Injuries, suspensions, poor form, ongoing transfer rumours, and off-field problems all made for one of the worst years of his career. LightningGive him half an inch and he's gone, Borussia Monchengladbach just learned the hard way pic.twitter.com/NFKNy6ZImQ— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 30, 2019. Kante had his least remarkable 12 months in England, but that isn’t saying much: the norm for him had been winning major trophies with any team he represented. The best 25 players at Rugby World Cup 2019. play. 9. "If you're saying anybody else is the best player in the world, Messi's had a broken leg for a year, or he's dead, or you're lying.". 3. Cheers! Rakitic often sacrifices his own talents for the Catalans’ benefit, which means he can sometimes be underrated and underappreciated. The double act were key to Liverpool’s extraordinary year, combining consistent quality with mind-boggling stamina. Right-backs 1. Since then, his form has been superb. Sure, the 2018 World Cup runner-up hasn’t been at his Ballon d’Or-winning best over the past year – hence his placing here – but he is a deep-lying playmaker of rare quality. Fabinho could stake a fair claim as the most effective defensive midfielder in England right now, if not Europe. Even a side as good as Manchester City suffer without De Bruyne, injured for part of 2019. Can he return to his best in 2020? As Maurizio Sarri’s midfield fulcrum he routinely exceeds 100 passes per match, yet he is also a significant goal threat. He was man of the match in the FA Cup final, having played 35 minutes of it, and by November he had racked up twice as many Premier League assists as any other player in 2019-20. One of La Dea’s best-ever signings, Gomez captained the team with Serie A’s 14th-highest wage budget to 3rd place – and Champions League qualification – in 2018-19. This was the year Gnabry grew into a true world-class star. His 2019 was largely positive, taking in a heartwarming return to Germany’s ranks following his injury nightmare – even if a maiden Bundesliga crown for Reus proves frustratingly elusive. Lukaku’s summer switch to Inter has revitalised him after a troubled end to his time at Manchester United. The Portuguese speedster set up six goals last term, and he has designs on finally ousting Joao Cancelo and Nelson Semedo in time for Euro 2020 next summer. The versatile midfielder became a key member of Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli side in an impressive first Serie A season, before inspiring his country to glory at the European Under-21 Championship last summer, where he was named the Player of the Tournament. The striker played his part in another record-breaking season at the Etihad Stadium, scoring 21 goals in as many starts across 2018-19. Leicester’s player of the season in 2018-19 is a flying force for the Foxes; a steam train of a right-back who is often found inside the opposition penalty area. “Everyone’s work ethic is incredible, but Koke does so much running – I just don’t know how he does it.” So eulogised his new team-mate, Kieran Trippier, who has been liberated by the Rojiblancos’ captain. Thank you for signing up to Four Four Two. You may (see also: will almost certainly) disagree. Few can come close to these feats -- although Cristiano Ronaldo has long had a comparable, and sometimes superior, goal scoring rate. 10. His velvet touch and metronomic qualities have come to the fore with club and country, leading to his contract in France recently being extended until 2024. Despite suffering form and fitness frustrations at PSG in recent seasons, Verratti remains a crucial figure. A rough 12 months aside however, the Brazilian remains an extremely talented footballer, who has the ability to change a game like no other player in world football, bar Lionel Messi. Szczesny’s transformation in Serie A has been nothing short of a revelation. The 23-year-old has impressed since arriving as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, combining positional awareness with reassuring style. The debate rages between every football fan on over who is currently the best footballer in the world. So consistent is Oblak, we are in danger of normalising some absolutely astonishing numbers. Last season was not a good one for Kroos, who was so passive at times that it was reasonable to ask if years of winning had sapped all the 29-year-old’s motivation. By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Business Insider On the pitch, N'Golo Kante does not play like a superstar. At 27, he still has plenty of time to fulfill his potential as the world's best which he showed during his time at Barcelona. We think not. He remains a major force at international level, too. "HARRY! 10. Receive news and offers from our other brands? A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. In 2019 he stepped up in Harry Kane’s absence, plundering 20 goals across the campaign even as his international commitments stacked up. Kylian Mbappe | Paris Saint-Germain/France. Silva isn’t slowing down, even as his career in England nears its final act: since the beginning of the 2018-19 season, he has made or scored 21 goals in the Premier League alone. The Germany frontman is playing less selfishly while also finishing his chances more ruthlessly, amounting to 12 goals in his first 12 Bundesliga matches of 2019-20. Frenkie de Jong | Barcelona/Netherlands. Age shows no signs of slowing the striker down – Vardy could become the oldest Premier League Golden Boot winner at the age of 33. "Lionel Messi's seal of approval." England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Though primarily a central defender, the 25-year-old has mastered the role of defensive midfielder, making him one of the game’s most vitally versatile operators. Bruno Fernandes | Sporting CP/Portugal, 8. The Dutch prodigy has flourished whether deep or playing in an advanced role, dribbling, passing and working his way into Blaugrana hearts. His 2019 was forgettable at club level (a fifth Ligue 1 title aside), but Copa America success with hosts Brazil was just reward for Marquinhos’ personal development. Great beard; even better right-back, though. 