneously, built on two specific feats. The first is his achievement of carrying Argentina "singlehandedly" to the 1986 World Cup. That performance, probably the greatest single individual display in World Cup history, should never be underplayed, but with distance it has grown ever greater. <br />
<br />
In truth it was a side built and designed to bring the best out of Maradona, sacrificing players of great ability (Ricardo Bochini, Daniel Bertoni and even Daniel Passarella) to play to his strengths. Furthermore that argument ignores the vital contributions of Jorge Burruchaga and Jorge Valdano, as well as the excellent defensive unit which conceded just three goals in their six games en route to the final. Before that match Franz Beckenbauer had claimed Argentina were a team without a weakness; likely bluster from an opposition manager but the myth that this was a tournament won by Maradona alone is one which has been created by modern minds. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile the other great achievement was his success in claiming two Scudetti with Napoli at a time when Serie A was the most competitive league in the world. The significance of the feat tends to rise and fall inversely with the current performance of Napoli, veering from unthinkable to simply remarkable. Undoubtedly it was a sensational achievement but Hellas Verona, an even more modest club than the Neapolitans, had themselves won the title only two years earlier. The closed shop dominance of the traditionally big clubs was rising but it was yet to establish the stranglehold that it has today, while Napoli had demonstrated their ambition by signing Maradona for a world record fee from Barcelona and then surrounding him with the likes of Alemao and Careca by the time the second title was won.<br />
<br />
Messi's club career already stands as the equal (or likely superior) of Maradona's, his peerless consistency reflected in the displays offered in the Champions League as well as domestically. The 2014 World Cup offers a terrific chance to put his international standing on equal footing. Like in 1986 Argentina enter the tournament as second favourites (behind Brazil) with a favourable draw and location facing them. Few can expect Messi to top the performance of Maradona but, given the brilliance displayed previously against opposition of the highest calibre, it is not beyond him.<br />
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Ultimately failure to deliver in these finals will not extinguish any hopes of Messi surpassing his illustrious rivals to stand shoulder to shoulder with Pele. Given his age there is no reason the Argentine shouldn't play in another tournament or two. Yet if he can take Argentina to victory, particularly if he does so in the style he has shown for Barcelona in recent years, his admirers will be queuing up to anoint him as the greatest of the modern era. For that reason, this tournament is likely to prove pivotal but not yet critical to perceptions of the Rosario superstar. commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-44910518721035065502014-05-21T11:26:00.001-07:002014-05-21T11:33:45.585-07:00The Complete History of the World CupMy book, The Complete History of the World Cup, is available now on Kindle offering unrivalled coverage of the Beautiful Game's greatest competition. From the creation of FIFA and the arduous path to the first tournament in Uruguay, to the last-gasp heroics of Andrés Iniesta that saw Spain claim victory in South Africa, this book provides the most comprehensive history of the World Cup ever written. <br />
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Match reports for every game in World Cup finals history are accompanied by a statistical summary comprising line-ups, time, date and location of the match, along with the officials who oversaw the contest. For the first time ever this book also outlines the formations employed by every team in tournament history, along with coverage of how the tactical battles played out. In this extensive account every match is analysed in unmatched detail, as the significant events of every game are explored and insights never previously recorded are offered. <br />
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From Pelé to Zidane, Maradona to Ronaldo, the incredible achievements of the competition's greatest players are recalled in evocative fashion, along with the moments which have made the World Cup the best loved and most anticipated sporting event in history. This is the ultimate companion for any true fan to enjoy Brazil 2014 in all its glory.<br />
<br />
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Complete-History-World-Cup-ebook/dp/B00K9URA7M/ref=sr_1_8?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1400653582&sr=1-8&keywords=world+cup <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5p4Hvt32xCgAXvjjjGNKoidwOi16OERrLLfoEKxJopQRLzf2H3E5L8d-4r8lxxPHkmxiYzDeUXcFzxJqa5ecmdR1IGNhckvyLkDiVL5_82B1vsLNqgiQrBobJfEXQQfSzObQXhvOG6TQY/s640/blogger-image--189170332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5p4Hvt32xCgAXvjjjGNKoidwOi16OERrLLfoEKxJopQRLzf2H3E5L8d-4r8lxxPHkmxiYzDeUXcFzxJqa5ecmdR1IGNhckvyLkDiVL5_82B1vsLNqgiQrBobJfEXQQfSzObQXhvOG6TQY/s640/blogger-image--189170332.jpg" /></a></div>commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-13199383666527282912013-06-14T04:07:00.001-07:002013-06-14T04:11:23.137-07:00Rangliste 2012-13 - Recap<p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Goalkeepers</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Willy Caballero (</span><span class="s5">M</span><span class="s5">á</span><span class="s5">laga</span><span class="s5"> and Argentina) </span><span class="s5">36 games, 0 goals </span><span class="s5">**</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Gianluigi</span><span class="s5"> Buffon (</span><span class="s5">Juventus</span><span class="s5"> and Italy) </span><span class="s5">32 games, 0 goals</span><span class="s5">*</span><span class="s5">*</span><span class="s5"></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Manuel </span><span class="s5">Neuer</span><span class="s5"> (Bayern Munich and Germany) </span><span class="s5">31 games, 0 goals </span><span class="s5">*</span><span class="s5">*</span><span class="s5"></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Thibaut</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Courtois</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Atletico</span><span class="s5"> Madrid and Belgium) </span><span class="s5">37 games, 0 goals </span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Rene Adler (Hamburg and Germany) </span><span class="s5">32 games, 0 goals</span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">David de </span><span class="s5">Gea</span><span class="s5"> (Manchester United and Spain) </span><span class="s5">28 games, 0 goals </span><span class="s5">*</span><span class="s6"></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Kevin Trapp (</span><span class="s5">Eintracht</span><span class="s5"> Frankfurt and Germany) </span><span class="s5">26 games, 0 goals </span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Federico </span><span class="s5">Marchetti</span><span class="s5"> (Lazio and Italy) 33 games, 0 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Salvatore </span><span class="s5">Sirigu</span><span class="s5"> (Paris Saint-</span><span class="s5">Germain</span><span class="s5"> and Italy) 33 games, 0 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Samir</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Handanovic</span><span class="s5"> (Inter and Slovenia) </span><span class="s5">35 games, 0 goals </span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Mickael</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Landreau</span><span class="s5"> (Bastia and France) </span><span class="s5">38 games, 0 goals </span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Fraser Forster (Celtic and England) </span><span class="s5">34 games, 0 goals </span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Honourable mentions</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Asmir</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Begovic</span><span class="s5"> (Stoke City and Serbia)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Morgan de </span><span class="s5">Sanctis</span><span class="s5"> (Napoli and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Brad </span><span class="s5">Guzan</span><span class="s5"> (Aston Villa and USA)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Gorka</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Iraizoz</span><span class="s5"> (Athletic Bilbao and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Hugo </span><span class="s5">Lloris</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Tottenham</span><span class="s5"> Hotspur and France)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Steve </span><span class="s5">Mandanda</span><span class="s5"> (Marseille and France)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Antonio </span><span class="s5">Mirante</span><span class="s5"> (Parma and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Kenneth Vermeer (Ajax and Netherlands)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Roman </span><span class="s5">Weidenfeller</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Borussia</span><span class="s5"> Dortmund and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><br></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Fullbacks</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Philipp </span><span class="s5">Lahm</span><span class="s5"> (Bayern Munich and Germany) 29 games, 0 goals ***</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Jordi</span><span class="s5"> Alba (Barcelona and Spain) </span><span class="s5">29 games, 2 goals </span><span class="s5">**</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Darijo</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Srna</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Shakhtar</span><span class="s5"> Donetsk and Croatia) </span><span class="s5">25 games, 2 goals </span><span class="s5">*</span><span class="s5">* </span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Leighton</span><span class="s5"> Baines (Everton and England) </span><span class="s5">38 games, 5 goals </span><span class="s5">**</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Pablo </span><span class="s5">Zabaleta</span><span class="s5"> (Manchester City and Argentina) </span><span class="s5">30 games, 2 goals </span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Filipe Luis (</span><span class="s5">Atletico</span><span class="s5"> Madrid and Brazil) </span><span class="s5">32 games, 1 goal</span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Stefan </span><span class="s5">Lichtsteiner</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Juventus</span><span class="s5"> and Switzerland) </span><span class="s5">28 games, 4 goals </span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Carlos Martinez (Real </span><span class="s5">Sociedad</span><span class="s5"> and Spain) 29 games, 1 goal *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Mattia</span><span class="s5"> de </span><span class="s5">Sciglio</span><span class="s5"> (AC Milan and Italy) </span><span class="s5">27 games, 0 goals</span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">David </span><span class="s5">Alaba</span><span class="s5"> (Bayern Munich and Austria) </span><span class="s5">23 games, 3 goals </span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Branislav</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Ivanovic</span><span class="s5"> (Chelsea and Serbia) </span><span class="s5">34 games, 5 goals </span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Patrice </span><span class="s5">Evra</span><span class="s5"> (Manchester United and France) </span><span class="s5">34 games, 4 goals </span><span class="s5">*</span><span class="s5">Daniel </span><span class="s5">Carvajal</span><span class="s5"> (Bayer Leverkusen and Spain) </span><span class="s5">32 games, 1 goal </span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Maxwell (Paris Saint-</span><span class="s5">Germain</span><span class="s5"> and Brazil) 33 games, 2 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Rafael (Manchester United and Brazil) </span><span class="s5">28 games, 3 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Manuel Pasqual (</span><span class="s5">Fiorentina</span><span class="s5"> and Italy) 35 games, 2 goals*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Honourable mentions</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Adriano (Barcelona and Brazil)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Kwadwo</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Asamoah</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Juventus</span><span class="s5"> and Ghana)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Daley Blind (Ajax and Netherlands)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ashley Cole (Chelsea and England) </span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Lucas </span><span class="s5">Digne</span><span class="s5"> (Lille and France)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Mikel</span><span class="s5"> Gonzalez (Real </span><span class="s5">Sociedad</span><span class="s5"> and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Daryl </span><span class="s5">Janmaat</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Feyenoord</span><span class="s5"> and Netherlands)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Jefferson (</span><span class="s5">Estoril</span><span class="s5"> and Brazil)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Glen Johnson (Liverpool and England)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Juanfran</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Atletico</span><span class="s5"> Madrid and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Sebastian Jung (</span><span class="s5">Eintracht</span><span class="s5"> Frankfurt and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Dmitri </span><span class="s5">Kombar</span><span class="s5">ov</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Spartak</span><span class="s5"> Moscow and Russia)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Matthew </span><span class="s5">Lowton</span><span class="s5"> (Aston Villa and England)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Nacho </span><span class="s5">Monreal</span><span class="s5"> (Malaga/Arsenal and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jeremy Morel (Marseille and France)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Bastian </span><span class="s5">Oczipka</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Eintracht</span><span class="s5"> Frankfurt and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Lukasz </span><span class="s5">Piszczek</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Borussia</span><span class="s5"> Dortmund and Poland</span><span class="s5">)</span><span class="s5">Stefan</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Radu</span><span class="s5"> (Lazio and Roma</span><span class="s5">nia)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Marcel </span><span class="s5">Schmelzer</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Borussia</span><span class="s5"> Dortmund and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><br></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">Centre-backs </span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Dante</span><span class="s5"> (Bayern Munich and Brazil) 29 games, 1 goal ***</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Thiago</span><span class="s5"> Silva (PSG and Brazil) 22 games, 0 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Giorgio </span><span class="s5">Chiellini</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Juventus</span><span class="s5"> and Italy) 24 games, 1 goal **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Andrea </span><span class="s5">Barzagli</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Juventus</span><span class="s5"> and Italy) 34 games, 1 goal **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Diego </span><span class="s5">Godin</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Atletico</span><span class="s5"> Madrid and Uruguay) 35 games, 1 goal **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Mats </span><span class="s5">Hummels</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Borussia</span><span class="s5"> Dortmund and Germany) 28 games, 1 goal *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Jan </span><span class="s5">Vertonghen</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Tottenham</span><span class="s5"> and Belgium) 34 games, 4 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid and Spain) 26 games, 4 goals *</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Gonzalo Rodriguez (</span><span class="s5">Fiorentina</span><span class="s5"> and Argentina) 35 games, 6 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United and England) 28 games, 1 goal *</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Hugo </span><span class="s5">Campagnaro</span><span class="s5"> (Napoli and Argentina) 28 games, 1 goal *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Nicolas </span><span class="s5">Nkoulou</span><span class="s5"> (Marseille and Cameroon) 38 games, 0 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Laurent </span><span class="s5">Koscielny</span><span class="s5"> (Arsenal and France) 25 games, 2 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Ezequiel</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Garay</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Benfica</span><span class="s5"> and Argentina) 27 games, 1 goal *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Honourable Mentions</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Toby </span><span class="s5">Alderweireld</span><span class="s5"> (Ajax and Belgium)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Mehdi</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Benatia</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Udinese</span><span class="s5"> and Morocco)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Jerome </span><span class="s5">Boat</span><span class="s5">eng</span><span class="s5"> (Bayern Munich and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Leonardo </span><span class="s5">Bonucci</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Juventus</span><span class="s5"> and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Paolo </span><span class="s5">Cannavaro</span><span class="s5"> (Napoli and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Aureli</span><span class="s5">en</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Chedjou</span><span class="s5">(Lille and Cameroon)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Chico (Swansea and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Alberto de la Bella (Real</span><span class="s5">Sociedad</span><span class="s5"> and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Jonny Evans (Manchester United and Northern Ireland)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Benedikt</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Hoewedes</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Schalke</span><span class="s5"> and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Timm</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Klose</span><span class="s5"> (Nurnberg and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Marquinhos</span><span class="s5">(Roma and Brazil)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Inigo</span><span class="s5"> Martinez (Real </span><span class="s5">Sociedad</span><span class="s5"> and Spain</span><span class="s5">) </span><span class="s5">Matija</span><span class="s5"></span><span class="s5">Nastasic</span><span class="s5"> (Manchester City and Serbia)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Nicolas </span><span class="s5">Otamendi</span><span class="s5"> (Porto and Argentina)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Gerard Piqué (Barcelona and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Andrea </span><span class="s5">Ranocchia</span><span class="s5"> (Inter and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Neven</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Subotic</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Borussia</span><span class="s5"> Dortmund and Serbia)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Raphael</span><span class="s5">Varane</span><span class="s5"> (Real Madrid and France</span><span class="s5">)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Philipp </span><span class="s5">Wollscheid</span><span class="s5"> (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; "><br></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">Defensive midfielders</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Michael Carrick (Manchester United and England) 36 games, 1 goal ***</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Sergio </span><span class="s5">Busquets</span><span class="s5"> (Barcelona and Spain) 31 games, 1 goal **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Blaise</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Matuidi</span><span class="s5"> (Paris Saint-</span><span class="s5">Germain</span><span class="s5"> and France) 37 games, 5 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Javi</span><span class="s5"> Martinez (Bayern Munich and Spain) 27 games, 3 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Pontus </span><span class="s5">Wernbloom</span><span class="s5"> (CSKA Moscow and Sweden) 26 games, 4 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Maxime</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Gonalons</span><span class="s5"> (Lyon and France) 35 games, 3 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Benat</span><span class="s5"> (Real </span><span class="s5">Betis</span><span class="s5"> and Spain) 34 games, 4 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Nemanja</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Matic</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Benfica</span><span class="s5"> and Serbia) 26 games, 3 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Etienne </span><span class="s5">Capoue</span><span class="s5"> (Toulouse and France) 34 games, 7 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Morgan </span><span class="s5">Schneiderlin</span><span class="s5"> (Southampton and France) 36 games, 5 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Sebastian Rode (</span><span class="s5">Eintracht</span><span class="s5"> Frankfurt and Germany) 33 games, 0 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Victor </span><span class="s5">Wanyama</span><span class="s5"> (Celtic and Kenya) 32 games, 6 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Honourable mentions</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Esteban </span><span class="s5">Cambiasso</span><span class="s5"> (Inter and Argentina)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Gabi (</span><span class="s5">Atletico</span><span class="s5"> Madrid and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Luiz</span><span class="s5"> Gustavo (Bayern Munich and Brazil)</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Grzgorz</span><span class="s5"></span><span class="s5">Krychowiak</span><span class="s5"> (Reims and Poland)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Frank </span><span class="s5">Lampard</span><span class="s5"> (Chelsea and England)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Francesco Lodi (Catania and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Sandro</span><span class="s5"> (Tottenham and Brazil)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Pirmin</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Schwegler</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Eintracht</span><span class="s5"> Frankfurt and Switzerland)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Jeremy </span><span class="s5">Toulalan</span><span class="s5"> (Malaga and France)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><br></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Central midfielders</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Arturo Vidal (</span><span class="s5">Juventus</span><span class="s5"> and Chile) </span><span class="s5">31 games, 10 goals</span><span class="s5">***</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Bastian </span><span class="s5">Schweinsteiger</span><span class="s5"> (Bayern Munich and Germany)</span><span class="s5">28 games, 7 goals </span><span class="s5">**</span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Andrea </span><span class="s5">Pirlo</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Juventus</span><span class="s5"> and Italy) </span><span class="s5">32 games, 5 goals </span><span class="s5">**</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Xavi</span><span class="s5"> (Barcelona and Spain) </span><span class="s5">30 games, 5 goals </span><span class="s5">**</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Ilkay Gundogan (</span><span class="s5">Borussia</span><span class="s5"> Dortmund and Germany) </span><span class="s5">28 games, 3 goals </span><span class="s5">**</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Fernandinho</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Shakhtar</span><span class="s5"> Donetsk and Brazil) </span><span class="s5">23 games, 2 goals </span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Claudio </span><span class="s5">Marchisio</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Juventus</span><span class="s5"> and Italy) 29 games, 6 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Xabi</span><span class="s5"> Alonso (Real Madrid and Spain) </span><span class="s5">28 games, 0 goals</span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">David Pizarro (</span><span class="s5">Fiorentina</span><span class="s5"> and Chile) 29 games, 3 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Borja</span><span class="s5"> Valero (</span><span class="s5">Fiorentina</span><span class="s5"> and Spain) </span><span class="s5">37 games, 1 goal </span><span class="s5">*</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Joao </span><span class="s5">Moutinho</span><span class="s5"> (Porto and Portugal)</span><span class="s5"> 27 games, 1 goal *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Kevin de </span><span class="s5">Bruyne</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Werder</span><span class="s5"> Bremen and Belgium)</span><span class="s5"> 33 games, 10 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Marco </span><span class="s5">Verratti</span><span class="s5"> (Paris Saint-</span><span class="s5">Germain</span><span class="s5"> and Italy)</span><span class="s5"> 27 games, 0 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Honourable mentions</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Mikel</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Arteta</span><span class="s5"> (Arsenal and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Lars