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4) Nabil Fekir – Lyon
Paris Saint-Germain might have eventually retained their Ligue 1 title once again, but the return of Lyon has been a major talking point in 2014/15. However, whilst most fans have rightly eulogised the quality of star man Alexandre Lacazette, it is worth noting how vital the versaility of Nabil Fekir has been for Hubert Fournier's men.
The 21-year-old Fekir has developed from being an attacking midfielder to an outright forward throughout the course of this campaign, and his quality has been underlined by a Ligue 1 return of 13 goals and nine assists. Notably, a goal ratio of 0.45 per game (9 in 20) from the attacking role easily outweighs the return of 0.3 (4 in 13) from attacking midfield.
Equally important is the fact that Fekir's reinvention has provided a liberating influence for the more experienced Yoann Gourcuff (when fit) and helped Steed Malbranque operate the No. 10 role, whilst additionally allowing the impressive Lacazette to thrive. Fekir has still been a regular option for the No. 10 position, but his adaptability to join Lacazette up top has been a major contribution to Lyon's success.
With Lacazette seemingly destined for a move away, next season could see the youngster promoted to top billing. Fournier will be thrilled to know he still has one great forward at his disposal.
5) Lionel Messi – Barcelona
Four-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi was a little shy of his imperial best in 2013/14, but this season has seen the Argentina skipper rediscover his position as the world's greatest footballer. His return to form has been largely down to a slight change in his role.
Once summer arrival Luis Suarez found his feet at the Camp Nou, the fearsome trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar have relentlessly terrorised opposing defences. Between them, the three attacking superstars boast over 110 goals this season; Messi alone has netted 54 goals whilst primarily operating from the right channel!
The work ethic of Suarez has certainly helped his Barcelona teammate, allowing the No. 10 to claim 23 assists in addition to those 54 goals. It seemed scarcely possible, but this is an improved Messi, and the key man's positional shift has played a monumental factor as the Blaugrana race towards an incredible treble.
He has scored a massive 31 goals in 28 matches from the right, compared to ‘just’ 20 goals in 20 games from the central positions. Moreover, those stats from the right-hand side are also an improvement on his 2013/14 contribution of 28 goals in 31 Liga matches.
Seeing Messi out wide isn't entirely unfamiliar as we'd seen him play this role regularly during his early career. However, over the past few years we had become accustomed to watching him dominate the central areas.
Somehow, he has managed to make an even bigger impact back out on the wing.