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"Bearing in mind that every game is almost 95 minutes long (when injury time is included) that's two almost every single game.". No contest, this one. Eriksen’s lacklustre autumn displays should not cloud his achievements in the first half of the calendar year. In that time, he scored in 15 of his 19 appearances for Lazio and Italy. Ruiz has enjoyed a rather smashing 2019. If Kevin De Bruyne were a car, he'd be a Rolls Royce Phantom. A World Cup winner in 1958, 1962, and 1970, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, to give him his full name, is generally regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time. Griezmann has struggled, that’s undeniable – but his relationship with Lionel Messi is vital to his Champions League ambitions. Business Insider has ranked the top ten football players in the world. 26. He was brilliant for Brazil to help them lift the Copa America: the 22-year-old put in goal-and-assist displays in the semi-final and final as his beloved Seleção triumphed on home soil. Neymar didn't have a particularly memorable 2019. While Mahrez still drifts in and out of Manchester City’s first XI, he is exerting greater influence in games. As is the case for most of Real Madrid’s squad, it hasn’t been the easiest of periods for Casemiro – but, boy, do they notice when he isn’t around to plug the gaps. BA1 1UA. N’Golo Kante is a player that every manager in the world would love to have in their starting line-up - but has Chelsea’s Frenchman really been the best central midfielder in 2019? So much is made of Bale’s off-field relationship with Los Blancos that it’s easy to forget how decisive he can still be. Zlatan Ibrahimovic | unattached/Sweden, 6. A drop-off was perhaps inevitable at some point, and so it came in 2018-19; the Frenchman was slack, in keeping with the general malaise around the Bernabeu. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Barcelona’s wizard continues to dazzle and delight, producing another calendar year of extraordinary consistency in front of goal and almost single-handedly carrying the Catalan club at times. As ever, a note about subjectivity: this list is largely derived from performances over the calendar year, in conjunction with FFT staff and dozens of our most respected writers from around the world, but we feel there should be a nod to overall class as well. Relentless, unforgiving and cruel – such is life at Real Madrid, where fans quickly turn on their own players. Courtois has been steady but underwhelming since his 2018 move and is yet to win the love of Madridistas, but the former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea goalkeeper remains one of the finest shot-stoppers in the world. yet the goals still flowed. But Brundish has a set of statistics he believes sufficiently ends any debate on the matter. Playing as a false nine, he was imperious in Ajax’s Champions League quest, and his 38 club goals in all competitions last term beat his four-year Southampton haul – by 15. Werner. Ronny’s goal tally has been clearly dented by Serie A’s well-drilled defences, but even at 34 he continues to add to his medal collection: 2019 brought the Scudetto and Serie A’s MVP prize, plus a Nations League trophy with hosts Portugal. When someone is given Lionel Messi's seal of approval, you know they must be good. Russian footballer hit by lightning is back in training, RB Leipzig's US sensation Tyler Adams driven on by the 'sacrifices' of his family, Time Out: Cesc Fabregas on his career and racism in football, Black footballers too 'scared' to look at social media due to racist abuse, says Zaha, Rival EPL managers criticize Man City's overturned ban, Read: Rival fans chant Messi's name after hat-trick, Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features and videos. A contender for Real Madrid’s star performer of 2019, the 27-year-old is a prototype for the modern full-back. He is the best. Former United manager Jose Mourinho failed to see eye-to-eye with Pogba, oft either playing him out of position or omitting him completely. Liverpool’s full-backs had their very own assists competition in 2018-19. Read on to find who makes up the rest of the list, and of course, who is number one. Sule has become an undisputed starter for both Bayern Munich and Germany. Firmino is surely Liverpool’s most underrated player. The midfielder’s mojo appears to be back, although it remains to be seen if he can maintain that inspiration when it matters most. He bagged more than any other player in Euro 2020 qualification, and scored the most for England in a calendar year since George Hilsdon in 1908 and Dixie Dean in 1927. For example, if a goalkeeper started a move by passing to a defender, who then played the ball to winger before squaring for a striker to