Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Recap

Goalkeepers

Rene Adler (Hamburg and Germany) **
Samir Handanovic (Inter and Slovenia) **
Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) *
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus and Italy) *
Fraser Forster (Celtic and England) *
Remy Vercoutre (Lyon and France) *
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich and Germany) *
Federico Marchetti (Lazio and Italy) *
Willy Caballero (Málaga and Argentina) *
Petr Cech (Chelsea and Czech Republic) *

Fullbacks

Jordi Alba (Barcelona and Spain) **


Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich and Germany) **


Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk and Croatia) **


Leighton Baines (Everton and England) **

Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus and Ghana) **


Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City and Argentina) *


Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid and Brazil) *


Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham and Belgium) *


Bastian Oczipka (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) *


Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea and Serbia) *


Cicinho (Sevilla and Brazil) *


Lukasz Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund and Poland) *


Benoit Tremoulinas (Bordeaux and France) *


Daniel Carvajal (Bayer Leverkusen and Spain) *


Ismailiy (Braga and Brazil) *


Dmitri Kombarov (Spartak Moscow and Russia) *



Centre-backs

Dante (Bayern Munich and Brazil) **


Andrea Ranocchia (Inter and Italy) **


Thiago Silva (PSG and Brazil) **


Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus and Italy) **


Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid and Uruguay) *


Water Samuel (Inter and Argentina) *


Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) *


Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid and Spain) *

Gonzalo Rodriguez (Fiorentina and Argentina) *


Martin Demichelis (Malaga and Argentina) *


Miranda (Atletico Madrid and Brazil) *


Hugo Campagnaro (Napoli and Argentina) *

Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille and Cameroon) *


Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke and Germany) *


Ezequiel Garay (Benfica and Argentina) *


Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City and England) *


Gil (Valenciennes and Brazil) *

Defensive midfielders

Sergio Busquets (Barcelona and Spain) **


Michael Carrick (Manchester United and England) **


Maxime Gonalons (Lyon and France) *


Benat (Real Betis and Spain) *


Sandro (Tottenham and Brazil) *


Esteban Cambiasso (Inter and Argentina) *


Victor Wanyama (Celtic and Kenya) *


Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt and Switzerland) *


Etienne Capoue (Toulouse and France) *


Mario Suarez (Atletico Madrid and Spain) *


Claudio Yacob (West Bromwich Albion and Argentina) *


Central midfielders


Andrea Pirlo (Juventus and Italy) ***


Xavi (Barcelona and Spain) ***


Arturo Vidal (Juventus and Chile) **


Marouane Fellaini (Everton and Belgium) **


Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk and Brazil) **


Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich and Germany) **


Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain and France) *


Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid and Spain) *


Steed Malbranque (Lyon and France) *


Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) *


Mikel Arteta (Arsenal and Spain) *


David Pizarro (Fiorentina and Chile) *


Aaron Hunt (Werder Bremen and Germany) *


Borja Valero (Fiorentina and Spain) *


Remy Cabella (Montpellier and France) *


Sebastian Rode (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) *



Attacking midfielders

Mario Goetze (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) ***


Santi Cazorla (Arsenal and Spain) ***


Hernanes (Lazio and Brazil) **


Andres Iniesta (Barcelona and Spain) **


Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Shakhtar Donetsk and Armenia) **


Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich and Germany) **


Juan Mata (Chelsea and Spain) **


Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona and Spain) *


Isco (Malaga and Spain) *


Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille and France) *


Marek Hamsik (Napoli and Slovakia) *


Wayne Rooney (Manchester United and England) *



Wingers

Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich and France) ***


Gareth Bale (Tottenham and Wales) **


Willian (Shakhtar Donestsk and Brazil) **


James Rodriguez (Porto and Colombia) *


Romain Alessandrini (Rennes and France) *


Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina and Colombia) *


Juan Arango (Borussia Moenchengladbach and Venezuela) *


Dries Mertens (PSV Eindhoven and Belgium) *


Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid and Turkey) *


Eden Hazard (Chelsea and Belgium) *


Markel Susaeta (Athletic Bilbao and Spain) *



Forwards

Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina) ***


Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Portugal) ***


Luis Suarez (Liverpool and Uruguay) ***


Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich and Germany) **


Francesco Totti (Roma and Italy) **


Michu (Swansea and Spain) **


Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) *


Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus and Italy) *


Erik Lamela (Roma and Argentina) *


Dusan Tadic (Twente and Serbia) *


Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina and Montenegro) *


Alex Meier (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) *

Strikers

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG and Sweden) ***


Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid and Colombia) ***


Robin van Persie (Manchester United and Netherlands) ***


Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan and Italy) **


Edinson Cavani (Napoli and Uruguay) **


Antonio di Natale (Udinese and Italy) **


Demba Ba (Chelsea/ Newcastle and Senegal) *


Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany) *


Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund and Poland) *


Jermain Defoe (Tottenham and England) *


Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem and Ivory Coast) *


Jackson Martinez (Porto and Colombia) *


Burak Yilmaz (Galatasaray and Turkey) *


Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao and Spain) *


Miroslav Klose (Lazio and Germany) *


Graziano Pelle (Feyenoord and Italy) *



Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Wider Focus

When 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.

