31. Mario Götze (Bayern Munich, Germany)It was not an easy first season for Götze at Bayern Munich, following his controversial transfer from Borussia Dortmund. That continued at the World Cup, too, when he was dropped by Germany. Yet he responded in the most emphatic way possible with the winning goal in the final and could now go on to become a true global star. 32. Xavi (Barcelona, Spain) Aged 34, undoubtedly one of the best midfielders of all time now struggles to consistently control games as he once did, but the incredible passing remains undiminished and can still decide games at the highest level. He wont be expected to play 90 minutes very often this season. 33. Diego Costa (Chelsea, Spain)A late bloomer, Costa became the main man at Atletico Madrid last season and responded by hitting 36 goals. Although hampered by injury and struggling to adapt to Spain’s style at the World Cup, the aggressive striker should flourish under Jose Mourinho’s approach at Chelsea. 34. Javier Mascherano (Barcelona, Argentina)The former Liverpool man has spent so long as a more than competent central defender at Barcelona that it was easy to forget what an outstanding defensive midfielder he is. He proved that he has lost none of his acumen for that position at the World Cup, where he put in one of the tournament’s outstanding performances in the semifinals. 35. Andrea Pirlo (Juventus, Italy)At age 35, he may have lost a step or two, but a player who has never relied on his place could certainly continue to grace matches at the highest level with his extraordinary passing for another couple of years yet. After all these years, Pirlo still has arguably the best field vision in the world. 36. Mesut Özil (Arsenal, Germany)Did not have the easiest first season at Arsenal and those struggles continued into the World Cup. Still, his movement and eye for a pass mean he should come good in the Premier League. 37. Eden Hazard (Chelsea, Belgium)Last season, Hazard added greater consistency to his game to have a decisive influence on matches on a more regular basis. If he can continue that improvement he could join the world’s true elite. The playmaking abilities have been there since his days with Lille, and this year he has a superstar striker up front with the arrival of Costa. 38. Robin van Persie (Manchester United, Netherlands)His breathtaking flying header was one of the standout moments of the World Cup and an illustration of the Dutchman’s class. However, he was anonymous after the group stage and faces a big season after an injury-blighted campaign last term. On the bright side, he is back with Louis van Gaal, which should be a step up from David Moyes. 39. Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea, Belgium)Already the world’s best young goalkeeper, Courtois established himself as one of the world’s best goalkeepers, period, during a season in which his saves helped Atletico Madrid to the Spanish title and Champions League final. His size and athleticism mean there is no reason he shouldn’t continue to excel back at Chelsea. 40. Vincent Kompany (Manchester City, Belgium)Few defenders look are as impressive as Kompany on the front foot, when he can strip the ball from an opponent and then stride forward out of the back, marauding over the ground. 41. Paul Pogba (Juventus, France)The best young midfielder in the world, Pogba is a phenomenon. Still aged just 21, he has already won back-to-back Serie A titles and, with his combination of physicality, athleticism and technical ability, he is only going to get better. 42. Ivan Rakitić (Barcelona, Croatia)Having become the undoubted main man at Sevilla last season, Rakitić responded by leading them to Europa League glory. His glorious passing ability means he should fit in nicely at Barcelona. 43. Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus, Italy)He may be entering the final stretch of his career, but Buffon remains a formidable an influential presence between the posts for Italy. One incredible save from Suarez at the World Cup demonstrated the ability that has made him one of the best goalkeepers of all time. 44. Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea, Spain)His dream move back to Barcelona never worked out as he failed to find a consistent role in the side. His habit of breaking forward, in combination with creative talent, is arguably more suited to the Premier League than La Liga, and, if he gets the trust of Jose Mourinho, he should thrive back in England with Chelsea. 45. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United, England) Few players receive as much criticism as Rooney, largely due to the sky-high hopes English fans had for him when he burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old. While he will never be that world-beater his early ability he suggested, he remains, when at his best, a fine all-round footballer.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 09:12:07 +0000
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