Stephan Constantine (India): Gareth Bale, Robert Lewandowski, Luis Suarez
The Indian national team coach also chose to not include either of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Lionel Messi scored the most number of goals in 2016, while Ronaldo won the Champions League and Euro 2016 trophies. However, according to Constantine, the impact of Gareth Bale for Real Madrid and Wales far outstripped Messi’s and Ronaldo’s achievements and contributions.
His second pick was surprisingly Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski. The Polish sharpshooter had another consistent season, scoring plenty of goals and finishing as the Bundesliga’s top scorer last season. He also won the domestic double with Bayern Munich last season and is widely considered to be one of the best strikers in world football at the moment.
Constantine rounded off his top 3 by picking Luis Suarez. The Indian national team coach completely ignored both Ronaldo and Messi in his top 3. While Luis Suarez was simply stunning last year, it can be argued that both Messi and Ronaldo deserved a place ahead of Bale and Lewandowski in Constantine’s 3 man shortlist.