Goalkeepers

Asmir Begovic (Stoke City and Bosnia)
Thibault Courtois (Atletico Madrid and Belgium)
Gorka Iraizoz (Athletic Bilbao and Spain)
Simon Mignolet (Sunderland and Belgium)
Fabian Giefer (Fortuna Dusseldorf and Germany)
Salvatore Sirigu (PSG and Italy)
Antonio Mirante (Parma and Italy)
Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon and Portugal)
Steve Mandanda (Marseille and France)

Full-backs

Rafael (Manchester United and Brazil)
Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina and Italy)
Stefan Radu (Lazio and Romania)
Patrice Evra (Manchester United and France)
Ashley Cole (Chelsea and England)
Nacho Monreal (Malaga and Spain)
Sebastian Jung (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany)
Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund and Germany)
David Alaba (Bayern Munich and Austria)
Jeremy Morel (Marseille and France)
Hugo Mallo (Celta Vigo and Spain)
Adriano (Barcelona and Brazil)
Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord and Netherlands)

Centre-backs

Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund and Serbia)
Timm Klose (Nurnberg and Germany)
Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich and Germany)
Facundo Roncaglia (Fiorentina and Argentina)
Andrea Barzagli (Juventus and Italy)
Aurelien Chedjou (Lille and Cameroon)
Chico (Swansea and Spain)
Robert Huth (Stoke City and Germany)
Nicolas Otamendi (Porto and Argentina)
Juan Jesus (Inter and Brazil)
Neto (Siena and Portugal)
Philipp Wollscheid (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)
Gerard Piqué (Barcelona and Spain)
Pepe (Real Madrid and Portugal)
Vincent Kompany (Manchester City and Belgium)
Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus and Italy)

Defensive midfielders

Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich and Brazil)
Francesco Lodi (Catania and Italy)
Gareth Barry (Manchester City and England)
Ignacio Camacho (Malaga and Spain)
Ricardo Faty (Ajaccio and France)
Cristian Ledesma (Lazio and Argentina)
Ayman Abdennour (Toulouse and Tunisia)

Central midfielders

Claudio Marchisio (Juventus and Italy)
Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
Moussa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur and Belgium)
Ricardo Montolivo (AC Milan and Italy)
Kevin De Bruyne (Werder Bremen and Belgium)
Roman Neustadter (Schalke and Germany)
Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)
Pablo Batalla (Bursaspor and Argentina)
Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands)
Gokhan Inler (Napoli and Switzerland)

Attacking midfielders

Oscar (Chelsea and Brazil)
Diego (Wolfsburg and Brazil)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool and England)
Andre Ayew (Marseille and Ghana)
Adel Taarabt (QPR and Morocco)
David Silva (Manchester City and Spain)
Koke (Atletico Madrid and Spain)
Julien Feret (Rennes and France)
Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow and Japan)
Renaud Cohade (St Etienne and France)

Szabolcs Huszti (Hannover and Hungary)

Gonzalo Castro (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)



Wingers

Jefferson Farfan (Schalke 04 and Peru)
Daniel Caligiuri (Freiburg and Germany)
Patrick Ebert (Valladolid and Germany)
Jakub Blaszczykowski (Borussia Dortmund and Poland)
Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur and England)
Alan (Braga and Brazil)
Robert Snodgrass (Norwich and Scotland)
Pedro Leon (Getafe and Spain)
Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad and Mexico)
Joaquin (Malaga and Spain)
Gael Danic (Valenciennes and France)
Eric Bautheac (Nice and France)
Antonio Candevra (Lazio and Italy)
Mbark Boussoufa (Anzhi and Morocco)

Forwards

Siem de Jong (Ajax and Netherlands)
Andre Schurrle (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany)
Alain Traore (Lorient and Burkina Faso)
Theo Walcott (Arsenal and England)
Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo and Spain)
Bryan Ruiz (Fulham and Costa Rica)
Antonio Cassano (Inter and Italy)
Carlos Tevez (Manchester City and Argentina)
Raheem Sterling (Liverpool and England)
Lukas Podolski (Arsenal and Germany)
Ruben Castro (Real Betis and Spain)
Dimitri Payet (Lille and France)
Alejandro Gomez (Catania and Argentina)
Samuel Eto'o (Anzhi and Cameroon)