Bender</span><span class="s5"> (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Moussa</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Dembele</span><span class="s5"> (Tottenham Hotspur and Belgium)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Aaron Hunt (</span><span class="s5">Werder</span><span class="s5"> Bremen and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Gokhan</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Inler</span><span class="s5"> (Napoli and Switzerland)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Sami </span><span class="s5">Khedira</span><span class="s5"> (Real Madrid and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">David </span><span class="s5">Luiz</span><span class="s5"> (Chelsea and Brazil)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Steed </span><span class="s5">Malbranque</span><span class="s5"> (Lyon and France)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Ricardo </span><span class="s5">Montolivo</span><span class="s5"> (AC Milan and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Roman </span><span class="s5">N</span><span class="s5">eustadter</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Schalke</span><span class="s5"> and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Paul </span><span class="s5">Pogba</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Juventus</span><span class="s5"> and France)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Yaya</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Toure</span><span class="s5"> (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; "><br></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">Attacking midfielders</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Marek</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Hamsik</span><span class="s5"> (Napoli and Slovakia) 38 games, 11 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Juan Mata (Chelsea and Spain) 35 games, 12 goals **</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Mario </span><span class="s5">Goetze</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Borussia</span><span class="s5"> Dortmund and Germany) 28 games, 10 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Henrikh</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Mkhitaryan</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Shakhtar</span><span class="s5"> Donetsk and Armenia) 29 games, 25 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Santi</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Cazorla</span><span class="s5"> (Arsenal and Spain) 38 games, 12 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Toni </span><span class="s5">Kroos</span><span class="s5"> (Bayern Munich and Germany) 24 games, 6 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Hernanes</span><span class="s5"> (Lazio and Brazil) 34 games, 11 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Marouane</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Fellaini</span><span class="s5"> (Everton and Belgium) 31 games, 11 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Andres </span><span class="s5">Iniesta</span><span class="s5"> (Barcelona and Spain) 31 games, 3 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Mesut</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Oezil</span><span class="s5"> (Real Madrid and Germany) 32 games, 9 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Mathieu </span><span class="s5">Valbuena</span><span class="s5"> (Marseille and France) 37 games, 3 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Isco</span><span class="s5"> (Malaga and Spain) 37 games, 9 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Christian </span><span class="s5">Eriksen</span><span class="s5"> (Ajax and Denmark) 33 games, 10 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Honourable Mentions</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Juan </span><span class="s5">Arango</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Borussia</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Moenchengladbach</span><span class="s5"> and Venezuela)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Pablo </span><span class="s5">Batalla</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Bursaspor</span><span class="s5"> and Argentina)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Remy </span><span class="s5">Cabella</span><span class="s5"> (Montpellier and France)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Gonzalo Castro (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Renaud</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Cohade</span><span class="s5"> (St Etienne and France)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Alessandro </span><span class="s5">Diamanti</span><span class="s5"> (Bologna and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Diego (Wolfsburg and Brazil)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Filip</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Djuricic</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Heerenveen</span><span class="s5"> and Serbia)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Cesc</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Fabregas</span><span class="s5"> (Barcelona and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Julien</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Feret</span><span class="s5"> (Rennes and France)</span><span class="s5">Steven </span><span class="s5">Gerrard</span><span class="s5">(Liverpool and England)</span><span class="s5"> </span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow and Japan)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Szabolcs</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Huszti</span><span class="s5"> (Hannover and Hungary)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Hiroshi </span><span class="s5">Kiyotake</span><span class="s5"> (Nurnberg and Japan)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">K</span><span class="s5">oke</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Atletico</span><span class="s5"> Madrid and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Adam Maher (AZ Alkmaar and Netherlands)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Oscar (Chelsea and Brazil)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Oscar (Valladolid and Spain)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Ivan </span><span class="s5">Rakitic</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Sevilla</span><span class="s5"> and Croatia)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wayne Rooney (Manchester United and England)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">David Silva (Manchester City and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Marco Van</span><span class="s5">Ginkel</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Vitesse</span><span class="s5"> and Netherlands)</span><span class="s5"></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Joan </span><span class="s5">Verdu</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Espanyol</span><span class="s5"> and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><br></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">Wingers</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Franck</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Ribery</span><span class="s5"> (Bayern Munich and France) 37 games, 10 goals ***</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Gareth Bale (</span><span class="s5">Tottenham</span><span class="s5"> and Wales) 33 games, 21 goals ***</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Dimitri</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Payet</span><span class="s5"> (Lille and France) 38 games, 12 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Jakub</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Blaszczykowski</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Borussia</span><span class="s5"> Dortmund and Poland) 27 games, 11 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Carlos Vela (Real </span><span class="s5">Sociedad</span><span class="s5"> and Mexico) 35 games, 14 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Piti</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Rayo</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Vallecano</span><span class="s5"> and Spain) 35 games, 18 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eden Hazard (Chelsea and Belgium) 34 games, 9 goals *</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">James Rodriguez (Porto and Colombia) 24 games, 10 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Juan </span><span class="s5">Cuadrado</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Fiorentina</span><span class="s5"> and Colombia) 36 games, 5 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Dries </span><span class="s5">Mertens</span><span class="s5"> (PSV Eindhoven and Belgium) 29 games, 16 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Willian</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Shakhtar</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Donestsk</span><span class="s5">/</span><span class="s5">Anzhi</span><span class="s5"> and</span><span class="s5"> Brazil) 21 games, 3 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Honourable mentions</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Romain </span><span class="s5">Alessandrini</span><span class="s5"> (Rennes and France)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Andre </span><span class="s5">Ayew</span><span class="s5"> (Marseille and Ghana)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Eric </span><span class="s5">Bautheac</span><span class="s5"> (Nice and France)</span><span class="s5">Mbark</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Boussoufa</span><span class="s5">(</span><span class="s5">Anzhi</span><span class="s5"> and Morocco)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Daniel </span><span class="s5">Caligiuri</span><span class="s5"> (Freiburg and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Antonio </span><span class="s5">Candreva</span><span class="s5"> (Lazio and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Alessio</span><span class="s5"> Cerci (Torino and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Gael </span><span class="s5">Danic</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Valenciennes</span><span class="s5"> and France)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Julian </span><span class="s5">Draxler</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Schalke</span><span class="s5"> and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Patrick Ebert (Valladolid and Germany)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Jefferson </span><span class="s5">Farfan</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Schalke</span><span class="s5"> 04 and Peru)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Joaquin (Malaga and Spain)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Lica</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Estoril</span><span class="s5"> and Portugal)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Ricardo (</span><span class="s5">Guimaraes</span><span class="s5"> and Portugal)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Markel </span><span class="s5">Susaeta</span><span class="s5"> (Athletic Bilbao and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Florian</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Thauvin</span><span class="s5"> (Bastia and France)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Arda</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Turan</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Atletico</span><span class="s5"> Madrid and Turkey) </span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; "><br></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">Forwards</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Lionel </span><span class="s5">Messi</span><span class="s5"> (Barcelona and Argentina) 32 games, 46 goals ***</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Cristiano</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Ronaldo</span><span class="s5"> (Real Madrid and Portugal) 34 games, 34 goals ***</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Luis Suarez (Liverpool and Uruguay) 33 games, 23 goals ***</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich and Germany) 28 games, 13 goals ***</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Marco Reus (</span><span class="s5">Borussia</span><span class="s5"> Dortmund and Germany) 32 games, 14 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Francesco </span><span class="s5">Totti</span><span class="s5"> (Roma and Italy) 34 games, 12 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Erik </span><span class="s5">Lamela</span><span class="s5"> (Roma and Argentina) 33 games, 15 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Michu</span><span class="s5"> (Swansea and Spain) 35 games, 18 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Stevan</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Jovetic</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Fiorentina</span><span class="s5"> and Montenegro) 31 games, 13 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Ruben Castro (Real </span><span class="s5">Betis</span><span class="s5"> and Spain) 34 games, 18 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Lima (</span><span class="s5">Benfica</span><span class="s5"> and Brazil) 27 games, 20 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Andre </span><span class="s5">Schurrle</span><span class="s5"> (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany) 34 games, 11 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Honourable mentions</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Iago </span><span class="s5">Aspas</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Celta</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Vigo</span><span class="s5"> and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Antonio </span><span class="s5">Cassano</span><span class="s5"> (Inter and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Siem</span><span class="s5"> de </span><span class="s5">Jong</span><span class="s5"> (Ajax and Netherlands)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Samuel </span><span class="s5">Eto'o</span><span class="s5">(</span><span class="s5">Anzhi</span><span class="s5"> and Cameroon)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Sebastian </span><span class="s5">Giovinco</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Juventus</span><span class="s5"> and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Max Kruse (Freiburg and Germany)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Alex Meier (</span><span class="s5">Eintracht</span><span class="s5"> Frankfurt and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow and Nigeria)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Lukas </span><span class="s5">Podolski</span><span class="s5"> (Arsenal and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Bryan Ruiz (Fulham and Costa Rica)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Andre </span><span class="s5">Schurrle</span><span class="s5"> (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Alain </span><span class="s5">Traore</span><span class="s5"> (Lorient and Burkina Faso)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Theo Walcott (Arsenal and England)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">Strikers </span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Zlatan</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Ibrahimovic</span><span class="s5"> (PSG and Sweden) 34 games, 30 goals ***</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Edinson</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Cavani</span><span class="s5"> (Napoli and Uruguay) 35 games, 29 goals ***</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Robert Lewandowski (</span><span class="s5">Borussia</span><span class="s5"> Dortmund and Poland) 31 games, 24 goals ***</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Radamel</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Falcao</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Atletico</span><span class="s5"> Madrid and Colombia) 34 games, 28 goals ***</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Robin van </span><span class="s5">Persie</span><span class="s5"> (Manchester United and Netherlands) 38 games, 26 goals ***</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Stefan </span><span class="s5">Kiessling</span><span class="s5"> (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany) 34 games, 25 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Antonio </span><span class="s5">di</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Natale</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Udinese</span><span class="s5"> and Italy) 33 games, 23 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Wilfried</span><span class="s5"> Bony (</span><span class="s5">Vitesse</span><span class="s5"> Arnhem and Ivory Coast) 30 games, 31 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jackson Martinez (Porto and Colombia) 27 games, 26 goals *</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Burak</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Yilmaz</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Galatasaray</span><span class="s5"> and Turkey) 30 games 24 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Graziano</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Pelle</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Feyenoord</span><span class="s5"> and Italy) 29 games, 27 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Roberto </span><span class="s5">Soldado</span><span class="s5"> (Valencia and Spain) 35 games, 24 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Christian </span><span class="s5">Benteke</span><span class="s5"> (Aston Villa and Belgium) 34 games, 19 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Stephan El </span><span class="s5">Shaarawy</span><span class="s5"> (AC Milan and Italy) 37 games, 16 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Alvaro </span><span class="s5">Negredo</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Sevilla</span><span class="s5"> and Spain) 36 games, 25 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Pierre-</span><span class="s5">Emerick</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Aubameyang</span><span class="s5"> (St Etienne and Gabon) 37 games 19 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Mario </span><span class="s5">Mandzukic</span><span class="s5"> (Bayern Munich and Croatia) 24 games, 15 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Honourable mentions</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Aritz</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Aduriz</span><span class="s5"> (Athletic Bilbao and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Jeremie</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Aliadiere</span><span class="s5"> (Lorient and France)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Jozy</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Altidore</span><span class="s5"> (AZ Alkmaar and USA)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Carlos </span><span class="s5">Bacca</span><span class="s5"> (Club </span><span class="s5">Brugges</span><span class="s5"> and Colombia)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Mario </span><span class="s5">Balotelli</span><span class="s5"> (AC Milan and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Dimitar</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Berbatov</span><span class="s5"> (Fulham and Bulgaria)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Oscar Cardozo (</span><span class="s5">Benfica</span><span class="s5"> and Paraguay)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Dario </span><span class="s5">Cvitanich</span><span class="s5"> (Nice and Argentina)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Rafik</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Djebbour</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Olympiakos</span><span class="s5"> and Algeria)</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Alfred</span><span class="s5"></span><span class="s5">Finnbogason</span><span class="s5"> (</span><span class="s5">Heerenveen</span><span class="s5"> and Iceland)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Bafetimbi</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Gomis</span><span class="s5"> (Lyon and France)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Phillip </span><span class="s5">Hosiner</span><span class="s5">(Austria Vienna and Austria)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Vedad</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Ibisevic</span><span class="s5"> (Stuttgart and Bosnia)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Miroslav</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Klose</span><span class="s5"> (Lazio and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rickie Lambert (Southampton and England)</span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Romelu</span><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">Lukaku</span><span class="s5"> (West Bromwich Albion and Belgium)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5">Pablo </span><span class="s5">Osvaldo</span><span class="s5"> (Roma and Italy)</span><span class="s5"></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p></p>commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-37956294447703634812013-06-13T01:48:00.001-07:002013-06-13T01:48:33.637-07:00Rangliste 2012-13 - Strikers<p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG and Sweden)</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"> 34 games, 30 goals</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">***</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Winner of nine domestic titles in ten years across four leagues and six clubs, Zlatan just keeps on delivering. Everyone assumed that this season would be a cakewalk for PSG and yet without the influence of their Swedish striker the title challenge would have been a far fetched idea. In breaking the 30 goal barrier in the league he became the first man to do so in France since Jean-Pierre Papin in 1989-90 and finished a wonderful season on a high.</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Edinson Cavani (Napoli and Uruguay) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">35 games, 29 goals</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">***</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Cavani has shown signs that he merits a place among the top echelon of strikers for a number of years but this season he extinguished all doubts. Capable of scoring in every conceivable way he is truly the complete centre-forward. Talks already appear to be in progress to take the Uruguayan to Manchester City but he surely will not be short of suitors after an incredible campaign for Napoli.</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund and Poland) </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">31 games, 24 goals </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">**</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Arguably the most rounded centre-forward in the world, Lewandowski is someone who seemingly has the lot. A clinical finisher, great in the air and proficient at linking with the midfield there are precious few strikers who could succeed in so many systems. Although he shone last season this year he took his game to a new level and ten goals in the Champions League, four of which came in the destruction of Real Madrid in the semi-finals, showed that he can cope against the very best.</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid and Colombia) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">34 games, 28 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">***</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The decision of Falcao to depart Madrid in pursuit of riches offered by Monaco has led some to brand him a mercenary. However, given the ambition shown by the club from the principality so far the Colombian striker might yet be improving his chances of silverware. The second half of the season saw him slightly subdued in comparison with the wonderful way he began the year, but overall it still marked another remarkable term on the goalscoring front.</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Robin van Persie (Manchester United and Netherlands) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">38 games, 26 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">***</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Even at £24m Robin van Persie was the signing of the season in the Premier League. Nobody doubted his ability at Arsenal or that he would succeed at Old Trafford but the speed with which he settled and the importance of the goals he scored were paramount in ensuring that the title was secured with the minimum of fuss. Such was the comprehensive nature of his adaptation to life in Manchester that few Reds fans are overly concerned about the loss of Wayne Rooney, something that would have been almost inconceivable 12 months ago.</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">34 games, 25 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">**</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">While Joachim Low may not be a great admirer of the Leverkusen striker there is no doubt that he has enjoyed a fantastic season. Tall, strong and athletic the centre-forward was the focal point of an excellent side and his ability to lead the line on his own makes him a highly prized commodity. His style of play may not be the most fashionable in the modern game but there is no denying he is highly effective.</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Antonio di Natale (Udinese and Italy) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">33 games, 23 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">It has become a cliché now to talk about the evergreen nature of Di Natale. For the fourth season in a row he has topped the 20 goal mark and he was again centre stage as Udinese </span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">staged a miraculous revival after Christmas. The veteran has now targeted 200 career Serie A goals requiring another 24 to be scored. In this sort of form he could achieve that by the end of next season.</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem and Ivory Coast) *</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The player of the season in the Eredivisie, Bony enjoyed a phenomenal year for Vitesse. Dutch defences were simply unable to cope with the combination of power and technique that the Ivorian offers and his combination with Marco Van Ginkel brought out the best of both players. Already well travelled at the age of 24 his physicality and height would look to be tailor made for the Premier League and may well draw interest this summer. </span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Jackson Martinez (Porto and Colombia) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">27 games, 26 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">The Porto scouting network just keeps unearthing top level players. With the departure of Hulk in the summer to Zenit, the Dragao turned to Colombian hitman Martinez and he proved a resounding success. With 26 goals in just 27 games he hit the ground running and ended the season as the top scorer in Portugal</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">. Given Porto’s history of lucrative sales it may not be long before he’s on the move again.