Shortly after the conclusion of the wonder 2012 Euros I began to make in my head a list of the top 10 best soccer player in the world game right now. It wasn’t easy. Some made the list and then were dropped off because others were more worthy. Honorable mentions include David Villa, Robin Van Persie, Neymar, Steven Gerrard, Franck Ribery, and Mario Gomez. Soccer is the most widespread game played on the planet so there were tons of players to select from. The list I have made is filled with game changers, the special ones, the players people pay to see. It is a game played by two teams, but more often than not, it is individual players that make the difference.
Here are my 10 best players in soccer right now:
1) Lionel Messi: Position: forward. Teams: Argentina/Barcelona. This Argentinean has the skills and ability to slice through a defense like no other. He is a joy to watch and he plays the game with joy. Messi is very exuberant on the field. A small man, listed generously at 5’7”, he’s even a good header. If he were a boxer he would be the best pound-for-pound in the world. His game is built on unpredictability and a supreme control of the ball. His low center of gravity is a plus as is his technical genius. Possessor of blazing speed, his pace can break down any defense off the dribble. Can make something out of nothing. His preference is to play out wide and then come inside on his preferred left foot.
2) Cristiano Ronaldo: Position: midfielder. Teams: Portugal/Real Madrid. Was the 2008 FIFA World Footballer of the Year. He has 3 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League and 1 Club World Cup. With the ball on his feet he is probably the fastest player on the planet. Also is a magnificent free kick taker, especially from a distance. Ronaldo has the ability to shoot from anywhere.
3) Andres Iniesta: Position: midfielder. Teams: Spain/Barcelona. He has been dubbed “The Illusionist”. A capricious playmaker who creates chance after chance for whomever is lucky enough to play in front of him. Can play any of the midfield positions. He is a tremendous controller of the ball and has great vision. It is very hard to get the ball off of him. His only fault might be that he sometimes overpasses when he should take the shot. Iniesta is seen by some of his peers as the best player in the world.
4) Wayne Rooney: Position: forward. Teams: England/Manchester United. When he is playing at the top of his game there are none better. A great passer and probably the best volleyed in the world. In a country that is dying for a soccer hero he has developed into a world class striker. With his athleticism he can be credited with reinventing the position. A complete player who can play anywhere across the front three. Is powerfully built and aggressive to boot. Over the years he has improved his finishing skills.
5) Xavi Hernandez: Position: midfielder. Teams: Spain/Barcelona. Considered one of the best midfielders in the world and is endlessly creative. Plays central midfield and owns it when he is on. Has the ability to be a very accurate passer. Plenty of experience and wisdom. He doesn’t score many goals but his vision and technical abilities are high.
6) Mesut Özil: Position: midfielder. Teams: Germany/Real Madrid. Is a very efficient player and consistent. Was nominated for the Ballon D’Or in 2012. A superb distributor of the ball. He is the man who leads the vaunted German offense forward creating endless chances for his teammates.
7) Wesley Sneijder: Position: midfielder. Teams: Holland/Inter Milan. The Dutch midfielder plays as an attacking midfielder. In 2010 was named one of the best midfielders in the world by FIFA. Can place the ball anywhere and is an impeccable taker of free kicks. Is short, but is quick and strong on the ball. The fact that he is ambidextrous really adds to his passing ability.
8) Iker Casillas: Position: goalie. Teams: Spain/Real Madrid. Is widely considered to be the best goalie in the world. Casillas established himself as Real Madrid’s starting goaltender when he was barely 18 years old. He is everything you would want from a goaltender – composed, reliable, an unparallel shot stopper, deals well with crosses, superior reflexes and excellent positioning. Is also Spain’s captain. Though he has the advantage of playing for a strong team like Spain he makes saves when called upon. Has played a major part in Spain’s recent success.
9) Sergio Aguero: Position: forward. Teams: Argentina/Manchester City. A diminutive player who makes up for that with blazing speed. Can outpace most defenders. A consistent player. Is creative and makes good decision. It is hard to get the ball off of him.
10) Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Position: forward. Teams: Sweden/Paris St. Germain. Can have an immense ego at times, but his ability to consistently score goals over the years makes people overlook the flaw. A fantastic and energetic striker. Possesses an aggressive nature. Despite the fact that he is older (30) he continues to score at a high pace. His height (6’5”) is an advantage. Is deceptively quick. A sharp finisher who has great ball control and plays well with his back to the goal.