Strikers

Alfred Finnbogason (Heerenveen and Iceland)
Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar and USA)
Oscar Cardozo (Benfica and Paraguay)
Albert Meyong (Vitoria Setubal and Cameroon)
Rickie Lambert (Southampton and England)
Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham and Bulgaria)
Edin Dzeko (Manchester City and Bosnia)
Roberto Soldado (Valencia and Spain)
Wissam Ben Yedder (Toulouse and France)
Bafetimbi Gomis (Lyon and France)
Dario Cvitanich (Nice and Argentina)
Pablo Osvaldo (Roma and Italy)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (St Etienne and Gabon)
Vedad Ibisevic (Stuttgart and Bosnia)
Rafik Djebbour (Olympiakos and Algeria)
Carlos Bacca (Club Brugges and Colombia)
Alexandr Kerzhakov (Zenit St Petersburg and Russia)
Dieudonne Mbokani (Anderlecht and Congo)

Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich and Croatia)


Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Strikers Part 2

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG and Sweden) 17 games, 18 goals ***

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.

Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid and Colombia) 17 games, 18 goals ***

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.

Robin van Persie (Manchester United and Netherlands) 22 games, 17 goals ***

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.

Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan and Italy) 20 games, 14 goals **

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.

Edinson Cavani (Napoli and Uruguay) 17 games, 16 goals **

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.

Antonio di Natale (Udinese and Italy) 17 games, 14 goals **

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.

Demba Ba (Chelsea/ Newcastle and Senegal) 20 games, 13 goals *

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.

Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen and Germany) 17 games, 12 goals *

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.

Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Strikers Part 1

Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund and Poland) 16 games, 10 goals *

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.

Jermain Defoe (Tottenham and England) 22 games, 10 goals *

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.

Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem and Ivory Coast) 18 games, 16 goals *

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.

Jackson Martinez (Porto and Colombia) 13 games, 12 goals *

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.

Burak Yilmaz (Galatasaray and Turkey) 15 games, 9 goals *

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.

Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao and Spain) 18 games, 11 goals *

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.

Miroslav Klose (Lazio and Germany) 19 games, 10 goals *

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.

Graziano Pelle (Feyenoord and Italy) 14 games, 14 goals *

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.

Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Forwards

Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina) 19 games, 28 goals ***

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.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Portugal) 18 games, 16 goals ***

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.

Luis Suarez (Liverpool and Uruguay) 21 games, 15 goals ***

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.

Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich and Germany) 16 games, 9 goals **

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.

Francesco Totti (Roma and Italy) 18 games, 6 goals **

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.

Michu (Swansea and Spain) 21 games, 13 goals **

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.

Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) 17 games, 6 goals *

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.

Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus and Italy) 18 games, 6 goals *

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.

Erik Lamela (Roma and Argentina) 16 games, 10 goals *

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.

Dusan Tadic (Twente and Serbia) 18 games, 8 goals *

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.

Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina and Montenegro) 15 games, 8 goals *

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.

Alex Meier (Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany) 17 games, 11 goals *

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.

Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Wingers

Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich and France) 12 games, 4 goals ***

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.

Gareth Bale (Tottenham and Wales) 17 games, 9 goals **

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.

Willian (Shakhtar Donestsk and Brazil) 14 games, 2 goals **

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.

James Rodriguez (Porto and Colombia) 12 games, 7 goals *

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.

Romain Alessandrini (Rennes and France) 16 games, 7 goals *

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.


Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina and Colombia) 18 games, 1 goal *

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.

Juan Arango (Borussia Moenchengladbach and Venezuela) 17 games, 5 goals *

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.

Dries Mertens (PSV Eindhoven and Belgium) 15 games, 7 goals *

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.

Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid and Turkey) 16 games, 5 goals *

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.

Eden Hazard (Chelsea and Belgium) 20 games, 4 goals *

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.


Markel Susaeta (Athletic Bilbao and Spain) 17 games, 2 goals *

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.

Rangliste Winter 2012-13 - Attacking Midfielders

Mario Goetze (Borussia Dortmund and Germany) 15 games, 6 goals ***

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.

Santi Cazorla (Arsenal and Spain) 20 games, 7 goals ***

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.

Hernanes (Lazio and Brazil) 18 games, 7 goals **

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.

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona and Spain) 13 games, 1 goal **

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.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Shakhtar Donetsk and Armenia) 17 games, 18 goals **

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.

Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich and Germany) 17 games, 6 goals **

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.

Juan Mata (Chelsea and Spain) 18 games, 7 goals **

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.

Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona and Spain)16 games, 5 goals *

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.

Isco (Malaga and Spain) 18 games, 4 goals *

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.

Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille and France) 19 games, 2 goals *

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.

Marek Hamsik (Napoli and Slovakia) 19 games, 7 goals *

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.

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United and England) 14 games, 7 goals *

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.