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The no.10 jersey in football is arguably the most popular jersey number in the sport.
Some of the best players to have graced the game have represented that number. Usually, the no.10 jersey is worn by an attacking midfielder, but these days there is a lot more fluidity in terms of jersey numbers.
A lot of big-name players currently boast the no.10 jersey. It is one of the most respected numbers in the game and is often included in contractual agreements as a lure to sign the player. The no.10 jersey commands respect.
On that note, let's take a look at the five best #10s in the game at the moment.
#5 Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Sadio Mane endured an underwhelming 2020-21 campaign by his lofty standards, with Liverpool struggling throughout the season due to injuries to key players.
Mane made 31 Premier League starts, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists. Renowned for his pace and attacking quality, the Senegal international is part of a feared attacking trident at Liverpool, including Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
Despite not being at his very best, Mane scored 16 goals in all competitions last season. It has been rumoured that Liverpool could sell one of their starting attackers this summer, with all three forwards linked with moves away from Anfield.
#4 Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Luka Modric continues to be one of the best midfielders in the world at the age of 35.
Players start to slow down and play limited minutes when they are in their 30s, but that has not been the case with Modric. The Croatia international is still an incredibly key player for both club and country, making 32 La Liga starts last season for Real Madrid.
An elegant midfielder, Modric is one of the best players of the modern generation. It will be interesting to see how Real Madrid replace the former Tottenham Hotspur man in the near future.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Manchester United pushing for 2 more transfers, Barcelona's plans for Lionel Messi, and more.
#3 Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
One of the best players in world football, Neymar wears the no.10 jersey for Paris Saint-Germain.
An extraordinarily gifted dribbler, creator and goalscorer, Neymar was a prodigious talent who has reached the pinnacle of the sport. The Brazil international did not enjoy the best of seasons with Paris Saint-Germain last time around, with the French giants failing to defend their league title.
Neymar made 15 league starts, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. Much is expected from the 29-year old, and it is evident why Paris Saint-Germain see him as a crucial figure in their project.
Neymar recently signed a new contract until 2025 with the club. He lost the Copa America final against Argentina on Saturday, though.
#2 Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
Harry Kane was sensational in the latter stages of Euro 2020 for England. Now that the tournament is over, the focus will once again be on his Tottenham Hotspur future.
Kane arguably enjoyed his best season of his career last season. He made 35 league starts, scoring 23 goals and providing 14 assists. The England international finished the season as the top goalscorer as well as the highest assist provider in the 2020-21 Premier League.
However, Tottenham Hotspur disappointed as a team. Reliable reports have confirmed that Kane wants to leave his current club, with the 27-year old keen to get his hands on silverware.
Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with Kane, with City reportedly having had a bid for the player rejected.
#1 Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Lionel Messi, technically speaking, is not a Barcelona player right now, but contract talks are reportedly advanced, and a new deal with the Blaugrana is likely to be announced soon.
Arguably the greatest player to have played the game, Messi will enjoy his summer holidays, having won the Copa America 2021 tournament with Argentina. He was the best player in the tournament, and the relief and joy were evident on his face after the final whistle was blown as he won his first senior trophy for the Albiceleste.
Barcelona often struggled to get going last season, so more will be expected from Ronald Koeman's men this time around. With the likes of Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay added to the squad and Messi set to extend his stay, Barcelona could fare better next season.
Also Read: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski and N'Golo Kante - Who actually deserves the Ballon d'Or this year?