</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Burak Yilmaz (Galatasaray and Turkey) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">30 games 24 goals</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">Despite the arrival of Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba there was no doubt who the star of Galatasaray’s season was. While he didn’t quite match his goal haul from his final season at Trabzonspor, Yilmaz ability to perform in both the Turkish league and</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> the Champions League meant his value increased hugely during the season. A powerful bull of a striker, his combination with Drogba is a daunting prospect for any defender in Europe next year.</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Graziano Pelle (Feyenoord and Italy) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">29 games, 27 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Until this year Pelle was a striker who had long shown promise but rarely scored the numbers of goals that his talent hinted at. After a disappointing spell at Parma he finally found his shooting boots in the Eredivisie and looked unstoppable for Feyenoord. Admittedly, performances in the Dutch league can be misleading with the likes of Alfonso Alves unable to replicate his exploits in tougher surroundings. A permanent move to the Rotterdam giants should give the Italian the opportunity to continue his ongoing renaissance.</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Roberto Soldado (Valencia and Spain) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">35 games, 24 goals</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Where now for Soldado? The financial difficulties faced by Valencia have forced them to sell their best players in each of the last few seasons and now, having missed out on Champions League football, the impetus is stronger than ever. There is no question about his quality, having scored consistently throughout his time at the Mestalla and demonstrated his ability as a first rate finisher.</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Christian Benteke (Aston Villa and Belgium)</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">34 games, 19 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When Christian Benteke arrived at Villa Park even those who had watched him play in Belgium widely felt that his £10m price tag looked steep. By the end of the year it had proved a bargain with the powerful striker one of the few bright spots in a wretched Villa season. Without the goals of the Belgian international the relegation battle would surely have been significantly tighter and he now looks an obvious target for the likes of Arsenal and Spurs.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan and Italy) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">37 games, 16 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Unstoppable until January, the arrival of Mario Balotelli forced a major change in the role played by El-Shaarawy. Shunted out onto the flanks he was nowhere near as potent as he had been when the season started, but his excellent pace and fine dribbling meant that he remains a threat. Given Milan’s history for selling their best players in recent seasons, talks of a potential move may not be too wide of the mark.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla and Spain)</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15"> 36 games, 25 goals</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15"> *</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With all four goals in a thrilling 4-3 win on the last day of the season Negredo singlehandedly cost Valencia their Champions League place. A classic striker in the English style it’s no wonder that West Ham looked at the Sevilla star as a potential replacement (and major upgrade) on Andy Carroll. His power and nose for goal made him the highest scoring Spaniard in La Liga this season and he should surely be able to pick a club with rather loftier ambitions.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"> (St Etienne and Gabon) 37 games 19 goals *</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Only 23 but the Gabon forward has already announced his huge talent to the world. </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">An excellent season for St Etienne saw the youngster play mainly through the centre but also on the right and this versatility, while maintaining the level of performance, bodes well for the future. Tall, quick and inventive his chance creation was almost as impressive as his finishing. An excellent campaign that hints there is more to come.</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich and Croatia)</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"> 24 games, 15 goals *</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s10"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Not the most graceful or elegant of players Mandzukic was an essential factor in Bayern’s success this season. To take the place of a striker who scored 28 goals in the league last season takes some doing but such was the Croatian’s impact few felt that Mario Gomez was missed by the end of the year. The workrate and energy displayed by Mandzukic as well as his ability in the air meant that his lower goal tally was a price worth paying for a more effective team.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Honourable mentions</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jeremie Aliadiere (Lorient and France)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Joz</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">y Altidore (AZ Alkmaar and USA)</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Carlos Bacca (Club Brugges and Colombia)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s10"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mario Balotelli (AC Milan and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Dimitar Berba</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">tov (Fulham and Bulgaria)</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Oscar Cardozo (Benfica and Paraguay)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Dario</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"> Cvitanich (Nice and Argentina)</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Rafik Djebbour (Olympiakos and Algeria) <br></span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Alfred Finnbogason (Heerenveen and Iceland)</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Bafetimbi Gomis (Lyon and France)</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Phillip Hosiner (Austria Vienna and Austria)</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Vedad </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Ibisevic (Stuttgart and Bosnia)</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Miroslav Klose (Lazio and Germany)</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Rickie La</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">mbert (Southampton and England)</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Romelu Lukaku (West Bromwich Albion and Belgium)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pablo Osvaldo (Roma and Italy)</span></span></p><p></p>commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-53556329352792325002013-06-12T01:34:00.001-07:002013-06-12T01:34:20.701-07:00Rangliste 2012-13 - Forwards<p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">32 games, 46 goals</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">***</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">The fact that some people regarded this as a disappointing season</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"> for</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"> Messi shows just how far he has raised the bar. Just as telling was the fact that even at 4-0 down in the</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Champions League </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">semi-final against Bayern few dared to rule out a Barca comeback if the Argentine was fully fit. During a spell that saw Messi score against every single La Liga team consecutively there were those who claimed he was out of form. Those are the challenges faced by the greatest player in the world but there was no denying that this was another season that will go down in history as among the best ever.</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Portugal) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">34 games, 34 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">***</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Another season in which Ronaldo excelled but ultimately came up slightly short. </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Top scorer in the Champions League, a goal a game in La Liga and the Portuguese forward still was left ruing a season in which the biggest prizes eluded him. That should not take away from a magical season which, as with Messi, can only be considered even remotely disappointing by a player as consistently excellent as Ronaldo.</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Luis Suarez (Liverpool and Uruguay) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">33 games, 23 goals</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">***</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">That Luis Suarez’s season will be best remembered for his biting of Branislav Ivanovic is something of a tragedy. For in an often pedestrian, sometimes brilliant Liverpool side he proved himself to be a cut above his teammates. Though the Reds could only finish</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"> in</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"> a disappointing seventh place in the league the Uruguayan was the equal of any player in the league with his exceptional ability on the ball and markedly improved finishing.</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich and Germany) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">28 games, 13 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">**</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After a 2010 in which Muller announced his talents to the world it was perhaps inevitable that there would be a period of consolidation. This year saw him storm back in to form, demonstrating quite why expectations had been so high. A stellar autumn was consolidated on in the spring and he was, along with Ribery, the principle reason that Bayern were so potent going forward in the league. Quite what role Pep Guardiola has in mind for the young star is unclear but he will surely be central to Bayern’s future.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">32 games, 14 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">**</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">Reus’s first season in Westphalia was perhaps not a</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">s spectacular as his last at Bo</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">ru</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">s</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">sia Moenchengladbach</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">. With an all-star cast around him there was less onus placed on the young attacker to carry the side, but with that freedom came some wonderful interplay, particularly with Robert Lewandowski and Mario Goetze. The departure of that pair will place greater responsibility on the shoulders of Reus, but based on past experience he should be well placed to cope with it. </span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Francesco Totti (Roma and Italy) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">34 games, 12 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">**</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When football historians look back over the last 20 years and remember the truly great players of this era how many will give Francesco Totti his dues? The Roma captain furthered his position in the pantheon of greats by overtaking the legendary Gunnar Nordahl to sit second in the all-time top goalscorers list for Serie A, sitting behind only Silvio Piola. The magnitude of that achievement will only be realized in hindsight but it capped off another superb campaign for a tremendous player.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Erik Lamela (Roma and Argentina) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">33 games, 15 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">A hugely frustrating season for Roma was one of significant development for Lamela. The Argentine confirmed his status as one of the brightest prospects in the game and as arguably the best dribbler in Serie A, flourishing under Zdenek Zeman’s attack minded tutelage. </span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">It had previously been unclear whether the former River Plate star would be able to convert his potential into performance but this year demonstrated that he is more than up to the challenge.</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Michu (Swansea and Spain) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">35 games, 18 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">One of the best signings in Europe this season, Michu</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"> was outstanding in the opening months of the campaign surprising many with quite how quickly he adapted to life in the Premier League. Some of that credit should go to Michael Laudrup who was instrumental in helping the Spaniard adjust but while his</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"> performances tailed off </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">after Swansea had claimed the League Cup it still marked a memorable year for the Jacks. Did you know he only cost £2m?</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina and Montenegro) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">31 games, 13 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Widely rumoured to be the top transfer target for Juventus this summer, it’s obvious to see what the young forward would offer the Italian champions. Intelligent movement, graceful on the ball and capable of expertly linking attack and midfield the Montenegrin prodigy many now have outgrown his surroundings in Florence. On the international stage his team currently lie top of a challenging qualifying group and could yet be making their World Cup debut in Brazil.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Ruben Castro (Real Betis and Spain) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">34 games, 18 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A prolific season for Castro has seen him shoot up the goalscorers’ charts in Spain. The former Deportivo forward has enjoyed the finest year of his career in Seville, though he has frequently been deployed in a variety of roles. Quick and nimble he’s a fine finisher but whether he can repeat such a rich vein of form so late in his career is unclear.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Lima (Benfica and Brazil) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">27 games, 20 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">It has been a long and slow rise to the top for Lima. </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">After jumping from team to team in his native Brazil he moved to Portugal with Belenenses four years ago and joined Braga a season later. Having now fought his way to the top of Portuguese football it is only now, at 29, that he has really hit top form. Arguably Benfica’s most important player this year, particularly domestically where his goals proved invaluable.</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">Andre Schurrle (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15"> 34 games, 11 goals *</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">Apparently set to join Chelsea in the summer, their longstanding interest in the young German star</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15"> looks now to be coming to a conclusion. It certainly appears to be a well judged acquisition with Schurrle ideally suited to joining the attacking triumvirate of Hazard, Mata and Oscar in supporting a central striker. If this proves to be his final season at Leverkusen he’ll have signed off in style, delivering a fully deserved third place finish.</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Honourable mentions</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo and Spain)</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Antonio Cassano (Inter and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Siem de Jong (Ajax and Netherlands)<br></span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Samuel Eto'o (Anzhi and Cameroon)</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Max Kruse (Freiburg and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Alex Meier (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow and Nigeria)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Lukas Podolski (Arsenal and Germany)<br>Bryan Ruiz (Fulham and Costa Rica)<br></span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Andre Schurrle (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)<br>Alain Tra</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">ore (Lorient and Burkina Faso)<br></span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Theo Walcott (Arsenal and England)</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p>commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-20207854078400968382013-06-11T02:24:00.001-07:002013-06-11T02:24:45.582-07:00Rangliste 2012-13 - Wingers<p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich and France) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">37 games, 10 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">***</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">Even among Bayern Munich’s stellar cast there was a stand out performer this year. The class of Ribery, his ability to beat a man and to deliver a cross or pass of exceptional accuracy </span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">was integral to the team’s all conquering campaign. In delivering such a series of performances the Frenchman confirmed his place as the world’s top winger as well as one of the most widely underrated players in the game.</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Gareth Bale (Tottenham and Wales) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">33 games, 21 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">***</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In previous years Bale flatted to deceive, showing flashes of brilliance but lacking the consistency to fully merit much of the hype surrounding him. In 2012-3 the Welshman proved time and again that he is a matchwinner of undoubted quality, unleashing some exceptional strikes from the edge of the box to carry Spurs so close to the Champions League. Given the expected interest from Europe’s top teams it is no wonder that Daniel Levy has moved quickly to try and tie his most prized asset to a lucrative long term contract.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dimitri Payet (Lille and France) 38 games, 12 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After two excellent years Lille never looked likely to challenge for the Ligue 1 title after the departure of Eden Hazard. However, while the team didn’t hit the heights one player who did deliver was Dimitri Payet. Featuring in every match in the league he supplied 12 goals and 13 assists to ensure that they absence of the Belgian winger was not as acutely felt as it might have been.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jakub Blaszczykowski (Borussia Dortmund and Poland) 27 games, 11 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A hive of energy and industry in the Dortmund midfield, the importance of the Polish winger grew as the season wore on. Providing 10 assists in the Bundesliga in addition to his 11 goals was evidence of his ability to deliver but he is also unusually diligent for a wide player, tracking back and offering compatriot Piszczek with ample cover. The departure of Dortmund’s stars shouldn’t trouble Blaszczykowski who has got better and better over the course of recent seasons.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Carlos V</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">ela (Real Sociedad and Mexico) 35 games, 14 goals **</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The troubles that Vela had in establishing himself at Arsenal are a distant memory now. The Mexican starlet underlined his versatility and ability in a superb season in which he stood out as the key attacking cog in Sociedad’s well oiled machine. The Basque club enjoyed a remarkable year</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Piti (Rayo Vallecano and Spain) 35 games, 18 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Certainly not among the most well known names in La Liga, Piti has nevertheless been one of the most consistently outstanding figures this season. The goals that he has offered have powered Rayo Vallecano’s encouraging campaign and without his promptings from attacking midfield their league position might have looked very different. Admittedly he can be wasteful of possession but with that number of goals not many complaints can be voiced.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eden Hazard (Chelsea and Belgium) 34 games, 9 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A season that started and ended particularly brightly but dipped in the middle was one that can bring some satisfaction to Hazard. His nomination for PFA Player of the Year was an aberration but he looked excellent at times and should certainly provide value for the considerable sum Chelsea spent on the winger. Next year he needs to focus again on the simpler things but after a season of acclimatization in the league don’t bet against him recreating his Lille heroics in the future.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">James Rodriguez (Porto and Colombia) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">24 games, 10 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Now set to join Monaco for next season it has been another period of progress for the young Colombian. Frequently deployed behind his compatriot Jackson Martinez in a central role rather than wide on the flank he now seems to have gained the maturity necessary to play in the middle of the pitch. The move to Ligue 1 should only prove a gentle step up from the Portuguese Superliga and it would be no surprise to see a player of such talents on the move again in the near future.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina and Colombia) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">36 games, 5 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In an era where inverted wingers are the norm Cuadrado’s willingness to take on an opposing defender is refreshing. Although ostensibly a wing-back for Fiorentina he loves to get forward when offered the opportunity and he provides an interesting balance to the more defensively adept Manuel Pasqual in the Fiorentina midfield. Part of an excellent generation of Colombian stars it’s easy to see why many people are tipping them as dark horses for next summer’s World Cup.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Dries Mertens (PSV Eindhoven and Belgium) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">29 games, 16 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Surely now it is only a matter of time before someone takes a chance on Mertens. Not that it will be much of a gamble given that he provided 17 assists to go along with his 16 goals in the Eredivisie. At 26 the overwhelming majority of players of this class have long flown the Dutch nest and the completeness of his game plus his notable ability at set-pieces means that he should be able to cope in a more challenging league.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Willian (Shakhtar Donestsk/Anzhi and Brazil) 21 games, 3 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A January move to arguably the world’s richest team spoke volumes for the performances that Willian had delivered during his time at Shakhtar. If anything was a surprise it was the Brazilian’s willingness to move to Dagestan rather than wait and see if a more glamourous move arose in the summer. There’s no doubting that on form he is a magical player to watch, nimble footed and possessing a fabulous array of gifts. Yet to set the world alight in Russia, the team will be hoping for better than third place next season.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Honourable mentions</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br><br></span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Romain Alessandrini (Rennes and France)</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">A</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">ndre Ayew (Marseille and Ghana)</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eric Bautheac (Nice and France)<br>Mbark Boussoufa (Anzhi and Morocco)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Daniel Caligiuri (Freiburg and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Antonio Candreva (Lazio and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Alessio Cerci (Torino and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Gael Danic (Valenciennes and France)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Julian Draxler (Schalke and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Patrick Ebert (Valladolid and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jefferson Farfan (Schalke 04 and Peru)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Joaquin (Malaga and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Lica (Estoril and Portugal)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ricardo (Guimaraes and Portugal)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Markel Susaeta (Athletic Bilbao and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Florian Thauvin (Bastia and France)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid and Turkey)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><div><span style="line-height: 21px; "><br></span></div>commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-16569340156231051282013-06-10T01:58:00.001-07:002013-06-10T01:58:42.551-07:00Rangliste 2012-13 - Attacking Midfielders<p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Marek Hamsik (Napoli and Slovakia) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">38 games, 11 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">**</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">For so long regarded as a huge prospect this was a coming of age season for Hamsik. In the past he has been erratic in his play, sometimes superb but often underwhelming, but this year he added the consistency that was previous lacking. Outstanding with the ball at his feet he laid on a host of chances for his teammates, most notably for Edinson Cavani, and </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">was probably the leading creative figure</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"> in Serie A this season. </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">He’s now on the verge of becoming a very special player indeed.