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#7 N'Golo Kante (France/Chelsea)
N'Golo Kante was Chelsea's best player as they won the UEFA Champions League last term. Kante produced multiple matchwinning performances in the knockout stages of Europe's elite competition.
However, he had a rather underwhelming summer as France were kicked out of Euro 2020 in the Round of 16. Kante also missed France's semi-final and final games in the UEFA Nations League after contracting the coronavirus.
The 30-year-old was named UEFA Midfielder of the Year for his heroics. He is a huge asset to both club and country thanks to his defensive abilities, link-up play and incredible work ethic.
#6 Kylian Mbappe (France/Paris Saint-Germain)
Kylian Mbappe scored a goal each in the semi-finals and final of the UEFA Nations League as France went on to win the title. It was a great response after he had dropped a dud at Euro 2020. Mbappe has been one of the best players on the planet for several years now.
He was sensational for Paris Saint-Germain last term, scoring 42 goals and providing 11 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions. He scored a hat-trick at the Camp Nou against Barcelona before bagging a brace at the Allianz Arena against Bayern Munich last term.
However, PSG's run in the Champions League ended in the semi-finals and they lost the Ligue 1 title to Lille.
#5 Jorginho (Italy/Chelsea)
Jorginho has had a great summer. He was instrumental in Chelsea's Champions League triumph. The 29-year-old did a great job for Italy in the center of the park as Roberto Mancini's men won the European championship.
Jorginho was named UEFA Footballer of the Year for his achievements. His technical proficiency, passing range and ability to excel on both sides of the pitch have earned him plenty of praise.
However, things have become a little bleak for Italy in recent weeks. Jorginho missed a crucial late penalty in Italy's World Cup Qualifier against Switzerland. If he had netted it, Italy would have qualified for the World Cup. They subsequently played out a goalless draw with Northern Ireland and are now headed to the playoffs.
While Jorginho's trophy haul is impressive, his teams' triumphs cannot be chalked up to individual brilliance. That's why we believe he might not make the podium.
#4 Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah had a good outing in the 2020-21 season at individual level even though Liverpool struggled. The Merseysiders were dealt several injury blows which curtailed them from truly expressing themselves on the pitch. As a result, Liverpool went trophyless last season.
However, they seem capable of mounting a title challenge on all fronts this term and Salah has been crucial to their exploits so far. The Egyptian international is one of the most in-form players in the world right now.
Salah scored 31 goals and provided six assists in 51 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool last term. He has got off to a flying start to the new season. Salah has 16 goals and six assists to his name in 16 appearances across all competitions already in the 2021-22 season.
