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#3 Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Pep Guardiola may never coach a player like Lionel Messi ever again. He perfected Messi's false-nine role that eventually made him one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
At Manchester City, Guardiola has tried something similar with Raheem Sterling but has predominantly played him as a winger. Despite his profligacy in front of goal, he has repeatedly caused defenders problems in the box.
Of course, Sterling is no Messi, but Guardiola's persistence and patience with the 23-year-old Englishman seem to be paying off.
Sterling has 17 goals and 8 assists this season - his best return ever since his debut as a teenager back in 2011/12. By the end of the season, he could well be one of few players to get into double digits for both goals and assists.
He has been nominated for the Young Player of the Year award but a little more consistency may have given him a spot among the elite.