</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Juan Mata (Chelsea and Spain) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">35 games, 12 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">**</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">Deservedly voted as Chelsea’ player of the season</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">,</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> Mata</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> was a class apart this year. 12 assists in the league this season along with 12 goals meant that he was Chelsea’s most influential player and his performances were no less significant in Europe, delivering both assists in the Europa League final to secure yet another trophy was taken back to Stamford Bridge. With Jose Mourinho now </span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">returning</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> to West London the Spaniard may well be joined by the reinforcements needed to win his first league title in England.</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mario Goetze (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) 28 games, 10 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The question so many people were left asking in the aftermath of the Champions League final was, “What difference might Goetze have made?” That imponderable will sadly remain unanswered but it does reflect the esteem in which he is held that the youngster might have been the difference maker for Dortmund if he had been fit. A German record fee move to Bayern Munich should ensure that he will have plenty of opportunities to sample club football’s biggest event many times in the future.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Shakhtar Donetsk and Armenia) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">29 games, 25 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">**</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Quite simply a phenomenal season for Mkhitaryan in an exceptional Shakhtar team. The title had already been effectively won by Christmas after a start to the season which saw them nearly unstoppable at home and hugely impressive on the international scene. The young Armenian was the stand out figure in the side, taking full advantage of a slightly advanced position to score the sort of goals tally that any striker would be proud of. The tiny country in the South Caucasus has not had a player this good since Khoren Oganesian in the early 1980s.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Santi Cazorla (Arsenal and Spain) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">38 games, 12 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">**</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A season that started brilliantly was more fitful after Christmas but few could dispute that Cazorla was among the finest newcomers in the league. Full of imagination and guile the Spaniard was the primary creative force in the Gunners’ successful race for the Champions League. Given that his compatriots David Silva and Juan Mata both improved significantly in their second season in the Premier League, Arsenal fans have a lot to look forward to.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich and Germany) 24 games, 6 goals **</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The absence of Toni Kroos for Bayern Munich in the Champions League didn’t ultimately prove costly but such was the young midfielder’s influence during the season that it might have been a more straightforward match had he been fit. His excellent positioning and passing ability make FC Hollywood a far less predictable team to face than when they play with an out and out winger like Arjen Robben and shift Thomas Muller inside. How Pep Guardiola will accommodate so many exceptional players is unclear but he’d be a fool to sacrifice the talents of Kroos.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Hernanes (Lazio and Brazil) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">34 games, 11 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Although his influence declined in the second half of the season it was still a very impressive year for Hernanes. A recall to the Brazilian national team was strong recognition of his fine form and he could well be exactly the kind of player that Felipe Scolari needs next summer given his clever positioning and well judged distribution. Those attributes would also be well suited to a club more likely to challenge for major honours than Lazio.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Marouane Fellaini (Everton and Belgium) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">31 games, 11 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After a superb beginning to 2012-3 the performances of Fellaini, like those of Everton as a whole, were rather less impressive as the season wore on. However, at his peak in the early months of the campaign the Belgian midfielder was nigh on unplayable and his relentless physicality saw defenders completely unable to contain him. Given Manchester United’s need for a central midfielder to play alongside Michael Carrick in anchoring the side most people consider it only a matter of time before Fellaini joins former manager David Moyes at Old Trafford.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Andres Iniesta (Barcelona and Spain) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">31 games, 3 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">This was a strange season for Iniesta. For the first time in his career he began to deliver the number of assists that one would associate with a player so frequently touted as one of the greats of this era. Yet for a player who carried the soubriquet “the solutions man” he looked</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15"> in the Champions League</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15"> sorely lacking in </span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15">ways of breaking down the best defences. If he is to merit the lofty accolades which he so often receives he needs to be able to be able to deliver against big and small teams alike.</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mesut Oezil (Real Madrid and Germany) 32 games, 9 goals *</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">The arrival of Luka Modric in Madrid added an extra element of pressure for Oezil this season. Previously the injury troubles of Kaka had meant that the German was almost unchallenged as the team’s preeminent playmaker but the arrival of the Croatian schemer was forced to work for his place. Yet again he was among the most regular providers of chances in Europe with 13 </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">assists in the league alone. Still only 24 the best should be yet to come.</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille and France) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">37 games, 3 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s9"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Now ready to commit himself to Marseille in the longer term, Valbuena remains the key creative force at the Stade Velodrome. His 12 assists in Ligue 1 were surpassed only by Dimitri Payet and the hustle and bustle of the Marseille man’s endeavours means opposing defences rarely get a moment of peace. With the World Cup just a year away he has sensibly decided that leaving the familiar surroundings of Marseille would be a mistake at this point in time.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Isco (Malaga and Spain) </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">37 games, 9 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With Malaga’s financial difficulties it is now certain that Isco will not be playing on the Costa del Sol next season. Which megaclub he will be joining is still unclear but another fantastic year for the youngster means it is inevitable that he will have a host of suitors. Last year he proved he was capable of shining in La Liga, this season he took that form into Europe, lighting up the Champions League on a run that agonizingly ended in the quarter-finals. If he does join Manchester City as is widely tipped they’ll be hoping he can finally get them past the European group stages.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">Christian Eriksen (Ajax and Denmark)</span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15"> </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">33 games, 10 goals </span></span><span class="s8"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Given the lofty expectations which surround Eriksen the year that has just gone was not an unqualified success. Yes, </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">he won the title for the third season in a row with Ajax, providing thirteen assists, more than any other player in the team. However, for a player of his calibre there was a hope that he might yet have kicked on further still and truly dominated the league. For him to develop further many feel he should move to one of the continent’s best leagues and could there be a better place to do so than as a potential successor to Mario Goetze at Dortmund?</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Honourable Mentions</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Juan Arango (Borussia Moenchengladbach and Venezuela)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pablo Batalla (Bursaspor and Argentina)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Remy Cabella (Montpellier and France)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Gonzalo Castro (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Renaud Cohade (St Etienne and France)<br>Kevin De Bru</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">yne (Werder Bremen and Belgium)</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Diego (Wolfsburg and Brazil)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Filip Djuricic (Heerenveen and Serbia)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Julien Feret (Rennes and France)<br>Steven Gerrard (Liverpool and England)<br>Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow and Japan)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Szabolcs Huszti (Hannover and Hungary)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hiroshi Kiyotake (Nurnberg and Japan)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">K</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">oke (Atletico Madrid and Spain)</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Adam Maher (AZ Alkmaar and Netherlands)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Oscar (Chelsea and Brazil)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Oscar (Valladolid and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla and Croatia)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wayne Rooney (Manchester United and England)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">David Silva (Manchester City and Spain)<br></span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Marco Van Ginkel (Vitesse and Netherlands)</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Joan Verdu (Espanyol and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "> </span></p>commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-91541063072810522352013-06-07T01:20:00.001-07:002013-06-07T01:20:57.196-07:00Rangliste 2012-13 - Central Midfielders Arturo Vidal (Juventus and Chile) 31 games, 10 goals ***<br />
<br />
Although his first season in Turin was a superb one, Vidal was rarely quite as influential last time out as when he starred for Bayer Leverkusen. This year Vidal has increasingly taken on the mantle of Juventus’ most important player, scoring crucial goals and providing valuable assists as well as the vast range of other intangibles which make him arguably the world’s most complete central midfielder. It’s no real surprise that Real Madrid have apparently been tracking the Chilean, a player who would improve any team.<br />
<br />
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich and Germany) 28 games, 7 goals ***<br />
<br />
Bayern Munich's star midfielder had to face the demons of failure last year after his crucial penalty miss in the Champions League shoot out. This season he was frequently excellent and sporadically exceptional though there were signs that his passing on occasion was not as crisp as it could be. Despite that anchoring the team to an historic treble was fitting reward for a sublime midfielder and allowed him to finally capture major silverware after so many near misses.<br />
<br />
Andrea Pirlo (Juventus and Italy) 32 games, 5 goals **<br />
<br />
After a sensation first season at Juve this year marked a marginal decline in the impact of Andrea Pirlo. That though should not take away from what, by almost any other player’s standards, was an excellent campaign. 10 goals across Serie A and the Champions League tell a story but the real measure of Pirlo’s significance to the Old Lady continues to be the measured control he displays in an increasingly busy midfield. <br />
<br />
Xavi (Barcelona and Spain) 30 games, 5 goals **<br />
<br />
Is it too early to say that Xavi is on the wane? The Barcelona legend completed more passes more accurately than any other player in Europe and yet there was a suspicion that his ability to influence play in the final third was showing signs of decline. Unquestionably he remains the game’s finest midfield metronome but as with a number of his team mates he needs to show more cutting edge in future seasons rather than simply relying on Messi for a moment of genius. <br />
<br />
Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) 28 games, 3 goals **<br />
<br />
Last season saw Gundogan initially struggle to adjust to the task of replacing Nuri Sahin in the Dortmund midfield before, as the season wore on, he started to excel. This year that upward trajectory continued with the player of Turkish heritage demonstrating his ability in a series of excellent Champions League performances. Calm and collected in possession, a fine dribbler and intelligent passer he certainly has all the tools to establish himself as one of the best midfielders in world football. Now he needs to set about forcing his way into starting XI for the German national side.<br />
<br />
Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk and Brazil) 23 games, 2 goals *<br />
<br />
Fernandinho’s continued absence from the Brazilian national squad remains an ongoing mystery. One of the most complete players available to Selecao manager Felipe Scolari, he would look a natural fit in the international team but has been overlooked along with the rest of the Ukraine based cohort. Extremely impressive in the Champions League run, Fernandinho was equally important to another domestic title that was won with ease. <br />
<br />
Claudio Marchisio (Juventus and Italy) 29 games, 6 goals *<br />
<br />
Playing alongside Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo it can sometimes be easy for Marchisio to fly under the radar. That lack of profile though doesn’t reflect the contribution of the Italian international who adds drive and the desire to burst into the box to a stellar midfield. Extremely well rounded Marchisio is as adept defensively as he is in getting forward and his willingness to work back for the side has been a major feature of Juve’s success under Antonio Conte. <br />
<br />
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid and Spain) 28 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
Ultimately a rather disappointing season for Alonso concluded without a major trophy or a real sense that such a richly gifted group of players as those that grace the Bernabeu had fulfilled their potential. On a personal level the Spaniard was still hugely important in central midfield, again setting the rhythm that the team played to, but he rarely hit the same heights that he has enjoyed for La Roja. Quite what the departure of Jose Mourinho might mean for the former Liverpool man is unclear but while rumours of stalling contract discussions were widespread there are few players who would provide more than Alonso.<br />
<br />
David Pizarro (Fiorentina and Chile) 29 games, 3 goals *<br />
<br />
So cruelly wasted by Manchester City last season Pizarro made clear in Florence that he is one of the world’s best midfield orchestrators. At his best when he is the focal point of a side he excelled in a team committed to attractive possession play and who offered the movement to exploit his intricate passing. Seemingly set to move again in the summer the Chilean may be entering the last years of his career but given he has never relied on physicality there is no reason to write him off just yet.<br />
<br />
Borja Valero (Fiorentina and Spain) 37 games, 1 goal * <br />
<br />
As with Pizarro, Borja Valero has made the most of the opportunity to play alongside like minded figures in the Fiorentina team. So often responsible for the key final pass in the team he chipped in with 11 assists, only Francesco Totti and Marek Hamsik supplying more in Serie A. That epitomizes his value to the side and his combination with both the Chilean and Alberto Aquilani made Fiorentina arguably the best side to watch in the Italian top flight this year.<br />
<br />
Joao Moutinho (Porto and Portugal) 27 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
Long the subject of intense transfer speculation Moutinho has finally taken the plunge and departed Portugal. The only surprise in that he has opted for the French Ligue 1 and parvenus Monaco rather than one of the continent’s more established powers. A playmaker of exceptional vision and technical ability he started the season slowly but gradually worked himself back to peak form. Now he needs to focus on making Monaco a worthy rival to PSG. <br />
<br />
Kevin de Bruyne (Werder Bremen and Belgium) 33 games, 10 goals *<br />
<br />
An excellent loan spell in Bremen has done a lot for De Bruyne’s reputation. Signed by Chelsea last year but allowed to remain in Belgium, spending 12 months in Germany has shown that he is able to step up to the highest level. Whether that will be at Stamford Bridge or whether he might go on another high profile loan is unclear but regardless he needs first team football to show that he can step on again. <br />
<br />
Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain and Italy) 27 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
Widely regarded as the future of Italy’s midfield Verratti has the class on the ball and elegance in his play to suggest he could well be a worthy successor to Andrea Pirlo. For a player of his age to be handed such a crucial role for a side of PSG’s caliber certainly indicates a level of maturity that does not normally accompany tender years. Although the French champions wealthy backers may well back further purchases there should be no danger of Verratti being shown the door. <br />
<br />
Honourable mentions<br />
<br />
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal and Spain) <br />
Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)<br />
Moussa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur and Belgium)<br />
Aaron Hunt (Werder Bremen and Germany) <br />
Gokhan Inler (Napoli and Switzerland)<br />
Sami Khedira (Real Madrid and Germany)<br />
David Luiz (Chelsea and Brazil)<br />
Steed Malbranque (Lyon and France) <br />
Ricardo Montolivo (AC Milan and Italy)<br />
Roman Neustadter (Schalke and Germany)<br />
Paul Pogba (Juventus and France)<br />
Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)<br />
commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-65944628737861648242013-06-06T00:26:00.001-07:002013-06-06T00:26:06.033-07:00Rangliste 2012-13 - Defensive MidfieldersMichael Carrick (Manchester United and England) 36 games, 1 goal ***<br />
<br />
Often an unsung hero in United’s midfield this was one of the first seasons in which Michael Carrick was duly recognized. Universally selected by Manchester United players as their player of the season, Carrick was instrumental in a fantastic season which saw the title won at a canter. That he has already won five titles, not to mention a Champions League crown, in just seven years at Old Trafford may give food for thought to those who questioned his inclusion among the PFA’s six nominations for the season.<br />
<br />
Sergio Busquets (Barcelona and Spain) 31 games, 1 goal **<br />
<br />
The ease with which Barcelona won La Liga, only to collapse in dramatic style in the Champions League, made the overall season a distinct anticlimax. That disappointment should not take away from another fine season for Busquets who remains one of the preeminent shielding midfielders of his era. As ever an immensely accurate passer and a master of retaining the ball, little blame could be pointed in his direction for his side’s failure in the season’s showpiece matches.<br />
<br />
Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain and France) 37 games, 5 goals **<br />
<br />
Despite the high profile arrivals of some of the game’s biggest names Matuidi was probably the most consistent midfielder in France this season. Physically powerful and impressive in possession the France star was one of the few constants in the side, featuring in more league matches than any other PSG player, underlining the faith shown in him by Carlo Ancelotti. Certainly against Barcelona he displayed an ability to compete against the very best and to get forward when needed.<br />
<br />
Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich and Spain) 27 games, 3 goals **<br />
<br />
Even at £32m Martinez has worked out as an excellent signing for Bayern. The midfielder only started 19 league matches for the Bavarians but it was in the Champions League where he really excelled, proving dominant in the semi-final match ups against Barcelona and offering a platform for the team’s attacking stars to build on. That calm and assured ability allied with his positioning and aerial ability makes him one of the most complete defensive midfielders in the game at present and Spain must surely now be looking for a way to shoehorn him into the starting XI.<br />
<br />
Pontus Wernbloom (CSKA Moscow and Sweden) 26 games, 4 goals **<br />
<br />
A domestic double for CSKA Moscow was a fantastic end to a vintage season from Wernbloom. The Swedish midfielder has been the key figure in the success of the club in the last 12 months with his authority in midfield complimenting the creative talents provided by the likes of Keisuke Honda and Alan Dzagoev. The former AZ man may not be the biggest star to ply his trade in the Russian league, but nobody was more consistently influential or important.<br />
<br />
Maxime Gonalons (Lyon and France) 35 games, 3 goals *<br />
<br />
Belying his tender years Maxime Gonalons plays like an old head in Lyon’s midfield. The French star made more passes than any other player in Ligue 1 and that ability to retain possession was a critical element in OL’s third place finish. That performance will put Lyon into the qualifying rounds for the Champions League where one would expect his brand of measured and intelligent midfield mastery to be right at home.<br />
<br />
Benat (Real Betis and Spain) 34 games, 4 goals *<br />
<br />
Set to join Athletic Bilbao in the summer, the hugely influential Benat has had a strong final season in Seville. A major danger from set-pieces he is also capable of dictating the pace of play from deep positions and Betis will struggle badly to replace the calm he exudes in the centre of the pitch. No wonder then that a number of English clubs were reportedly interesting in signing the midfield schemer who would have been a worthy addition to almost any midfield.<br />
<br />
Nemanja Matic (Benfica and Serbia) 26 games, 3 goals *<br />
<br />
The tall Serbian midfielder might have missed out on Europa League glory but he certainly showed former club Chelsea that they might regret letting him go. Consistently among the league’s best performers as he drove Benfica forward ,he was voted the player of the month in the Superliga three times, illustrating quite how influential he has become during his time in Portugal. Given his performances this season a return to the Premier League may yet be in the offing, though Benfica have proven notoriously hard to bargain with in years past.<br />
<br />
Etienne Capoue (Toulouse and France) 34 games, 7 goals *<br />
<br />
An average season for Toulouse but a fine individual campaign from Capoue who provides so much verve and drive from the centre of midfield. Frequently among the goals and excellent in the air he possesses the determination and ability that ought to succeed at one of Europe’s best clubs. Certainly he would make a sensible addition for a certain club newly riched and based in a French principality.<br />
<br />
Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton and France) 36 games, 5 goals *<br />
<br />
Not one of the more well known Premier League stars but few were as influential this season. No player across Europe’s major leagues made more interceptions in 2012-3 and it was that ability to break up play and then use the ball intelligently that was so vital in Southampton’s relegation battle. Those close to the team undoubtedly knew the value of Schneiderlin’s contribution with the fans and players voting him their club player of the year.<br />
<br />
Sebastian Rode (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) 33 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
The partnership between Pirmin Schwegler and Sebastian Rode in the Frankfurt midfield was of tremendous importance in the team’s unexpected success in the Bundesliga. The club might be most famous for facing Real Madrid in the 1960 European Cup final but despite such an illustrious past nobody thought they would excel in such a way as they did in the opening weeks of the season. Admittedly they found the ruckrunde rather tougher but the young German remained industrious and impressive in an excellent first season back in the top flight.<br />
<br />
Victor Wanyama (Celtic and Kenya) 32 games, 6 goals *<br />
<br />
The relentless energy and drive of Wanyama were of huge importance in Celtic’s unexpected progress in the Champions League. The Kenyan star impressed all observers with the maturity of his play and his lack of fear against some of Europe’s most renowned names. His impact may have waned as the season progressed but he certainly did enough to justify the interest surrounding him as a potential Premier League acquisition.<br />
<br />
