1. Andres Iniesta (Barcelona, Spain)
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The epitome of class, Andres Iniesta has won it all and been an integral part of both Barcelona and Spain’s success in recent times. Barca fans affectionately call him “El Cerebro” (The Brain), which perfectly sums up the manner in which Iniesta plays the game. He possesses incredible vision for the game, and when he has this and fantastic dribbling and passing ability it makes him one of the most dangerous players in the world. He has excelled next to his partner in crime, Xavi Hernandez, who appears to be in decline but Iniesta certainly has a few years left in him.
The 30-year-old was recently included in the FIFA FIFPRO World XI for the 6th consecutive year, despite it not being a terrific year for Iniesta and Barcelona. With six La Liga titles, two Copa Del Rey trophies, three Champions League titles and a World Cup and two UEFA European trophies for Spain, Iniesta’s greatness cannot be disputed.
2. Yaya Toure (Manchester City, Ivory Coast)
via mirror.co.uk
Although he has not been as commanding this season, on his day Yaya Toure is completely unstoppable. His size, strength and speed give him all the physical attributes he needs, but he is also highly intelligent and an excellent passer with a thunderous shot. Often after breaking up a play you will see Toure storm through the centre of the pitch like a runaway freight train, casting aside any player that tries to dispossess him. A terrifying sight for any team, he can then pick the right pass or take it on himself with a thumping shot that no keeper can stop. Few players dominate the middle of the park like Yaya Toure; he is the driving force behind a star studded City team.
3. Paul Pogba (Juventus, France)
Given how good he is already, it's a scary thought for midfielders around the world that the 22-year-old still has so much scope for improvement. Pogba has everything the modern midfielder, and indeed the modern player, could want -- technique, power and speed -- in abundance. Manchester United must curse every day the fact that they allowed him to leave.
4. Mesut Özil (Arsenal, Germany)
After an injury in the first half of the season, Ozil returned strongly and showed that, despite some of the often unfair criticism he has faced at Arsenal, he remains one of the world’s very best creative players.
5. Ángel di María (Paris Saint-Germain, Argentina)
A hugely influential campaign with Real Madrid saw Di Maria take his place among the world’s very best players a year ago. But it was a trying first season at Manchester United on the back of his British-record £57.7 million transfer. Still, there is evert chance that the dynamic attacker will star once again following his move to Paris Saint-Germain.
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