score, the goalkeeper and defender would score statistical points under the xG-Build system. Leicester’s marksman is firing the Foxes towards another surprise Champions League appearance, and he remains a scourge of the league. Joao Cancelo | Manchester City/Portugal, 3. He is making up for it now, matching last term’s goal tally by November’s end. Dani Alves also gets in despite the fact the veteran Brazilian has made quite a few appearances in midfield for his current employers Sao Paulo. Kieran Trippier | Atletico Madrid/England, 7. Virgil Van Dijk — Liverpool FC. Ding Liren is a Chinese super grandmaster who many people consider to be a primary contender for Magnus Carlsen’s world title. Sterling takes top spot thanks to his performances for Man City and England, but Mane can consider himself a tad unfortunate. Visit our corporate site. 2 Players With Multiple Appearances (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive) Started in 2010, Top 20 Players of the Year is HLTV 's annual tradition of ranking the 20 best players of each year based on players' individual performances and accolades with the exception of 2012 which was a transition year from Counter-Strike to Global Offensive . Pique is one of the most decorated players in Spanish football history, and he remains vital at the Camp Nou despite his advancing years. Inter’s Mr Reliable is comfortably the longest-serving player in their regular XI. "Bar Lionel Messi," "Behind only Lionel Messi.". As we approach the end of 2019, ESPN have released the latest edition of their annual rankings: the ESPN FC 100. So electric and dominant was the young Varane that expectations were set unrealistically high. The six-time world player of the year and the greatest player ever in women’s soccer has lost quite a bit of her pace, but is still one of the top attacking players on the planet. Next step for Hazard: becoming Madrid’s new Cristiano Ronaldo. How do you separate Raheem Sterling and Sadio Mane? The flexible Basque forward – now a Spain regular – also shows terrific intelligence in games, as the star of an exciting Real Sociedad side. Calm, mature and consistent – he is Juve’s No.1 with good reason, keeping out a legend in Gigi Buffon. De Gea has struggled ever since the 2018 World Cup, in truth, but the rate at which he bailed out Manchester United was hardly sustainable. In form, he is the finest passing midfielder around, but age-induced fatigue combined with an increasingly anarchic Barça means that the Spaniard suffers now more than ever. Ding won his first Chinese Chess Championship at the age of 16, making him the youngest to ever do so. "Mane achieved a great year that was exceptional for the entire Liverpool team. In May, a quick couple of Wijnaldum goals sent Anfield potty. It’s hardly surprising that Barcelona struggled at the beginning of this season: Alba, who chipped in with 17 assists in all competitions last season, missed a month of the 2019-20 campaign through injury. Over the past year, Di Maria has produced some of his best performances since his days with Real Madrid, and he started the current campaign brilliantly following 12 league goals and 11 assists in 2018-19. REAL SOCIEDAD (ON LOAN FROM REAL MADRID) Norway. Dybala has spent a lot of the 2019-20 season making a mockery of Juve’s efforts to flog him in the summer. The second-half substitute made the difference against Barcelona that memorable night, but Gini has been consistently excellent in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield; the occasional goal is just a bonus. The industrious 22-year-old scores and creates goals for Inter, and under Antonio Conte he has formed a fine partnership with Romelu Lukaku that’s already been dubbed ‘LuLa’ by the Italian press. Kai Havertz | Bayer Leverkusen/Germany. He isn’t a statistical freak as his strike partners are, but the Brazilian’s specific role in attack is appreciated by Reds team-mates and supporters, if not necessarily further afield. "While he's alive, there's only Lionel Messi," Brundish says. Is. It’s a whole different story for his nation. He leads the line like a true midfield general, playing with flair, grace, and power in equal measure, but most importantly, with a smile on his face. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD. Elite athletes are earning more than ever thanks to soaring salaries driven by ever-richer TV contracts. 7. This metric awards points to every player involved in a goal except from the person who supplied the final pass (assist) and the goalscorer. Despite having to endure nearly four months without competitive football in 2019, Icardi is now in excellent form for his new club. He was rewarded with UEFA’s player of the year award, but missed out on the big golden football (and the Best FIFA Men’s Player award) because of a certain Argentine…. Trent Alexander-Arnold only turned 21 last month but is already... 