Defensive midfielders<br />
Esteban Cambiasso (Inter and Argentina)<br />
Gabi (Atletico Madrid and Spain)<br />
Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich and Brazil)<br />
Asier Illarramendi (Real Sociedad and Spain)<br />
Grzgorz Krychowiak (Reims and Poland)<br />
Frank Lampard (Chelsea and England)<br />
Francesco Lodi (Catania and Italy)<br />
Sandro (Tottenham and Brazil)<br />
Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt and Switzerland)<br />
Jeremy Toulalan (Malaga and France)<br />
<br />
commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-88507565519643512612013-06-05T04:33:00.001-07:002013-06-05T04:33:31.720-07:00Rangliste 2012-13 - Centre-backs<p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Dante (Bayern Munich and Brazil) </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">29 games, 1 goal </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">***</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After a fine season last year at Gladbach Dante arrived in Munich to join Holger Badstuber and Jerome Boateng in a centre-back rotation. By Christmas he had proved he was not only indispensible but arguably the best defender in Europe. His clumsy “tackle” in the Champions League final was far from illustrative of his true quality as he is normally a composed and assured figure who neatly blends physicality with anticipation and ball skills. Now set to form a seemingly world class defensive partnership with Thiago Silva he should be a focal part of Brazil’s preparations for the 2014 World Cup.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Thiago Silva (PSG and Brazil) </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">22 games, 0 goals </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">**</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Although it took him some time to settle in Paris, by the end of the season Thiago was back to the spectacular form he displayed during his spell at Milan. That was enough to see many regard him as the best central defender in the world for his combination of great technique alongside pace and strength.</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"> Now committed to stay at PSG the millions lavished on the Brazilian international could well turn out to be the best money their Qatari backers ever spend.</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"></span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus and Italy) </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">24 games, 1 goal </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">**</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">Has there been a better defender in world football over the last five years than Chiellini? Despite his occasional absences this season through injury the Juventus stopper has been at his imperious best in an exceptional defence along with Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. Outstanding in the air and a fanta</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">stic tackler Chiellini is more than maintaining the rich tradition of Italian hard men that dates back to Pietro Vierchowod and Claudio Gentile.</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Andrea Barzagli (Juventus and Italy) </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">34 games, 1 goal </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Rarely a player who garners too many plaudits Barzagli followed up on his hugely impressive 2011-2 with another excellent season at Juve. With excellent concentration levels and a love of defending he provides a fantastic base for the team and was instrumental in making the old lady’s backline so impregnable. Certainly the time is well overdue for the Italian international to start getting the wider credit he deserves. </span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid and Uruguay) </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">35 games, 1 goal </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">The rugged and uncompromising Godin has been a central figure for Atletico Madrid this season. Rumours floated last summer suggested that Liverpool eyed the Uruguayan as a potential replacement for Daniel Agger if he was to join Manchester City, and given how Godin has played in the last 12 months </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">t</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">he</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">y</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"> might be wishing </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">t</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">he</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">y</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"> had been able to move the Dane from Merseyside. Although he won’t win too many awards for his technical abilities there are few defenders who are more apt at the simple art of frustrating the opposition.</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">28 games, 1 goal </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After two seasons in which Hummels was near flawless this year marked something of a decline. Still a commanding presence at the back there were errors against both Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid which almost ended Dortmund’s stunning Champions League run. Where the BVB defender excels is with the ball at his feet and he remains something of a throwback in the way that he gallops forward to join attacks when the mood suits him. That ability is what has elevated him above his peers in the past but he needs to refocus on the defensive basics to return to the top table.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham and Belgium) </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">34 games, 4 goals </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">An excellent first season in England saw the Belgian defender elected by his peers to the PFA team of the season. Initially used as a left-back in the absence of Benoit Assou-Ekotto, by the end of the season Vertonghen had been restored to his preferred central berth. His quality on the ball and willingness to surge forward have been key in the consistency shown by Spurs this season and his partnership with Michael Dawson is among the most dependable in the league.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid and Spain) </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">26 games, 4 goals</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">Far from a vintage season for Real Madrid but Sergio Ramos continued to excel in La Liga. While the prodigiously talented Raphael Varane naturally</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> attracted huge attention for what was a marvelous breakthrough season, Ramos held the defence together during a challenging autumn for Los Merengues. With a top class partner alongside him there is little reason why Ramos cannot carry Madrid even further next year.</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Gonzalo Rodriguez (Fiorentina and Argentina) </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">35 games, 6 goals </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">It’s easier to pick out the players who didn’t perform superbly for Fiorentina this season than those who did. Vincenzo Montella did such an impressive job in motivating the Viola that they were minutes away from reaching the Champions League only to be overtaken in the dying moments by Milan. In a fine back three with Facundo Roncaglia and the rehabilitated Stefan Savic the Argentine Rodriguez displayed his ability from set pieces as well as typically committed defending. </span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United and England) </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">28 games, 1 goal </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">Overshadowed in recent years by the performances of defensive partners Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans, Ferdinand reestablished himself as United’s premier centre-back during 2012-3. Much of the focus around the defender this season centred on his international recall and eventual retirement but that he was in such demand was an indication of the quality of his performances. Only Ryan Giggs has been at Old Trafford longer now than Ferdinand and he remains the focal </span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">point of a first rate defence.</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Hugo Camp</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">agnaro (Napoli and Argentina) </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">28 games, 1 goal </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Napoli haven’t enjoyed a season as successful in the league as this since the days of Diego Maradona. Campagnaro may not be blessed with the creative gifts of his illustrious compatriot but he is deservedly winning a legion of admirers in Naples. Dogged, determined and unwavering in his commitment to win every header and tackle the Argentine has been a true rock at the heart of a resolute defence. </span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille and Cameroon) </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">38 games, 0 goals </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">Not many pundits expected to Marseille to push PSG </span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">for quite so long</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> as they did in the race for the French title. That they did owed a debt to both the Parisians failure to add up to the sum of their parts but also the defensive excellence of Nkoulou. Voted by his peers into the Ligue 1 team of the season the Cameroonian international was consistently excellent domestically and shone on a regular basis at the Stade Velodrome.</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal and France)</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15"> 25 games, 2 goals *</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">The incredible run of form that Arsenal enjoyed in the last 10 matches of the season indicated that when they play at their best they can show the consistency of title winners. Critical to that success was the fact that they conceded only five goals in those 10 fixtures and</span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"> the man they had to thank was Koscielny. </span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15">His solidity made him an essential figure in the closing stages and his goal against Newcastle in the final match of the season clinched that invaluable Champions League place.</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Ezequiel Garay (Benfica and Argentina) </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">27 games, 1 goal </span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">*</span></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ultimately the season ended in disappointment for Garay and his Benfica side. Pipped at the post by Porto in the Superliga and agonizingly defeated in the closing moments of the Europa League by Chelsea what had looked such a promising year turned into a vast let down. Despite that the Argentina star had another fine year and looks well established at the heart of the defence in Alejandro Sabella’s squad for next year’s World Cup.</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Honourable Mentions<br></span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Toby Alderweireld (Ajax and Belgium)</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mehdi Benatia (Udinese and Morocco)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Jerome Boat</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">eng (Bayern Munich and Germany)</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Paolo Cannavaro (Napoli and Italy)<br>Aureli</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">en Chedjou (Lille and Cameroon)</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Chico (Swansea and Spain)<br>Alberto de la Bella (Real Sociedad and Spain)<br>Jonny Evans (Manchester United and Northern Ireland)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke and Germany)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Timm Klose (Nurnberg and Germany)<br>Marquinhos (Roma and Brazil)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad and Spain) <br>Matija Nastasic (Manchester City and Serbia)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Nicolas Otamendi (Porto and Argentina)<br>Gerard Piqué (Barcelona and Spain)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Andrea Ranocchia (Inter and Italy)</span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund and Serbia)<br></span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">Raphael Varane (Real Madrid and France</span></span><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15">)</span></span></span></p><p class="s6" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s5"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Philipp Wollscheid (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)<br></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span><span class="s7"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br></span></span></span></p><div><span class="s3" style="line-height: 13px; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Helvetica; "><span class="bumpedFont15" style="line-height: 20px; font-size: 1.5em; "><br></span></span></div>commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-32842882937170210712013-06-04T00:11:00.001-07:002013-06-04T00:11:55.990-07:00Rangliste 2012-13 - Full-backsPhilipp Lahm (Bayern Munich and Germany) 29 games, 0 goals ***<br />
<br />
It’s hard to see how the season could have gone any better for Philipp Lahm. As well as skippering Bayern to an historic treble he personally enjoyed a wonderful vein of form, back in his preferred right-back slot. That he provided 11 assists in the Bundesliga alone, more than any other defender in Europe’s big leagues, showed that he hugely proficient going forward but it will have been the strength of the backline that really pleased the Germany captain.<br />
<br />
Jordi Alba (Barcelona and Spain) 29 games, 2 goals **<br />
<br />
The 2012-13 season was a strange one for Jordi Alba. One the one hand he effortlessly adapted to life at the Camp Nou, winning at a canter the Liga title that was Barcelona’s primary aim after last season’s painful setback. On the other, the manner of their crushing defeat to Bayern Munich appeared to mark a passing of the baton in European football and Alba, along with the rest of the Barca side, looked totally incapable of providing the much needed cutting edge. On the whole it was a positive start to his second spell in Barcelona but one with a bitter aftertaste. <br />
<br />
Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk and Croatia) 25 games, 2 goals ** <br />
<br />
The 12 assists that Srna provided for Shakhtar in their exceptional league campaign underlined the quality he provides in the final third. Having spent a decade in Donestsk he has claimed an incredible seven titles and witnessed the transformation of the club from a provincial powerhouse to one of Europe’s most complete sides, capable on frightening the likes of Chelsea and Juventus. Nobody among the playing staff has done more in that time to set the club on the path and even at 31 the Croatian can expect many more successful years to come.<br />
<br />
Leighton Baines (Everton and England) 38 games, 5 goals **<br />
<br />
Another excellent season for Baines saw him secure his place among the Premier League’s best full-backs. An expert from deadballs and a superb crosser, the danger he poses on the left wing was best evidenced by the fact he created more chances than any other defender in Europe’s major leagues. Given his continued excellent form Roy Hodgson now has a difficult task ahead in selecting England’s best left-back with the Everton defender’s attacking instincts proving a worthy alternative to Ashley Cole’s defensive security. <br />
<br />
Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City and Argentina) 30 games, 2 goals *<br />
<br />
A barren campaign at the Etihad has seen the majority of last year’s most important figures dramatically wane in their influence. Yet while City’s glamour players have dropped off one of their less frequently recognized heroes has stepped up again. Zabaleta’s tireless industry down the right flank has been a key factor in the successes the club did enjoy, even if his needless sending off in the FA Cup final was the height of foolishness.<br />
<br />
Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid and Brazil) 32 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
Having been omitted from the Brazil squad for a number of years, this season has marked a deserved return to the Selecao for Filipe Luis. A hugely adventurous attacking full-back his forays into the opposition half have been a consistent feature of Atleti’s build up play this season. Quick and an excellent crosser of the ball he may yet prove a worthy rival to Marcelo for a starting berth at the Confederations Cup.<br />
<br />
Stefan Lichtsteiner (Juventus and Switzerland) 28 games, 4 goals *<br />
<br />
It would have been easy to think that the arrival of Mauricio Isla in Turin might have spelt the end of Lichtsteiner as Juve’s first choice right-wingback. However, this season saw the Swiss international reaffirm his position in Antonio Conte’s side. Certainly the energy and drive he provides down the right flank would not be easily replaced and on current form there are few who could match his overall contribution.<br />
<br />
Carlos Martinez (Real Sociedad and Spain) 29 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
The story of the season in La Liga was the remarkable achievement of Real Sociedad. The club’s defensive solidity was the key to their success and the contribution of Martinez to that was vital. Equally effective going forward his raids down the right were a regular feature but it was the combination he formed in a hugely impressive back four that really set him apart from his rivals.<br />
<br />
Mattia de Sciglio (AC Milan and Italy) 27 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
One of the revelations of the season in Italy, De Sciglio has already drawn comparisons with Milan legend Paolo Maldini for his performances this year. That should be no real surprise given that he is a right-footed full-back who has often been deployed on the left in order to strengthen a fragile defence but it does show the regard in which he is held. The youngster still has a long way to go to justify such lofty expectations but in an ultimately successful year he has been an undoubted bright spot.<br />
<br />
David Alaba (Bayern Munich and Austria) 23 games, 3 goals *<br />
<br />
A meteoric rise for Alaba meant that a player who was unsure of his place in the Bayern side at the start of the season was being described as the best left-back in Europe by Graeme Souness by the time the Champions League final rolled around. That improvement has been a gradual one but Alaba is well suited to a team like FCB who are so committed to attack. With Philipp Lahm unable to play on both flanks at the same time there are many who wish the Austrian was available to play for Die Mannschaft at the next World Cup.<br />
<br />
Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea and Serbia) 34 games, 5 goals *<br />
<br />
Whether at right-back or in the centre of Chelsea’s defence Ivanovic proved again to be a rock at Stamford Bridge. Scorer of the winning goal in the Europa League final, his ability at attacking set pieces is the equal of anyone and he is a constant danger for opposing markers. Perhaps the most memorable moment of a remarkable season was being bitten by Luis Suarez at Anfield in April, an incident in which the Serb did exceptionally well to keep his cool.<br />
<br />
Patrice Evra (Manchester United and France) 34 games, 4 goals *<br />
<br />
Once the best left-back in Europe Evra declined markedly in recent seasons and was considered by many to be the weak link in a fine United side going into this campaign. This season that changed and while his defensive assuredness returned he also developed a previously hidden ability at attacking set pieces, impressive for a player of his stature. Four goals and five assists, with many coming at crucial times, meant that he certainly played his part in the title run in and subdued rumours that he was due to be replaced by Leighton Baines. <br />
<br />
Daniel Carvajal (Bayer Leverkusen and Spain) 32 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
Seven assists from right-back were one of the key reasons that many rated Carvajal among the best newcomers in the Bundesliga this year. The potential displayed by their youngster prompted Real Madrid to include a buyback option in the defender’s sale to Bayer Leverkusen and they now look set to exercise that after just one year in Germany. Now Carvajal may be well placed to usurp Alvaro Arbeloa for both club and country. <br />
<br />
Maxwell (Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil) 33 games, 2 goals *<br />
<br />
Having reined in some of his attacking instincts Maxwell has matured into one of the most reliable full-backs in Europe. Capable on the ball and a fine passer he has been a constant presence in Carlo Ancelotti’s defence offering stability and certainty in a frequently changing line-up . It would not be surprise though if PSG went in search of a more glamorous option this summer to bolster their Champions League assault.<br />
<br />
Rafael (Manchester United and Brazil) 28 games, 3 goals *<br />
<br />
Some observers doubted the temperament of Rafael before this season and questioned whether he had the defensive discipline to make it at a club of United’s stature. Those reservations have been comprehensively demolished this season as the youngster has improved leaps and bounds. While his twin Fabio was struggling at Loftus Road Rafael put in a year of great maturity and must now be a potential alternative to the fading Dani Alves. <br />
<br />
Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina and Italy) 35 games, 2 goals*<br />
<br />
The threat posed by Pasqual down the left has been a major factor in the surprise success of Fiorentina this campaign. Handed license by Vincenzo Montella to get forward with abandon, his six assists were the most of any defender in Serie A. Although the Viola were pipped to third place on the final day of the season Pasqual showed why he has long been regarded among the best wing-backs in Italy.<br />
<br />
Honourable mentions<br />
<br />
Adriano (Barcelona and Brazil)<br />
Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus and Ghana) <br />
Daley Blind (Ajax and Netherlands)<br />
Ashley Cole (Chelsea and England) <br />
Lucas Digne (Lille and France)<br />
Mikel Gonzalez (Real Sociedad and Spain)<br />
Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord and Netherlands)<br />
Jefferson (Estoril and Brazil)<br />
Glen Johnson (Liverpool and England)<br />
Juanfran (Atletico Madrid and Spain)<br />
Sebastian Jung (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany)<br />
Dmitri Kombarov (Spartak Moscow and Russia) <br />
Matthew Lowton (Aston Villa and England)<br />
Nacho Monreal (Malaga/Arsenal and Spain)<br />
Jeremy Morel (Marseille and France)<br />
Bastian Oczipka (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany)<br />
Lukasz Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund and Poland) <br />
Stefan Radu (Lazio and Romania)<br />
Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund and Germany)<br />
commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-38078241231208507292013-06-02T23:44:00.001-07:002013-06-02T23:47:38.477-07:00Rangliste 2012-13 - GoalkeepersWilly Caballero (Málaga and Argentina) 36 games, 0 goals **<br />
<br />
Did any keeper perform quite so many heroics in so many big games this season as Caballero? Absolutely critical in Malaga’s Champions League run he also excelled in the most significant domestic matches making save after stunning save. Given the challenging circumstances that surrounded La Rosaleda the Argentine goalie performed real heroics in a supremely satisfying year.<br />
<br />
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus and Italy) 32 games, 0 goals **<br />
<br />
Given the standards that Buffon has set during a phenomenal career this was not his best season. That he kept 19 clean sheets in the league shows quite how high the bar is set. The veteran keeper was widely criticized for David Alaba’s shock early goal in the Champions League quarter-finals but he remained as steady as ever in another authoritative season. Conceding just 19 goals in 32 Serie A appearances was evidence enough of his enduring quality.<br />
<br />
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich and Germany) 31 games, 0 goals **<br />
<br />
The only criticism one can level at Neuer for this season is that he was simply not worked enough. Such was the quality of Bayern’s defence and midfield the German international was rarely called upon to repeat the heroics he so often showed at Schalke. When, like in the Champions League final, he was required to be at his best Neuer more than stepped up to the challenge and it is difficult to see a keeper of his age who can match the numerous attributes he offers to the Bavarians.<br />
<br />
Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid and Belgium) 37 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
Only 21 years old but already staking a claim to be the world’s best goalkeeper, Courtois’ presence in the Atletico goal has been a core part of their exceptional season. For all the (deserved) attention devoted to the exploits of Falcao at the other end of the pitch, it has been their defence which has carried Atleti this season. The Belgian appears content to spend another season in Spain but it can only be a matter of time before Chelsea decide to recall such a potential gamechanger.<br />
<br />
Rene Adler (Hamburg and Germany) 32 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
A season of mixed fortunes for Hamburg has been one of great promise for Rene Adler. Although he conceded 51 goals in 32 games, including a remarkable nine in a thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich, he was so often the difference maker in a struggling side. Few imagined that the move would prompt a return to the German national team but he now looks poised to battle for the place of Manuel Neuer’s understudy.<br />
<br />
David de Gea (Manchester United and Spain) 28 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
The first half of the season saw David de Gea facing pointed questions over whether he was yet ready to be the trusted No. 1 at Old Trafford. The fact that he was producing some miraculous saves behind a porous defence was overlooked and his deficiencies on crosses magnified. As the campaign wore on and the defensive issues ebbed away the ability of De Gea came again to the fore and underlined that he should be in situ for years to come.<br />
<br />
Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) 26 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
