Soccer, popularly known as football, is the world’s most watched sport. The competitive football leagues in Europe attract many players from different parts of the world. The urge and desire to win trophies and individual awards is what gets the footballers going. It is not easy for every player to achieve stardom overnight. It requires hard-work and strong determination to attain success.
The beauty of the game has enhanced with the individual performances of some players. The top players perform day in day out for their team. This year the list of the top 10 soccer players includes the following players.
10. Xavi
Number 10 in our list of top 10 soccer players of 2014 is Xavi. The Spanish central midfielder was instrumental in Barcelona’s La Liga title victory this year. Although Xavi is not known for his goal-scoring prowess, he has still managed to score 6 goals in the current year.
9. Mesut Ozil
German international Mesut Ozil had the highest assists in the La Liga, with 26 assists while representing Real Madrid. In the summer, Ozil sealed a transfer to Arsenal for a reported fee of £42.5 million. Since his move, Ozil has continued his golden form and has so far scored 5 goals for the London club in the current season.
8. Neymar
The Brazilian playmaker Neymar, dubbed as the next “Pele”, comes in at number 8. After securing a move to Barcelona from his native club side Santos, Neymar has so far been influential in Barcelona’s title defense. He has already scored 6 times for Barca this season in only 12 appearances.
7. Sergio Aguero
The impeccable Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero has already bagged 30 goals this year. The striker was the top scorer in City’s title winning campaign 2 seasons ago. His presence in the team has helped Manchester City to establish itself as one of the big 4 teams in the EPL.
6. Gareth Bale
The PFA player of the year Gareth Bale was Tottenham’s most prolific goal scorer last season. Real Madrid splashed out the cash this summer to lure the Welshman to their team. Bale has justified Madrid’s decision to buy him as he has already scored 7 times in his 10 appearances so far.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Since moving to PSG in the 2012 season, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been in immense goal scoring form. Hitting the inside of the net 44 times this year, Ibrahimovic is crucial to PSG’s title hopes this season. The tall Swede has set his sights on winning the Ballon d’Or this year.
4. Luis Suarez
This year has been extraordinary for Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan striker, who plays for Liverpool, has remarkably scored 19 goals in just 12 games this season. His fantastic goal scoring abilities have given Liverpool a strong chance of competing for the title. Suarez has a total of 42 goals this year.
3. Frank Ribery
Bayern Munich’s stalwart, Frank Ribery is at number 3 in the best players of 2014 The French winger helped the German club to lift the UEFA Champions League this year. His performance in the competition earned him massive praise and he was given UEFA Player Of The Year award.
2. Lionel Messi
The little Argentine magician Lionel Messi has failed to re-claim the top spot this year but nonetheless, he still ranks as number 2 in the list of top 10 best soccer players of 2014. Nonetheless, the attacker has been Barca’s most consistent goal scorer. He has broken many goal scoring records and is still 26. Messi has netted 45 goals this calendar year for his club side Barcelona.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
This year’s best soccer player, without a shadow of a doubt, is Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese international has scored a staggering 69 goals for his club side Real Madrid in the current year. The favorite to win the Ballon d’Or this year, Ronaldo is being considered as the best soccer player of our generation.