2. Though still only 31, Busquets has averaged 50 games per season for more than a decade – so it’s no surprise that his legs aren’t quite there any more. Off it, he doesn't act like one either. © The 35-year-old goalkeeper brings a calming influence to the Nerazzurri’s defence and has good command of his 18-yard box – plus, he is an excellent shot-stopper, as an incredible Serie A penalty-saving success rate of 39 per cent illustrates. Should Jurgen Klopp's side win its first ever Premier League title as expected this season, a lot of credit will, and rightly so, go to Van Dijk. Daft. Lionel Messi takes top spot - and deservedly so - following yet another exceptional calendar year. The former Sevilla captain averaged 53 appearances per campaign across his first five years with Barcelona, lifting nine major honours including four La Liga titles and the Champions League. An on-song Sancho is one of the most entertaining players in the world. “I love Koulibaly, so I refused €105m,” said Napoli’s owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis. “Jordi is the best left-back in the world,” PSG defender Juan Bernat recently enthused about his international team-mate. The Spain schemer lost his way a little at the beginning of 2019-20, but the midfield metronome should return strongly under a new coach. Sergio Aguero | Manchester City/Argentina. Lionel Messi has already been mentioned a lot in this article, even before we've reached him. As Manchester City’s most-used outfield player after Aymeric Laporte last season, Silva combined graft and guile, encapsulated in his superb performance against Liverpool in January. Liquipedia will soon drop support for Internet Explorer. All rights reserved. Jadon Sancho doing Jadon Sancho things!He races away from inside his own half to double Dortmund's lead!What a start to the new season for him! Fortunately, things have looked much more promising this season. Injuries ruled him out of crucial Champions League games for PSG and Brazil’s Copa America triumph on home soil, and a dream return to Barcelona failed to materialise during the summer. There’s much more to come. A more accurate reflection of Pogba's ability is when he plays for his country. Frenkie de Jong can consider himself a little unlucky to finish in second spot, while the same can be said of Fernandinho in fourth and, in particular, Fabinho down in sixth. Les Parisiens’ defensive meanness owes a lot to the serene presence of their accomplished Costa Rican between the sticks. He is growing in stature and reputation, and still only 24 years of age. Aymeric Laporte | Manchester City/France, 3. Tell us who's better on CNN Sports Facebook page. Raheem Sterling | Manchester City/England. That was until he topped the FFT100 (OK, fine). The greatest, bar none. Marco Reus | Borussia Dortmund/Germany, 4. Let us know your thoughts on Twitter (we're over at @FourFourTwo) with the hashtag #FFT100... A few eyebrows were raised when the Lyon captain and World Cup winner joined Real Betis last summer for an initial €20m; the gifted playmaker had agreed a €60m move to Liverpool in 2018 before the Reds got cold feet, citing an underlying knee injury. A 32-goal haul in 2018-19 was the Argentine’s joint-second-most prolific season in blue. Frustratingly, his knee knack also denied him a much-deserved France debut. Matthijs de Ligt | Juventus/Netherlands, 1. The centre-back is a dominant presence, 6ft 5in but seemingly looming even larger, yet tactically astute and relatively quick to boot. Although 2019 concludes with doubts swirling about Insigne’s future at his hometown club, the fleet-footed winger’s 10-goal haul in 2018-19 helped Napoli finish 2nd in Serie A. His scoring touch certainly hasn’t deserted him in 2019-20, either. Started in 2010, Top 20 Players of the Year is HLTV's annual tradition of ranking the 20 best players of each year based on players' individual performances and accolades with the exception of 2012 which was a transition year from Counter-Strike to Global Offensive. His performances for Germany in their Euro 2020 qualifiers were superb, including a phenomenal strike against the Netherlands. Write Sergio off at your peril, however. At 35, the Italy veteran remains the best and most influential centre-back at Juventus – and the ideal mentor for new signing Matthijs de Ligt. Since moving to La Liga, he's maintained those high standards, averaging 4.4 dribbles per game — the second highest in the division behind only Lionel Messi. “I know he is going to succeed,” says Los Blancos boss – and long-term admirer – Zinedine Zidane. Sign up for Insider Select. One year on from World Cup success, he narrowly lost out to Lionel Messi as Europe’s top overall goalscorer. The 32-year-old Belgian has passed some major club milestones in 2019, hitting 300 appearances for Napoli and overtaking the legendary Diego Maradona in their all-time goalscoring chart, with the No.1 spot to follow. Trent Alexander-Arnold | Liverpool/England. Tottenham Hotspur plot move for £9.45m ace, Jose Mourinho keen, Phil Hay delivers Leeds United update as club step up midfield pursuit, Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored superb headers at AS Roma for Man Utd and Juventus, Leeds United 'agree personal terms' with Bayern Munich starlet. Given Messi is widely considered among the greatest players to ever play the game, that might not seem like too startling an insight. If he adds more goals like the one against Manchester City, he will be some player. The 24-year-old has evolved into Atletico’s defensive leader since Diego Godin departed. It’s been another hugely eventful year in the world of football. The Guardian picks the best prospect from each club born between 1 September 2000 and … Stellar midfield performances at Real Sociedad earned him La Liga’s Player of the Month gong for September. The Belgian star plays the game effortlessly, but to devastating effect. First published on Tue 17 Dec 2019 05.00 EST, The Guardian picks the best prospect from each club born between 1 September 2000 and 31 August 2001, an age band known as first-year scholars.