While Frankfurt fell away from the heady heights they hit at the start of the season it was still a remarkable year for a newly promoted side. In the early months of 2012-13 the entire side were in stellar form, but while others dropped away Trapp remained a cornerstone in an excellent defensive performance. Germany are spoilt for choice when it comes to promising young keepers but Trapp is certainly a worthy rival to the likes of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Bernd Leno.<br />
<br />
Federico Marchetti (Lazio and Italy) 33 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
The importance of Federico Marchetti to a fine Lazio season cannot be overstated. With the Italian keeper between the posts his team conceded just 32 goals in 33 games, a defensive record that only Juventus clearly bettered. In the five matches that Marchetti missed the team allowed 10 goals and looked extremely fragile, proving his worth conclusively within an impressive defence. <br />
<br />
Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain and Italy) 33 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
Voted by his fellow professionals as the best keeper in France, Sirigu’s reliability was an enduring factor in PSG’s title victory. Tall and agile, the Italian keeper has few flaws and has offered an excellent foundation on which a fine campaign was founded. Only 26 he looks the natural successor for the national team to Gigi Buffon when the Juventus legend finally hangs up his gloves.<br />
<br />
Samir Handanovic (Inter and Slovenia) 35 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
At the halfway point of the season many felt that Inter were the most likely candidates to push Juventus all the way in Serie A. Instead the team collapsed in the spring and ended the year having let in 57 goals, only bottom club Pescara boasting a worse defensive record. That it wasn’t an even worse disaster was due principally to Handanovic who performed heroically in facing a barrage of shots on goal during a testing first season in Milan.<br />
<br />
Mickael Landreau (Bastia and France) 38 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
No goalkeeper in France this season has been tested more often than Landreau. Bastia can boast the worst defensive record in Ligue 1, but had it not been for the former France international they would surely have been facing relegation. Indeed Landreau’s form has been more than good enough to merit a deserved call up to the French national team for their summer internationals.<br />
<br />
<br />
Fraser Forster (Celtic and England) 34 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
In a season with Rangers banished to the fourth flight there was never any danger of Celtic failing to win the league. For that reason it was always going to be the Bhoys progress in other competitions on which their season would be judged. Forster’s European heroics, particularly against Barcelona, were critical in the team’s Champions League progress and while his dip in form in the league was of concern to fans it still marked a major achievement.<br />
<br />
Honourable mentions<br />
<br />
Asmir Begovic (Stoke City and Serbia)<br />
Morgan de Sanctis (Napoli and Italy)<br />
Brad Guzan (Aston Villa and USA)<br />
Gorka Iraizoz (Athletic Bilbao and Spain)<br />
Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur and France)<br />
Steve Mandanda (Marseille and France)<br />
Antonio Mirante (Parma and Italy)<br />
Kenneth Vermeer (Ajax and Netherlands)<br />
Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund and Germany)<br />
<br />
commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-74541332088013895862013-06-02T14:35:00.001-07:002013-06-02T23:47:26.061-07:00Rangliste Criteria 2012-13This time last year I set out to emulate German magazine kicker, who have, since the 1950s, prepared a ratings system to evaluate the performance of players throughout the year. Initially limited to Germans based domestically it was in time widened to include foreigners in the Bundesliga and eventually German players based overseas. This list covers the entirety of the European season 2012-13 and updates the provisional rankings handed out in January.<br />
<br />
The kicker writers have historically assessed the performances of players on a semi-annual basis and then categorized them into the following categories:<br />
<br />
- World Class<br />
- International Class<br />
- Broader Circle<br />
- In Focus<br />
<br />
In order to simplify these (I am after all looking at the whole of Europe) I have amalgamated the bottom two categories into a single “National Class” but provide some honourable mentions of the players who came close but didn't quite make the main list.<br />
<br />
Note: My rankings do not necessarily correlate with those of kicker. The magazine has never published the criteria that they work on in determining the level of performance, nor make clear how the ratings would tally with the rest of the world. As such a player that kicker deem to be international class may well end up in a different category under my rankings.<br />
<br />
These rankings as ever are naturally subjective and in no way claim to be definitive. They should hopefully though be interesting and provide some food for thought. Many thanks go to the various people who have given me suggestions in this, they were hugely appreciated<br />
<br />
Scope<br />
<br />
These rankings apply to all players based in Europe in a given period. They focus primarily on domestic and European performances, with due consideration given to internationals but exclude continental tournaments such as the World Cup, European Championships and Copa America. Consideration is given to the calibre of competition and opposition faced to reflect the difficulty in obtaining performances. Therefore an outstanding performance in the Belgian league will count for less than one in the Champions League final.<br />
<br />
Players are rewarded for competing to a high standard in multiple competitions and for maintaining consistency throughout the period. Where a player is injured for a period of time in a season it may prevent them demonstrating the necessary consistency to be classified as world or international class.<br />
<br />
The rankings consider merely the performances made during the period in question. They do not look at the ability or past history of a player, only how they have played during the year studied. They do not assess the completeness or variety of talents a player demonstrates either, merely the level to which he influences the games played in. <br />
<br />
Note: In any given season there may be no players performing to a world class level in a particular position, players do not become world class by default (ie the lack of performance by others) but by the performances they make. <br />
<br />
All appearance and goal information provided relates only to domestic league performances.<br />
<br />
Ratings<br />
<br />
World Class *** – Performing consistently to an exceptional standard. Among the finest players in the world and performing at a level comparable with the very best in your position. (Guideline – 15-20 players a season)<br />
<br />
International Class ** – Performing consistently to an excellent or sporadically to an exceptional standard. (Guideline – 20-30 players a season)<br />
<br />
National Class * – Performing consistently to a very high standard or sporadically to an exceptional or excellent standard. (Guideline – 50-70 players a season)commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-60726651476997513582013-01-16T12:38:00.001-08:002013-01-16T12:38:06.492-08:00Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - RecapGoalkeepers <br />
<br />
Rene Adler (Hamburg and Germany) **<br />
Samir Handanovic (Inter and Slovenia) **<br />
Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) *<br />
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus and Italy) *<br />
Fraser Forster (Celtic and England) *<br />
Remy Vercoutre (Lyon and France) *<br />
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich and Germany) *<br />
Federico Marchetti (Lazio and Italy) *<br />
Willy Caballero (Málaga and Argentina) *<br />
Petr Cech (Chelsea and Czech Republic) *<br />
<br />
Fullbacks<br />
<br />
Jordi Alba (Barcelona and Spain) ** <br />
Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich and Germany) ** <br />
Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk and Croatia) ** <br />
Leighton Baines (Everton and England) **<br />
Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus and Ghana) ** <br />
Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City and Argentina) * <br />
Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid and Brazil) * <br />
Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham and Belgium) * <br />
Bastian Oczipka (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) * <br />
Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea and Serbia) * <br />
Cicinho (Sevilla and Brazil) * <br />
Lukasz Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund and Poland) * <br />
Benoit Tremoulinas (Bordeaux and France) * <br />
Daniel Carvajal (Bayer Leverkusen and Spain) * <br />
Ismailiy (Braga and Brazil) * <br />
Dmitri Kombarov (Spartak Moscow and Russia) *<br />
<br />
Centre-backs <br />
<br />
Dante (Bayern Munich and Brazil) ** <br />
Andrea Ranocchia (Inter and Italy) ** <br />
Thiago Silva (PSG and Brazil) ** <br />
Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus and Italy) ** <br />
Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid and Uruguay) * <br />
Water Samuel (Inter and Argentina) * <br />
Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) * <br />
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid and Spain) * <br />
Gonzalo Rodriguez (Fiorentina and Argentina) * <br />
Martin Demichelis (Malaga and Argentina) * <br />
Miranda (Atletico Madrid and Brazil) * <br />
Hugo Campagnaro (Napoli and Argentina) * <br />
Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille and Cameroon) * <br />
Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke and Germany) * <br />
Ezequiel Garay (Benfica and Argentina) * <br />
Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City and England) * <br />
Gil (Valenciennes and Brazil) *<br />
<br />
Defensive midfielders <br />
<br />
Sergio Busquets (Barcelona and Spain) ** <br />
Michael Carrick (Manchester United and England) ** <br />
Maxime Gonalons (Lyon and France) * <br />
Benat (Real Betis and Spain) * <br />
Sandro (Tottenham and Brazil) * <br />
Esteban Cambiasso (Inter and Argentina) * <br />
Victor Wanyama (Celtic and Kenya) * <br />
Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt and Switzerland) * <br />
Etienne Capoue (Toulouse and France) * <br />
Mario Suarez (Atletico Madrid and Spain) * <br />
Claudio Yacob (West Bromwich Albion and Argentina) * <br />
<br />
Central midfielders <br />
<br />
Andrea Pirlo (Juventus and Italy) *** <br />
Xavi (Barcelona and Spain) *** <br />
Arturo Vidal (Juventus and Chile) ** <br />
Marouane Fellaini (Everton and Belgium) ** <br />
Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk and Brazil) ** <br />
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich and Germany) **<br />
Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain and France) * <br />
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid and Spain) * <br />
Steed Malbranque (Lyon and France) * <br />
Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) * <br />
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal and Spain) * <br />
David Pizarro (Fiorentina and Chile) *<br />
Aaron Hunt (Werder Bremen and Germany) * <br />
Borja Valero (Fiorentina and Spain) * <br />
Remy Cabella (Montpellier and France) *<br />
Sebastian Rode (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) * <br />
<br />
Attacking midfielders <br />
<br />
Mario Goetze (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) ***<br />
Santi Cazorla (Arsenal and Spain) ***<br />
Hernanes (Lazio and Brazil) ** <br />
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona and Spain) ** <br />
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Shakhtar Donetsk and Armenia) ** <br />
Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich and Germany) ** <br />
Juan Mata (Chelsea and Spain) ** <br />
Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona and Spain) *<br />
Isco (Malaga and Spain) * <br />
Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille and France) *<br />
Marek Hamsik (Napoli and Slovakia) * <br />
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United and England) *<br />
<br />
Wingers <br />
<br />
Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich and France) *** <br />
Gareth Bale (Tottenham and Wales) ** <br />
Willian (Shakhtar Donestsk and Brazil) ** <br />
James Rodriguez (Porto and Colombia) * <br />
Romain Alessandrini (Rennes and France) *<br />
Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina and Colombia) * <br />
Juan Arango (Borussia Moenchengladbach and Venezuela) * <br />
Dries Mertens (PSV Eindhoven and Belgium) * <br />
Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid and Turkey) * <br />
Eden Hazard (Chelsea and Belgium) * <br />
Markel Susaeta (Athletic Bilbao and Spain) *<br />
<br />
Forwards <br />
<br />
Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina) *** <br />
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Portugal) *** <br />
Luis Suarez (Liverpool and Uruguay) *** <br />
Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich and Germany) ** <br />
Francesco Totti (Roma and Italy) ** <br />
Michu (Swansea and Spain) ** <br />
Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) * <br />
Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus and Italy) * <br />
Erik Lamela (Roma and Argentina) * <br />
Dusan Tadic (Twente and Serbia) * <br />
Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina and Montenegro) * <br />
Alex Meier (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) *<br />
<br />
Strikers <br />
<br />
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG and Sweden) *** <br />
Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid and Colombia) *** <br />
Robin van Persie (Manchester United and Netherlands) *** <br />
Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan and Italy) ** <br />
Edinson Cavani (Napoli and Uruguay) ** <br />
Antonio di Natale (Udinese and Italy) ** <br />
Demba Ba (Chelsea/ Newcastle and Senegal) * <br />
Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany) * <br />
Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund and Poland) * <br />
Jermain Defoe (Tottenham and England) * <br />
Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem and Ivory Coast) * <br />
Jackson Martinez (Porto and Colombia) * <br />
Burak Yilmaz (Galatasaray and Turkey) * <br />
Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao and Spain) * <br />
Miroslav Klose (Lazio and Germany) *<br />
Graziano Pelle (Feyenoord and Italy) * commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-72311073758313226002013-01-16T12:28:00.001-08:002013-01-16T12:28:20.373-08:00Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Wider FocusWhen kicker compile their rangliste they traditionally list a number of players who, while not receiving a rating, have played well enough to merit consideration. These players are considered to be within "wider focus". The following were players who merited consideration across Europe. Naturally this list is not exhaustive.<br />
<br />
Goalkeepers<br />
<br />
Asmir Begovic (Stoke City and Bosnia)<br />
Thibault Courtois (Atletico Madrid and Belgium)<br />
Gorka Iraizoz (Athletic Bilbao and Spain)<br />
Simon Mignolet (Sunderland and Belgium)<br />
Fabian Giefer (Fortuna Dusseldorf and Germany)<br />
Salvatore Sirigu (PSG and Italy)<br />
Antonio Mirante (Parma and Italy)<br />
Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon and Portugal)<br />
Steve Mandanda (Marseille and France)<br />
<br />
Full-backs<br />
<br />
Rafael (Manchester United and Brazil)<br />
Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina and Italy)<br />
Stefan Radu (Lazio and Romania)<br />
Patrice Evra (Manchester United and France)<br />
Ashley Cole (Chelsea and England) <br />
Nacho Monreal (Malaga and Spain)<br />
Sebastian Jung (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany)<br />
Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund and Germany)<br />
David Alaba (Bayern Munich and Austria)<br />
Jeremy Morel (Marseille and France)<br />
Hugo Mallo (Celta Vigo and Spain)<br />
Adriano (Barcelona and Brazil)<br />
Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord and Netherlands)<br />
<br />
Centre-backs<br />
<br />
Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund and Serbia)<br />
Timm Klose (Nurnberg and Germany)<br />
Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich and Germany)<br />
Facundo Roncaglia (Fiorentina and Argentina)<br />
Andrea Barzagli (Juventus and Italy)<br />
Aurelien Chedjou (Lille and Cameroon)<br />
Chico (Swansea and Spain)<br />
Robert Huth (Stoke City and Germany)<br />
Nicolas Otamendi (Porto and Argentina)<br />
Juan Jesus (Inter and Brazil)<br />
Neto (Siena and Portugal)<br />
Philipp Wollscheid (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)<br />
Gerard Piqué (Barcelona and Spain)<br />
Pepe (Real Madrid and Portugal)<br />
Vincent Kompany (Manchester City and Belgium)<br />
Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus and Italy)<br />
<br />
Defensive midfielders<br />
<br />
Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich and Brazil)<br />
Francesco Lodi (Catania and Italy)<br />
Gareth Barry (Manchester City and England) <br />
Ignacio Camacho (Malaga and Spain)<br />
Ricardo Faty (Ajaccio and France)<br />
Cristian Ledesma (Lazio and Argentina)<br />
Ayman Abdennour (Toulouse and Tunisia)<br />
<br />
Central midfielders<br />
<br />
Claudio Marchisio (Juventus and Italy)<br />
Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)<br />
Moussa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur and Belgium)<br />
Ricardo Montolivo (AC Milan and Italy)<br />
Kevin De Bruyne (Werder Bremen and Belgium)<br />
Roman Neustadter (Schalke and Germany)<br />
Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)<br />
Pablo Batalla (Bursaspor and Argentina)<br />
Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands)<br />
Gokhan Inler (Napoli and Switzerland)<br />
<br />
Attacking midfielders<br />
<br />
Oscar (Chelsea and Brazil)<br />
Diego (Wolfsburg and Brazil)<br />
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool and England)<br />
Andre Ayew (Marseille and Ghana)<br />
Adel Taarabt (QPR and Morocco)<br />
David Silva (Manchester City and Spain)<br />
Koke (Atletico Madrid and Spain)<br />
Julien Feret (Rennes and France)<br />
Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow and Japan)<br />
Renaud Cohade (St Etienne and France) <br />
Szabolcs Huszti (Hannover and Hungary) <br />
Gonzalo Castro (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany) <br />
<br />
Wingers<br />
<br />
Jefferson Farfan (Schalke 04 and Peru)<br />
Daniel Caligiuri (Freiburg and Germany)<br />
Patrick Ebert (Valladolid and Germany)<br />
Jakub Blaszczykowski (Borussia Dortmund and Poland)<br />
Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur and England)<br />
Alan (Braga and Brazil)<br />
Robert Snodgrass (Norwich and Scotland)<br />
Pedro Leon (Getafe and Spain)<br />
Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad and Mexico)<br />
Joaquin (Malaga and Spain)<br />
Gael Danic (Valenciennes and France)<br />
Eric Bautheac (Nice and France)<br />
Antonio Candevra (Lazio and Italy)<br />
Mbark Boussoufa (Anzhi and Morocco)<br />
<br />
Forwards<br />
<br />
Siem de Jong (Ajax and Netherlands)<br />
Andre Schurrle (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)<br />
Alain Traore (Lorient and Burkina Faso)<br />
Theo Walcott (Arsenal and England)<br />
Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo and Spain)<br />
Bryan Ruiz (Fulham and Costa Rica)<br />
Antonio Cassano (Inter and Italy)<br />
Carlos Tevez (Manchester City and Argentina)<br />
Raheem Sterling (Liverpool and England)<br />
Lukas Podolski (Arsenal and Germany)<br />
Ruben Castro (Real Betis and Spain)<br />
Dimitri Payet (Lille and France)<br />
Alejandro Gomez (Catania and Argentina)<br />
Samuel Eto'o (Anzhi and Cameroon)<br />
<br />
Strikers<br />
<br />
Alfred Finnbogason (Heerenveen and Iceland)<br />
Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar and USA)<br />
Oscar Cardozo (Benfica and Paraguay)<br />
Albert Meyong (Vitoria Setubal and Cameroon)<br />
Rickie Lambert (Southampton and England)<br />
Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham and Bulgaria)<br />
Edin Dzeko (Manchester City and Bosnia)<br />
Roberto Soldado (Valencia and Spain)<br />
Wissam Ben Yedder (Toulouse and France)<br />
Bafetimbi Gomis (Lyon and France)<br />
Dario Cvitanich (Nice and Argentina)<br />
Pablo Osvaldo (Roma and Italy)<br />
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (St Etienne and Gabon)<br />
Vedad Ibisevic (Stuttgart and Bosnia)<br />
Rafik Djebbour (Olympiakos and Algeria) <br />
Carlos Bacca (Club Brugges and Colombia)<br />
Alexandr Kerzhakov (Zenit St Petersburg and Russia)<br />
Dieudonne Mbokani (Anderlecht and Congo)<br />
Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich and Croatia) <br />
commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-80049896989340901402013-01-16T00:27:00.001-08:002013-01-16T00:27:29.175-08:00Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Strikers Part 2Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG and Sweden) 17 games, 18 goals ***<br />
<br />
Most pundits thought at the start of the season that PSG would walk the French title. However, had it not been for the sensational form of Zlatan Ibrahimovic the club would be well off the pace in Ligue 1. His performance in Sweden’s 4-2 victory over England will be remembered for many years to come with some touting his final goal as the best ever scored. That game might finally have won over the naysayers who have spuriously questioned his greatness in years gone be.<br />
<br />
Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid and Colombia) 17 games, 18 goals ***<br />
<br />
When Atletico Madrid paid over the £35m they had just received for Sergio Aguero to acquire Radamel Falcao they seemed to have signed a top player for a top price. As it turned out the deal was a comparative bargain, with the Colombian stepping up to another level during his time at the Vicente Calderon. Now a genuine candidate as the finest striker in the world, rumours abound of a cross city move to the Bernabeu or a switch to Chelsea in the summer. <br />
<br />
Robin van Persie (Manchester United and Netherlands) 22 games, 17 goals ***<br />
<br />
Some questioned the price that United paid for Van Persie given his age, the length of time his contract had to run and more pressing priorities at Old Trafford. Somehow though he has already proven those doubters wrong with a series of performances that have confirmed his status as the Premier League's finest player. To have settled in so quickly is remarkable and he looks poised to reach 30 league goals for the second season running.<br />
<br />
Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan and Italy) 20 games, 14 goals **<br />
<br />
Were it not for the performances of El Shaarawy Milan would find themselves in a relegation fight. The youngster, known as the Pharoah, has carried the team in the absence of the departed Ibrahimovic and Thiago. Quick and a brilliant finisher he has provided the cutting edge that the side have sorely lacked and singlehandedly lifted the club into a semi-respectable position at the winter break.<br />
<br />
Edinson Cavani (Napoli and Uruguay) 17 games, 16 goals **<br />
<br />
There are few strikers in the modern game with the full range of abilities that Edinson Cavani possesses. The Uruguayan is a centre-forward who hurts team in a multitude of ways and is, on occasion, unstoppable. This season he has been at his very best, dominating defenders and winning matches almost single handedly. With Cavani in such form Napoli still look a major threat to Italy’s established powers.<br />
<br />
Antonio di Natale (Udinese and Italy) 17 games, 14 goals **<br />
<br />
It is difficult to recall a player whose career enjoyed such a dramatic upturn after the age of 30 as Di Natale. The Udinese striker is still frightening defences at 35 and shows no obvious signs of decline. The Zebras have suffered an alarming dip in form this year, which is far from surprising given the number of players they have sold in recent seasons, but Di Natale has still been remarkably consistent. <br />
<br />
Demba Ba (Chelsea/ Newcastle and Senegal) 20 games, 13 goals *<br />
<br />
A move to Chelsea in the January transfer window was ample reward for Demba Ba’s heroics at Newcastle. The striker has been one of the few bright lights in Newcastle’s disappointing start to the season and his arrival at Stamford Bridge should now provide some much needed competition for Fernando Torres. Last season his form tailed off dramatically after Christmas so he needs to maintain focus in order to justify a starting berth.<br />
<br />
Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany) 17 games, 12 goals *<br />
<br />
The impressive displays of Stefan Kiessling have left Bayer Leverkusen as the closest challengers to Bayern Munich as the Bundesliga run-in beckons. The German striker has formed an excellent partnership with Andre Schurrle in the Leverkusen attack and his ability in the air makes his a more than capable target man. The club have the experience required to maintain their exemplary form and with Kiessling at his best they may well run Bayern close in the coming months. <br />
commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-63810178738982524732013-01-14T23:54:00.001-08:002013-01-14T23:54:58.061-08:00Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Strikers Part 1Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund and Poland) 16 games, 10 goals *<br />
<br />
The hunt for Robert Lewandowski’s signature continues as the Polish forward is yet to agree an extension at BVB. Many believe that rumoured interest from Manchester United is merely a smokescreen used to push up his potential wages, but there is no denying the ability of Dortmund’s centre-forward. He has been a certain source of goals since his arrival at the club and would be an excellent acquisition for a host of top clubs. <br />
<br />
Jermain Defoe (Tottenham and England) 22 games, 10 goals *<br />
<br />
Many doubted the ability of Defoe to lead the line on his own, but this season has shown than not only he is a superb finisher, he is also a far more rounded player than in previous years. Major injury troubles have severely hit the team’s ability to field a consistent line-up, but both and home and abroad Defoe has helped to minimise the impact of the disruption. With many of those injured stars now returning, Andre Villas-Boas will hope Defoe fine form can support a top four finish.<br />
<br />
Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem and Ivory Coast) 18 games, 16 goals *<br />
<br />
Bony’s bright start to the season will lead many clubs to curse a missed opportunity. Liverpool had the striker on trial over five years ago but passed on the chance to sign him, prompting a move to Sparta Prague. That gave the Ivorian a period to acclimatise to European football and by the end of his time in the Czech Republic he looked to have progressed. Given Vitesse’s modest finances he looks certain to join either a larger Eredivisie team or leave the league come the summer. <br />
<br />
Jackson Martinez (Porto and Colombia) 13 games, 12 goals *<br />
<br />
No team can rival the consistency with which Porto unearth gems in South America. The Dragons are famed for the quality of their scouting and Martinez, a player they have tracked for a number of years, is further proof of the keen eyes of their talent spotters. The Colombian striker has settled superbly in Portugal and, in the absence of the departed Hulk, has carried the team’s attacking efforts.<br />
<br />
Burak Yilmaz (Galatasaray and Turkey) 15 games, 9 goals *<br />
<br />
Having dominated the Turkish league at Trabzonspor last season the next frontier for Burak to conquer was naturally the international game. Gala sneaked into the knockout stages thanks primarily to the six goals that their new signing delivered and now face a far from daunting tie with Schalke. The powerful centre-forward has already made a name for himself in the Champions League, but could take a step to the next level if he maintains his scoring touch in Europe.<br />
<br />
Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao and Spain) 18 games, 11 goals *<br />
<br />
Athletic’s poor autumn form was largely due to their pitiful efforts in front of goal. Were it not for the finishing of Aduriz the Basques would likely be propping up the Primera Division’s table. The contractual complications with Fernando Llorente have certainly hurt Bilbao’s prospects but Aduriz has proven a more than capable stand in, emulating his more illustrious teammate’s prowess in the air and leading the line with great courage. <br />
<br />
Miroslav Klose (Lazio and Germany) 19 games, 10 goals *<br />
<br />
The veteran German striker has been playing some of the best football of his career since his move to Rome. Despite his excellence at international level Klose has always possessed a rather underwhelming club record, but Lazio appear to have got the best out of their front man and his potency in front of goal has been a key factor in their unexpected title push.<br />
<br />
Graziano Pelle (Feyenoord and Italy) 14 games, 14 goals *<br />
<br />
Feyenoord are making a habit of excellent loan signings. Last year they took Manchester City’s John Guidetti to De Kuip, and this season brought in Pelle before shrewdly striking a permanent deal for the Italian striker. Tall and rangy he has set the Eredivisie on fire this campaign and his exceptional form has been the key factor in the club’s title challenge. While Feyenoord have made his deal “permanent” it would be no surprise to see an ambitious Serie A club look to take him back to Italy.<br />
commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-34147982959182395652013-01-14T00:22:00.001-08:002013-01-14T00:22:06.964-08:00Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - ForwardsLionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina) 19 games, 28 goals ***<br />
<br />
The transcendent ability of Lionel Messi continues to thrill and excite. Yet somehow, given the sheer unending nature of his brilliance, it is almost possible to not fully appreciate the magnitude of his greatness. Whether it was desire for a change or other motives there were those who didn't consider the Argentine to be the best player of 2012. The question is now how many years will it take for someone to overthrow his dominance.<br />
<br />
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Portugal) 18 games, 16 goals ***<br />
<br />
By his own incredible standards 2012-13 has so far been slightly underwhelming for Cristiano Ronaldo. That he is currently the top scorer in the Champions League and is averaging roughly a goal a game in La Liga shows just how high our expectations are. Yet with Los Merengues well off the pace in the league and facing a tough European encounter with Manchester United he and his teammates will need to improve if they are to end the season with any silverware. <br />
<br />
Luis Suarez (Liverpool and Uruguay) 21 games, 15 goals ***<br />
<br />
The start of Brendan Rodgers' tenure at Liverpool has not been plain sailing. Had it not been for he influence of Luis Suarez it would have been disastrous. The Uruguayan has been in exceptional form so far this year, carrying the team a times and displaying quite why he is so popular at Anfield. The obvious worry for supporters is quite how long will he be willing to stay at a club who are unable (on present evidence) to challenge for major honours. <br />
<br />
Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich and Germany) 16 games, 9 goals **<br />
<br />
After the phenomenal form that Muller showed in the 2009-10 season and the 2010 World Cup the last two years were something of a disappointment. This campaign he has been back to his absolute best with a series of exceptional performances for Bayern justifying quite why everyone was previously so excited about the young German international. Decision makers at FC Hollywood clearly felt the same by extending Muller’s contract until 2017.<br />
<br />
Francesco Totti (Roma and Italy) 18 games, 6 goals **<br />
<br />
At the age of 36 Totti is still excelling in Serie A. There may be more youthful alternatives but nobody possesses the imagination or creativity to make some of the passes that the Roma skipper pulls off. Admittedly some of those passes come at a price with Totti misplacing a fair proportion, but with six assists already in the league it is a worthwhile trade off.<br />
<br />
Michu (Swansea and Spain) 21 games, 13 goals **<br />
<br />
Arguably the signing of the season in the whole of Europe. The great question was why nobody challenged Swansea to sign an attacking midfielder who had scored15 goals for Rayo Vallecano the previous year. Regardless of his price he has proven an inspired acquisition for Michael Laudrup and has now been linked with a move to Atletico. Unsurprisingly Swansea would be looking for a lot more than £2m.<br />
<br />
Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) 17 games, 6 goals *<br />
<br />
Dortmund's path to the top has largely been based on judicious scouting of underrated youngsters and the motivational techniques of Jurgen Klopp. When signing Marco Reus last January the club were returning to some of the big money acquisitions which had been their habit ten years ago. With Shinji Kagawa gone much of Dortmund's offensive expectations have come to rest with Reus and while he has perhaps yet to hit his Gladbach form he has still proven an excellent signing.<br />
<br />
Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus and Italy) 18 games, 6 goals *<br />
<br />
If there is a criticism of Juventus it is a lack of class in the final third of the pitch. The club dominate games but are sometimes undone by their inability to kill teams off. Potentially the player who is most hindered by the absence of a first-rate front man is Giovinco, who creates a multitude of chances that really should be capitalised on. As it is he has been as impressive this year as he was last and may be evolving into Italy's latest fantasista. <br />
<br />
Erik Lamela (Roma and Argentina) 16 games, 10 goals *<br />
<br />
The arrival of Zdenek Zeman appears to have brought the best out of Coco Lamela. The youngster has been in scintillating form on the right of Roma's attack where he is able to put his exceptional dribbling ability to good effect. The Argentine moved to Europe within enormous expectations given his age and ability and now seems well set to deliver on that talent. Certainly if he can maintain his goalscoring record Roma could yet find themselves in the top three at the end of the season. <br />
<br />
Dusan Tadic (Twente and Serbia) 18 games, 8 goals *<br />
<br />
The title challenge of Steve McClaren's Twente has been led by young Serb Tadic. Having joined for £6m in the summer from Gronigen, a sizeable fee by Dutch standards, there was good reason to expect Tadic to deliver but he has improved significantly at Twente. Already a Serbian international the Erediviie may not be able to keep hold of his gifts for much longer.<br />
<br />
Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina and Montenegro) 15 games, 8 goals *<br />
<br />
The rise and rise of Stevan Jovetic continues apace. The Fiorentina forward was among the leading talents of last season in Serie A and this term he has more than justified Fiorentina's decision to ward off potential suitors. With the Viola now seemingly active in looking to attract attackers it raises the question of whether they are supposed to support the Montenegrin or replace him.<br />
<br />
Alex Meier (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) 17 games, 11 goals *<br />
<br />
Many of Frankfurt's leading lights this season have been youngsters who have not previously had a chance to prove themselves. Meier by contrast is something of a veteran who has been at the club for eight years without ever standing out at the highest level. This season he has certainly grabbed the attention of spectators with his ability in front of goal, providing the cutting edge that the team's enterprising approach work has otherwise been lacking.<br />
commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-20808549366954255102013-01-10T00:25:00.001-08:002013-01-10T00:25:20.703-08:00Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - WingersFranck Ribery (Bayern Munich and France) 12 games, 4 goals ***<br />
<br />
Ribery appears to be one of those players who never gets his dues from British audiences. Perhaps it is his lack of success at national level, but the Frenchman has been one of the game's leading stars side his move to Bayern. A heavy scorer and provider of a wealth of assists, Ribery makes up for his lack of pace with exceptional dribbling ability and a hugely dangerous right boot. This season has arguably been his finest in Munich as he has carried the team to the German summit.<br />
<br />
Gareth Bale (Tottenham and Wales) 17 games, 9 goals **<br />
<br />
So far this season there has been more discussion of Bale’s diving than his football. That has unfairly masked the excellent performances that the Welshman has produced for both club and country. For Spurs he remains a huge attacking threat while for Wales he can on occasion be a one man team. Never was that more apparent than in his individual demolition of Scotland in the World Cup qualifiers.<br />
<br />
Willian (Shakhtar Donestsk and Brazil) 14 games, 2 goals **<br />
<br />
Numerous clubs were linked with a move for Willian in the summer, if they were to enquire again in 2013 it would be for a significantly higher price. The Brazilian was exceptional in the Champions League group stages, particularly in Shakhtar’s victory over Chelsea at the Donbass Arena. Fantastic individual trickery allied with rare vision make him one of the most dangerous wide players in the game.<br />
<br />
James Rodriguez (Porto and Colombia) 12 games, 7 goals *<br />
<br />
Already highly rated prior to the start of the season, this has been the year in which the young Colombian has come of age. Quick, direct and blessed with exceptional technique the Porto star has been one of the stand out performers in the Liga Sagres. Most of Europe's leading sides are monitoring his progress, but given Porto's history for driving a hard bargain he won't come cheap.<br />
<br />
Romain Alessandrini (Rennes and France) 16 games, 7 goals *<br />
<br />
It is often hard for players to make the step up from the lower leagues to the top flight. Alessandrini has proven in the last two seasons a Clermont to be a player of huge promise, but this campaign he has proven he can cut it against the best clubs in France. The youngster has a tendency to cut inside from the left wing and has demonstrated his potency in front of goal having scored seven in the league already this season.<br />
<br />
Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina and Colombia) 18 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
After a number of years in the doldrums Colombian football is enjoying a renaissance. There are certainly better known examples of the resurgence of the nation, but Cuadrado has proven an excellent signing for Fiorentina. While he's mainly used as a wingback at club level, for the Colombian national team he plays a more advanced role which suits his trickery on the ball and willingness of get forward at every opportunity.<br />
<br />
Juan Arango (Borussia Moenchengladbach and Venezuela) 17 games, 5 goals *<br />
<br />
The owner of the world's sweetest left foot may well not be Lionel Messi or Robin van Persie but Juan Arango. Gladbach's star midfielder has continued to enjoy his time in the Bundesliga with a penchant for spectacular shots from long range. Although he could never be described as prolific when Arango does hit the back of the net his goals tend to be memorable.<br />
<br />
Dries Mertens (PSV Eindhoven and Belgium) 15 games, 7 goals *<br />
<br />
Belgium's abundance of riches means that Dries Mertens has been relatively overlooked among spotters of young talent. The PSV star is at his best cutting inside on his right foot and is a superb free-kick taker with pinpoint accuracy. The success of his club has been based on numerous strong performers (Kevin Strootman in midfield is certainly worth of mention) but nobody has been a more dangerous threat in PSV's attack.<br />
<br />
Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid and Turkey) 16 games, 5 goals *<br />
<br />
With Adrian among the few Atleti players not to fire this season, much of the creative responsibility for the team's attacks has rested with Turan. Last season he showed why such a fuss had been made about his ability in Turkey and this year he has been equally good. A brilliant dribbler he has curbed some of the selfishness which was a trait before his move to Spain and is now an a prodigious provider from either wing.<br />
<br />
Eden Hazard (Chelsea and Belgium) 20 games, 4 goals *<br />
<br />
After making a fantastic start to his Chelsea career, Hazard has been rather more muted in recent months. The precocious nature of his talents and his lack of experience at the highest level would perhaps suggest such a come-down, but he has still been impressive when afforded time and space. Given the calibre of his performances for Lille in recent years, there is no doubt there is still much more to come for the Blues.<br />
<br />
Markel Susaeta (Athletic Bilbao and Spain) 17 games, 2 goals *<br />
<br />
Last season saw Bilbao flying high as Marcelo Bielsa's influence made the Basques one of the most exciting clubs in Europe. This year has been far more problematic but Susaeta has been one of the few performers to seriously up his game. The winger has gained international recognition making his debut for Vicente del Bosque and scoring on his debut in a 5-1 victory over Panama.<br />
commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-3228756062558337672013-01-09T00:01:00.001-08:002013-01-09T00:01:55.465-08:00Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Attacking MidfieldersMario Goetze (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) 15 games, 6 goals ***<br />
<br />
A common cliche is to refer to the return of an injured player as being "like a new signing" for the relevant club. If Dortmund were to have signed a player of Goetze's calibre in the summer it would surely have cost them in excess of £30m. For the youngster's technical ability and vision on the ball are worthy of the world's best players and if he can continue in his current vein of form the sky is the limit both for the club and the player over the rest of the year.<br />
<br />
Santi Cazorla (Arsenal and Spain) 20 games, 7 goals ***<br />
<br />
The media don’t seem to be able to make up their mind about Arsenal this season. At one stage they were being touted as title contenders, then dismissed as in crisis. One man that everyone is sure about is Santi Cazorla. Technically outstanding the Spaniard has adapted to the Premier League immediately and demonstrated the form that made him a star at Villarreal and Malaga. Now commonly accepted as one of the league’s finest players. <br />
<br />
Hernanes (Lazio and Brazil) 18 games, 7 goals **<br />
<br />
For all the hype that surrounded Hernanes during his time at Sao Paulo it took an eternity for a European team to take a chance on him. Lazio have reaped the rewards of their faith in recent seasons as he has emerged as one of the finest playmakers in Serie A. Consistently overlooked by Mano Menezes at national level, “the prophet” will be hoping that Luis Felipe Scolari is more appreciative of his talents.<br />
<br />
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona and Spain) 13 games, 1 goal **<br />
<br />
For some time the criticism of Iniesta has been that while he can shine on the biggest stage he doesn't deliver enough on a regular basis. So far this season he has suffered his usual injuries but when fit he has been contributing killer passes a he most regular rate of his career. With the big games set to come for Barca the demand will be to maintain his productivity and stand out against the best.<br />
<br />
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Shakhtar Donetsk and Armenia) 17 games, 18 goals **<br />
<br />
The departure of Jadson to Sao Paulo has allowed Mkhitaryan to develop still further this season. Previously playing in central midfield the move forward appears to have brought out the best in the Armenian international who is an expert at finding space between the lines. Shakhtar are reaping the rewards of his proficiency in front of goal with Mkhitaryan using his greater freedom to improve on his already impressive offensive contribution.<br />
<br />
Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich and Germany) 17 games, 6 goals **<br />
<br />
There appears to be a growing maturity about Toni Kroos. Everyone has known what a technically gifted footballer he is since he first emerged at youth level but he is now willing to shoulder his burden of responsibility within the Bayern team. Part of that must be due to the heightened competition for places that exists within the club, but he now looks well set to fulfil the lofty expectations that surround him.<br />
<br />
Juan Mata (Chelsea and Spain) 18 games, 7 goals **<br />
<br />
Probably the outstanding player of Chelsea's season so far, Mata is one of the only attackers to consistently hit top form. While the arrivals of Oscar and Eden Hazard have made the club a greater threat going forward and added some much needed invention it has sometimes resulted in the Spaniard being placed out on the left flank. That is certainly not his preferred position and it is when he has had his opportunities through the centre that Mata has really been at his best.<br />
<br />
Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona and Spain)16 games, 5 goals *<br />
<br />
Last season saw Cesc Fabregas deployed in a variety of positions as Barca sought to integrate the former Arsenal man into the side. This season he has found himself more regularly in his natural midfield role rather than playing as a forward and while that has reduced his goalscoring it has allowed him to influence play more in deeper areas. Ultimately Fabregas has he versatility to excel wherever he is selected and at present he is on course for another stellar season.<br />
<br />
Isco (Malaga and Spain) 18 games, 4 goals *<br />
<br />
The most exciting “newcomer” of the last La Liga season has improved again this time around. So far his best performances have come in the Champions League, thrilling against Panathanaikos and then consistently impressing during Malaga’s surprisingly comfortably progression to the second round. It’s no wonder that he has recently received the “Golden Boy” award from Tuttosport as Europe’s most promising young player.<br />
<br />
Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille and France) 19 games, 2 goals *<br />
<br />
Providing the creative spark in a sometimes workmanlike midfield has been the duty of Valbuena this season. The diminutive Frenchman is fortunately full of ideas and is constantly disrupting opposing defences. New manager Elie Baup certainly seems to have got the best out of Valbuena who does have a tendency to blow hot and cold, but this season at least he has regularly been in peak form.<br />
<br />
Marek Hamsik (Napoli and Slovakia) 19 games, 7 goals *<br />
<br />
Hamsik has long been regarded as one of Europe's most promising young midfielders but his undeniable ability has often been hampered by chronic inconsistency. This season he has begun to address that, providing a consistency of performance that has bolstered Napoli's title challenge. The next target is for him to maintain this form throughout the season. If he does that then the hype will finally be justified.<br />
<br />
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United and England) 14 games, 7 goals *<br />
<br />
Robin van Persie’s arrival at Old Trafford has led to a change in role for Rooney. Now employed as a deeper creator he has embraced the change in position and dovetailed well with the Dutch centre-forward. That may change again when Shinji Kagawa returns to the line-up but for now he seems to be revelling in the space he finds in the midfield as well as defending from the front with some excellent pressing play. <br />
commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-76723312781206691492013-01-08T00:45:00.001-08:002013-01-08T00:45:58.869-08:00Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Central MidfieldersAndrea Pirlo (Juventus and Italy) 17 games, 4 goals ***<br />
<br />
The air in Turin clearly agrees with Andrea Pirlo. Since moving to Juve in the summer of 2011 he has been reinvigorated and renewed, staking his claim again as the best central midfielder in the world. Certainly nobody can touch him in terms of elegance, or in the efficacy of his perfectly weighted chipped passes. Scandalously omitted from the Ballon d’Or’s final three, another Serie A title will be fit recompense for the Italian maestro.<br />
<br />
Xavi (Barcelona and Spain) 18 games, 5 goals ***<br />
<br />
At the Christmas break in La Liga Xavi not only possessed a pass completion ratio of over 95% but he made over 100 passes a game on average. That, in a nutshell, is why he remains the greatest regulating midfielder in the history of the game and arguably the most important defensive player in world football. That level of control, along with the goals of Lionel Messi, has been the route of Barca’s success over the last five years and with a new contract penned until 2016 Xavi will be racking up countless more passes in the future.<br />
<br />
Arturo Vidal (Juventus and Chile) 15 games, 5 goals **<br />
<br />
While other clubs may rival Juventus for quality, none possesses the complete range of talents that La Vecchia Signora enjoys, nor blends them together so well. Nowhere is that more apparent than in central midfield where the grace of Pirlo, the timing of Marchisio and, notably, the industry of Vidal come together. The Chilean possesses an armoury of abilities and has a fair claim to be the most complete box to box midfielder in world football.<br />
<br />
Marouane Fellaini (Everton and Belgium) 16 games, 8 goals **<br />
<br />
Aside from his despicable head butt on Ryan Shawcross recently and the consequent three match ban, this has been a tremendous season for Fellaini. His robust physicality is normally a major virtue and he was superb against Manchester United early in the season to set the tone for Everton’s great start. Given the Toffees’ habitual improvement in the second half of the year we can expect Fellaini to be again to the fore in the remainder of the campaign. <br />
<br />
Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk and Brazil) 16 games, 1 goal **<br />
<br />
The driving force in Shakhtar's midfield Fernandinho was outstanding in the autumn's Champions League campaign. Possessing an innate sense of where to position himself, the presence of Tomas Hubschman allows the Brazilian to surge forward on occasion and utilise his technical ability in advanced areas of the pitch. With an excellent shot and competent with both feet Fernandinho illustrates the wealth of options Brazil have at their disposal. <br />
<br />
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich and Germany) 16 games, 4 goals **<br />
<br />
An injury to Schweinsteiger midway through the 2011-12 season did immeasurable damage to Bayern Munich's domestic campaign. For while the team can rely on numerous match winners the German star remains the driving force in midfield and provides remarkable authority which seems lacking in his absence. So far this year he has probably not been at his very best but his continued presence will be vital for the club to avoid a similar decline.<br />
<br />
Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain and France) 18 games, 3 goals *<br />
<br />
Much of the focus around PSG this season has naturally been directed towards their expensive summer signings. One player who has deserved greater attention has been Matuidi whose performances in the centre of midfield have been the basis of so much that is good about the Parisians. A hive of energy, the Frenchman drives the team forward but possesses the work ethic to cover for his more adventurous colleagues.<br />
<br />
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid and Spain) 17 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
Despite the many challenges that Real Madrid have faced this season, one man who has continued to dictate the tempo of their game has been Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard has had to cope with the arrival of Luka Modric and the absence of Sami Khedira, but has maintained the rhythm of his passing and kept Madrid ticking. Alonso is yet to sign a contract extension at the Bernabeu but won't be short of offers if he were to decide to leave.<br />
<br />
Steed Malbranque (Lyon and France) 16 games, 2 goals *<br />
<br />
Few could have believed at the start of the season that Steed Malbranque would be among the stars of Le Championnat. After a spell with St Etienne during the last term was hugely underwhelming he has enjoyed probably the best form of his career as Lyon have mounted an unexpected title challenge. Nimble on the ball and with excellent distribution, he’s given a fantastic new weapon to coach Remi Garde.<br />
<br />
Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) 13 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
A revelation last time around Gundogan has been even better so far this term. An exceptional short passer, his intelligent distribution and willingness to receive the ball means that Dortmund always have an option under pressure. This season has seen him show his considerable talents on the Champions League stage and he now looks set to grow into one of the continent's finest midfielders.<br />
<br />
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal and Spain) 20 games, 4 goals *<br />
<br />
Other players have certainly grabbed more headlines for Arsenal this season but Mikel Arteta has been the man who had steadily provided the ammunition to to the damage. The accuracy of his passing and his ability to find space to make himself available for a pass is among the best in the league. With Jack Wilshere now back and fit some of the onus may have been lifted from the Spaniard's shoulders, but expect him to continue to boss a midfield in which Arteta is the centre-piece.<br />
<br />
David Pizarro (Fiorentina and Chile) 15 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
Pizarro barely got a kick when on loan at Manchester City last season, but this term he has shown quite what a fine midfield playmaker he is. Fiorentina's midfield boasts a wealth of similarly minded player and the team have surprised many with the strides they have made up the table. Certainly the availability of Pizarro is of tremendous help given his depth of experience during previous title challenges with Roma.<br />
<br />
Aaron Hunt (Werder Bremen and Germany) 15 games, 6 goals *<br />
<br />
Werder Bremen have not made the best of starts to their Bundesliga campaign but Hunt has been a bright light during a mediocre winter. Not afraid to have a pop at goal, Hunt has been in prolific form with six already in the league, as well as turning creator on occasion as well. Germany have a wealth of options in the centre of midfield but if he continues to play as he has Hunt may well force himself into contention as a worthy alternative.<br />
<br />
Borja Valero (Fiorentina and Spain) 19 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
No team have benefitted from the relegation of Villarreal quite like Fiorentina. Having signed Gonzalo Rodriguez and Borja Valero in the summer, the Viola now look set to pounce for striker Giuseppe Rossi. Valero has been one of the year's best acquisitions with his calm and measured passing setting the tone for Fiorentina's charge up the Serie A table. Few can match the Spaniard for his ball retention and the ability to pick the right pass under pressure.<br />
<br />
Remy Cabella (Montpellier and France) 19 games, 5 goals *<br />
<br />
Montpellier's title victory last season was an enormous shock, but the extent of their decline this time round has been almost as surprising. While many of the team's leading lights have failed to reproduce their form from last year Cabella has been even better as he pulls the strings in the heart of midfield. According to L'Equipe only Zlatan Ibrahimovic has performed better in Ligue 1 which indicates quite what level the Montpellier man has reached.<br />
<br />
Sebastian Rode (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) 17 games, o goals *<br />
<br />
This season has seen Rode come on leaps and bounds as he has made the step up to play in the top flight. The youngster has already proven his ability throughout German youth teams but few expected him to make quite such a big impact in the Bundesliga. Neat and tidy in possession, he and Pirmin Schwegler have formed an excellent partnership and provided a strong central base for Frankfurt. That control in midfield has been a vital part of hugely impressive season.<br />
commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-65875321472662342932013-01-06T13:55:00.001-08:002013-01-06T13:55:37.480-08:00Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Defensive MidfieldersSergio Busquets (Barcelona and Spain) 17 games, 1 goal **<br />
<br />
In Barcelona's possession game, the role played by Busquets is rarely given its due credit. For almost no midfielder possesses better positional awareness or is more adept at quickly cycling the ball to evade opposition pressing. This season he has continued to play his normal game and give the world's leading club a rock solid base from which to build.<br />
<br />
Michael Carrick (Manchester United and England) 20 games, 0 goals **<br />
<br />
If one word could characterise Manchester United’s season so far it would be “frantic”. Despite topping the table at Christmas they have rarely looked in control, even against weaker sides. The one man who does provide that surety in central midfield is Carrick whose clever and measured passing has been a rare beacon of calm as those around him lose their heads.<br />
<br />
Maxime Gonalons (Lyon and France) 18 games, 2 goals *<br />
<br />
One of the finest passers in Ligue 1 this season has been Lyon’s superb midfielder. Unflashy, the French youngster is a master of retaining possession, but has the vision and the skill to launch a well aimed long ball when needed. Not a player who has generated to much hype in recent years, but he certainly has the quality to establish himself in both the French national team and, if the price is right, in one of Europe’s biggest leagues. <br />
<br />
Benat (Real Betis and Spain) 16 games, 4 goals *<br />
<br />
Recent seasons have not been kind to Betis who have found themselves firmly in the shadow of neighbours Sevilla. One bright light has been Benat, the Basque playmaker who has carved a reputation as a first class set piece expert. Though he didn’t make Spain’s squad for Euro 2012 the year marked his debut for the national team which, given the depth of midfielders that La Roja enjoy, indicates quite how good a player he is. That ability also indicates that he probably won’t be at Real Betis for much longer. <br />
<br />
Sandro (Tottenham and Brazil) 21 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
Though he had a part to play in Spurs’ fourth place last season, the presence of Luka Modric and Scott Parker meant that Sandro was not always an automatic choice under Harry Redknapp. The departure of the Croat and injury to Tottenham’s player of the season have afforded the Brazilian more opportunities and he now seems the focal point of a strong midfield. One criticism is a tendency to allow his over-eagerness lead to unnecessary and sometimes dangerous free-kicks. <br />
<br />
Esteban Cambiasso (Inter and Argentina) 19 games, 2 goals *<br />
<br />
Cambiasso’s career had appeared to be in decline since his 2010 Champions League victory, but the 2012-13 season has witnessed a return to form. Often employed further forward than his traditional sitting role, he has revelled in the additional responsibility and has posed a credible goal threat when arriving in the box. With Inter appearing to falter in the league they need the calm head of Cambiasso to steady the ship.<br />
<br />
Victor Wanyama (Celtic and Kenya) 20 games, 5 goals *<br />
<br />
Kenya is not a country renowned for the calibre of its footballers. Along with brother McDonald Mariga, Wanyama is already a credible candidate as his nation’s greatest ever player, and he is still only 21. His tireless energy and discipline are characteristics for which his compatriots are probably better known, but he has impressive ability on the ball which means he can be noted for more than just his athleticism.<br />
<br />
Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt and Switzerland) 15 games, 2 goals *<br />
<br />
Only returning to the Bundesliga in the summer, Frankfurt are one of the league's traditional big boys. Yet despite their illustrious history few expected them to be in the top four at Christmas. That they are can partially be attributed to the performances of Schwegler, a Swiss international who has been at the club for three years. The midfielder is primarily a regulating passer who wins the ball an passes it to those more able, though he does enjoy a speculative long distance effort from time to time.<br />
<br />
Etienne Capoue (Toulouse and France) 17 games, 3 goals *<br />
<br />
Toulouse have endured a mixed start to the season, losing as many games as they have won and generally floating around mid table. Capoue's performance meanwhile have been anything but mixed, with a string of powerful displays in the centre of the team's midfield. At his best he's a player who can seemingly do everything, as a proficient passer and tackler and possessing an ability to time his bursts forward well. Certain to move to a bigger club before long.<br />
<br />
Mario Suarez (Atletico Madrid and Spain) 14 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
The midfield engine room of Koke, Gabi and Mario Suarez has played an integral part in Atleti's phenomenal start to the season. The trio are largely unheralded but perform vital work in allowing the likes of Arda Turam and Falcao to play. The height of Suarez is unusual for a player in his position, but allows him to gain an advantage for his side in the hustle and bustle of the busy midfield. Time for more credit to be given to the industrious Spaniard.<br />
<br />
Claudio Yacob (West Bromwich Albion and Argentina) 14 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
Few could have predicted that the solid if unspectacular Yacob that we saw at Racing Club would have settled quite so well in the Premier League. Admittedly, he hasn’t maintained the exceptional form that he displayed at the start of the season, partly due to injury, but he has still far exceeded expectations. Positionally sound and demonstrating clever distribution he has given West Brom a whole new dimension.<br />
commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-8748541454515560632013-01-04T01:00:00.001-08:002013-01-04T01:00:19.468-08:00Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Centre-backsDante (Bayern Munich and Brazil) 17 games, 1 goal **<br />
<br />
An outstanding performer last season at Gladbach, Dante has improved again this year following his move to Bayern. Athletic, competent on the ball and excellent in the air, the Brazilian seemingly has the lot. Die Roten’s defensive performances this season have owed so much to the air of calm that their afro-haired centre-back exudes. What baffles is how it has taken so long for him to show this form, given that he is now 29. <br />
<br />
Andrea Ranocchia (Inter and Italy) 17 games, 1 goal **<br />
<br />
For a player who has improved enormously this season, Ranocchia still has the power to infuriate. As good in the air as you would expect for a player of his height he still has a habit of making untimely but crucial errors. Despite that his overall performances have been consistently excellent and he now seems to be developing into the player many hoped for when he was at Bari.<br />
<br />
Thiago Silva (PSG and Brazil) 14 games, 0 goals **<br />
<br />
The expectation of becoming the world’s most expensive defender might have weighed heavily on some players. Not Thiago Silva. Instead the Brazilian has settled well in Paris and is demonstrating some of the form that led him to be regarded as the best centre-back in the game. If he maintains that level of performance the Parisians should find themselves celebrating come May.<br />
<br />
Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus and Italy) 13 games, 0 goals **<br />
<br />
Juventus have a history of doggedly determined defenders, from Claudio Gentile to Ciro Ferrara, and Giorgio Chiellini is mounting a considerable case to be at the head of the pantheon. Superb last season, he has again been to the fore, though injury has taken its toll on occasion. The Old Lady look to be untouchable in Serie A, now with a winnable tie against Celtic in the Champions League, they will be looking to make major progress in Europe.<br />
<br />
Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid and Uruguay) 17 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
Godin’s fine season began with the European Super Cup and he has maintained this rich vein of form ever since. The Uruguayan is physical and very strong in the air, focusing primarily on the art of defending, rather than seeking to over-elaborate. Atleti are currently enjoying their finest season since the title winning year of 1995-6 and can thank Godin for their impressive displays at the back.<br />
<br />
Water Samuel (Inter and Argentina) 12 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
The Wall remains as impenetrable as ever. Even at 34 Samuel has not lost any of his tenacity or desire to win. Aerially excellent despite his stature, he epitomises the street smarts that South American defenders are renowned for. His derby record is remarkable and he was to the fore again these season with a crucial goal in a victory over Milan.<br />
<br />
Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) 16 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
Following two seasons as arguably the best defender in Europe, Hummels has not quite been at his best in the Bundesliga this season. In Europe though he has shown much of his finest form and was instrumental in Dortmund topping an extremely difficult group in some style. During their title winning campaigns Dortmund always came on strongly in the second half of the season and they will need to do so again if they are to overhaul Bayern at home.<br />
<br />
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid and Spain) 17 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
A constant theme of all Jose Mourinho teams since his days at Porto has been the solidity of his defence. This season Real Madrid have been sorely lacking in the control and certainty that is normally a given with the “Special One” in the dug out. Sergio Ramos began his conversion back into the central role he played at Sevilla last year and it continues to look his natural home. Madrid now need his team mates to emulate his exploits.<br />
<br />
Gonzalo Rodriguez (Fiorentina and Argentina) 17 games, 5 goals *<br />
<br />
After the relegation of Villarreal last season it was inevitable that their most prized possessions would move on. One man who certainly fell into that category was Rodriguez who had established himself as among the most commanding centre-backs in La Liga before the Yellow Submarine’s demise. Fiorentina are now benefitting from that ability, both at the back and, more surprisingly, in attack where he has so far been deadly.<br />
<br />
Martin Demichelis (Malaga and Argentina) 16 games, 2 goals *<br />
<br />
It is often said that a blend of youth and experience is required for any team looking to have success. At Malaga Demichelis definitely falls into the latter category. The Argentine is a player who tends to veer between excellence and awfulness, as supporters of Bayern Munich will testify, but so far this season he appears to be enjoying a purple patch and will supply vital know-how in the latter stages of the Champions League.<br />
<br />
Miranda (Atletico Madrid and Brazil) 16 games, 2 goals *<br />
<br />
Despite his effeminate name Miranda is not a defender that front men relish tangling with. The Brazilian stopper has been in fine form, with a well established partnership with Diego Godin proving fruitful. Physically imposing, he was very highly rated in his native Brazil and was an integral part of Muricy Ramalho’s all-conquering Sao Paulo side before joining Atleti in 2011.<br />
<br />
Hugo Campagnaro (Napoli and Argentina) 15 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
The two point deduction that Napoli have suffered in respect of match fixing may yet cost them Champions League qualification. The club currently sit fifth but have been as good as any side, bar Juventus, so far in Serie A. Among their most impressive performers has been the indomitable Campagnaro, a player of tremendous grit and spirit who will need to step up yet further following the ban on club captain Paolo Cannavaro.<br />
<br />
Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille and Cameroon) 19 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
The good news for Marseille is that Cameroon’s failure to qualify for the African Cup of Nations means they will not be deprived of the services of Nkoulou this January. For while Zlatan Ibrahimovic may have never heard of the defender he is undeniably one of the finest centre-backs in Ligue 1. Atheltic, reasonable on the ball and a disciplined marker he has been a stand out performer in L’OM’s title challenge so far.<br />
<br />
Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke and Germany) 15 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
The partnership formed between Hoewedes and Kyriakos Papadopoulos at the heart of Schalke’s defence has been among the best in Europe this season. The German has previously suffered from his versatility with managers using him to plug problem positions but this term he has benefitted from a settled role and partner. Given Holger Badstuber’s injury and the ongoing lack of form of Per Mertesacker there may be a chance for Hoewedes to establish himself in the German national team.<br />
<br />
Ezequiel Garay (Benfica and Argentina) 12 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
Since the retirement of Roberto Ayala the Argentine national team has been crying out for a centre-back who is able to anchor the side. Alejandro Sabella now seems to have a host of options to select from, but looks to have installed Garay and Napoli’s Federico Fernandez as his first choice pair. The tall Garay is certainly composed on the ball and has the pace needed to make up for any over-confidence. His move to Portugal has been a resounding success after a disappointing spell at Real Madrid.<br />
<br />
Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City and England) 20 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
No team had a better defensive record in the first half of the season in England than Stoke City. Manchester United youth graduate, Shawcross, has been at the heart of their success, forming a superb partnership with Robert Huth. The Englishman embodies Stoke’s will to win and never say die attitude which has seen them develop into a test for any visiting attacker. A first full England cap against Sweden in October was well earned.<br />
<br />
Gil (Valenciennes and Brazil) 15 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
One of the surprise successes of Ligue 1 this season so far has been Valenciennes. While their recent form has been slightly underwhelming, the club began the season extremely well and have to thank their commanding, Brazilian centre-back for much of that. Tall and good in the air, he arrived from Cruzeiro 18 months ago and has proven to be a big hit in Le Championnat. Whether he or the club can maintain this form is less certain. <br />
commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6986124999218690785.post-65855874154650654622013-01-03T00:28:00.001-08:002013-01-03T00:28:13.273-08:00Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - FullbacksJordi Alba (Barcelona and Spain) 15 games, 2 goals **<br />
<br />
No transfer this summer looked more certain to be a success than Jordi Alba’s return to Barcelona. Having served his footballing apprenticeship at La Masia and enjoying an excellent understanding with so many of his new team mates from the Spanish national team he has slotted in immediately. His arrival looks to have solved one of the few remaining problems for Barca and he looks set to be a fixture in the side for many years to come.<br />
<br />
Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich and Germany) 17 games, 0 goals **<br />
<br />
Arguably the most consistent full-back of the last decade, it seems incredible that Lahm is still only 29. This season has been among his best and his leadership skills have helped to propel Bayern to one of the best Hinrunde performances in Bundesliga history. At present it seems hard to see any rival emerging and if the team can hold on it will see their captain clinch a fifth league title.<br />
<br />
Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk and Croatia) 17 games, 1 goal **<br />
<br />
The energy supplied by the Croatian veteran down Shakhtar’s right-flank remains at crucial as ever. With Alex Teixeira frequently drifting off the wing and into his preferred central position, Srna tends to have a great deal of space in which to operate and deliver his pin point crosses. Facing a tough Champions League draw as the reward for their group stage exploits, Shakhtar will need their captain’s vast experience if they are to progress further. <br />
<br />
Leighton Baines (Everton and England) 21 games, 3 goals **<br />
<br />
Everton’s excellent start to the season had much to do with the fine form of Baines. Not just a strong defender, what marks him out is his offensive contribution with superb crosses well suited to Everton’s aerial threats. For a number of years the understudy to Ashley Cole, there is now a reasonable argument that he should be England’s first choice left back. Rumours of a move to Manchester United continue.<br />
<br />
Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus and Ghana) 18 games, 1 goal **<br />
<br />
The immense vitality that Asamoah brought to bear at Udinese has been more than apparent down the left flank of Juventus this season. From his wing-back role Asamoah is at his best when marauding forward, but he does his fair share of defensive work too. The Ghanaian’s power and strength now mark him out as one of the most athletic players in the game. <br />
<br />
Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City and Argentina) 16 games, 2 goals *<br />
<br />
Manchester City have experienced a perplexing start to the season. Woeful in Europe, the team still find themselves in the hunt to retain their league title despite the failure of many of their big stars to hit top form. Probably their most consistent performer this season has been utility man Zabaleta, whose steely determination contrasts so sharply with many of the high earning dilettantes who litter the Etihad.<br />
<br />
Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid and Brazil) 14 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
There are certainly players who have taken more plaudits for Atleti’s excellent start to the season than their left-back. Despite that Filipe Luis has been a constant source of invention down the flank and a regular threat to opposing defences. Having rejected the chance to play for Poland, the nation of his father’s birth, he will be hoping for a recall to the national team in recognition of his impressive play.<br />
<br />
Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham and Belgium) 19 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
In the absence of Benoit Assou-Ekotto the Belgian has found himself playing at left-back rather than his preferred central position throughout his early period in England. Despite that he has acquitted himself admirably, drawing praise for his excellent distribution and general calm on the ball. A cleanly taken strike against Swansea recently reminded fans of the potency in front of goal he was renowned for at Ajax.<br />
<br />
Bastian Oczipka (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) 17 games, 0 goals *<br />
<br />
Bayer Leverkusen acquired one excellent full-back during the summer in the shape of Daniel Carvajal and allowed another to slip through their grasp. Oczipka has been the Bundesliga’s most creative defender so far this year, with a phenomenal seven assists in the first half of the season. An excellent crosser and hugely comfortable going forward the young German has been a vital part of Frankfurt’s shock rise. <br />
<br />
Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea and Serbia) 19 games, 4 goals *<br />
<br />
This season has seen Branislav Ivanovic asked to switch frequently between right-back and centre-back as the Blues have looked to cope with the loss of John Terry and accommodate the attacking threat of new signing Cesar Azpilicueta. The Serbian’s versatility has been important, but equally significant have been the goals he has scored from defence. As fine a header of the ball as there is in the league, he could yet finish on double figures if he continues this way.<br />
<br />
Cicinho (Sevilla and Brazil) 14 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
Often confused with his compatriot of the same name, it can’t be too long before everyone is aware of Sevilla’s exciting young right-back. It was unsurprising that the Andalucians swooped for his services after an excellent spell at Palmeiras saw him selected as the best player in his position in the Sao Paulo state championship. Now Sevilla are struggling and find themselves in the bottom half of La Liga at the winter break, it will increase the pressure on their young Brazilian to maintain his impressive form.<br />
<br />
Lukasz Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund and Poland) 16 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
Despite their excellent league form over the previous two years Dortmund surprised many with the way in which they cruised through one of the most difficult Champions League groups of recent seasons. Piszczek has been one of the stand out performers for Die Schwarzgelben during their golden period and has maintained his best form during the season so far. For the time being he seems happy in the Ruhr, but many of Europe’s wealthiest clubs have an eye on the Pole.<br />
<br />
Benoit Tremoulinas (Bordeaux and France) 15 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
A debut for the French national team was just reward for an excellent start to the year for Tremoulinas. The attacking left-back has been raiding down the flank all season and was back at the level he showed for Bordeaux in their title winning year of 2010. Didier Deschamps is a clear admirer and given a lack of potential rivals he has the quality to cement the position as his own.<br />
<br />
Daniel Carvajal (Bayer Leverkusen and Spain) 15 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
A product of the Real Madrid youth system, Carvajal has settled in excellently during his formative months in the Bundesliga. An attacking full-back, the youngster has already displayed the offensive potential which marked him out in Spain, with four assists before the Christmas break. Right-back is probably the position in which Spain are currently least strong and Carvajal may well be battling Cesar Azpilicueta and Martin Montoya in the years ahead. <br />
<br />
Ismailiy (Braga and Brazil) 6 games, 1 goal *<br />
<br />
Many Brazilians arrive in Europe with vast price tags and equally large reputations. Others, like Ismailiy, fly under the radar and are forced to earn every ounce of recognition they receive. The youngster moved to Portugal with second flight Estoril, before stepping up two years ago with Olhanense. His efforts in the Liga Sagres were sufficiently impressive to lead Braga, one of the shrewdest judges of talent in European football, to acquire his services and so far he has not let them down.<br />
<br />
Dmitri Kombarov (Spartak Moscow and Russia) 18 games, 6 goals *<br />
<br />
Whether at left-back or on the left of midfield, Russian international Kombarov loves to venture forward down his wing. Yuri Zhirkov’s absence during the autumn internationals allowed him to show Fabio Capello his strengths, including the set-pieces which are his real specialism. Spartak’s disastrous Champions League campaign was enough to unseat Unai Emery, now returning manager, Valery Karpin, needs Kombarov to be at his best if the club are to return to the competition next season.<br />
commehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11173986555379586530noreply@blogger.com0