We are on the cusp of 2017 and with that it is time to look back and reflect on what has been a scintillating year of football filled with many unforgettable moments and some heartbreaking ones.
From Leicester City’s more than a fairytale story of winning their first ever Premier League trophy to Portugal lifting their maiden European Championship, we have seen it all. But on the other hand, like every year, life and football is not always fair and the same was evident in the Chapecoense disaster.
However, no year is complete without some mind-blowing performances from individuals who make the difference in helping their team reach the pinnacle or in doing what is usually perceived as impossible.
We bring to you the 10 footballers that stood out in a year filled with some absolutely incredible individual performances.
Note: As this is part 1 of the list, we will be covering from #10 to #6
#10 Alexis Sanchez
El Nino Maravilla – as he is known in Chile – truly has lived up to his nickname of being ‘the boy wonder’. The diminutive forward was instrumental in helping Chile win their maiden International trophy last year, when they beat Argentina in the final to win Copa America 2015.
This year, Alexis Sanchez went one step further and played a starring role in helping Chile win their second international tournament on a trot – the Copa America Centenario, where – once again – they got the better of La Albiceleste in the final. For his exploits in Chile’s triumph, the Arsenal striker was awarded the Golden Ball, which is awarded to the best player of the tournament.
Not only that, on an individual level this year has been sensational for the 27-year-old as he racked up 27 goals and a further 20 assists for club and country in the calendar year – a feat bettered by only a handful of individuals.
He is currently the second highest scorer in the Premier League and will probably only rest after he helps Arsene Wenger end his Premier League trophy drought. However, that is a long shot as things stand right now but this is football and miracles do happen.
#9 Gianluigi Buffon
The Italian veteran seems to be getting better as he ages – just like the rarest and most expensive wines. Buffon just does not age and is easily among the 3 best goalkeepers in the world currently but the one who had the best 2016.
Buffon is lucky enough to have a backline of BBC (Bonucci, Barzagli and Chiellini) protect him from the wrath of the opponents and anyone would expect a goalkeeper with that back-three to protect him to have one of the meanest records in world football.
However, what sets the World Cup winner apart is that – despite having BBC guarding him – he has still managed to make 3.54 saves per goal conceded – the best in the entire world in 2016. Add to that the, rather astonishing, fact that he has conceded less goals in 2016 than he has clean sheets.
Buffon is unbeatable at times and that played a key part in Juventus’ fifth consecutive Serie A title win.
#8 Luka Modric
The Croatian is arguably the best central midfielder in the world – Yes Manchester Uniited fans, it is not Paul Pogba.
In a team that has lost only 2 matches in an entire year it is hard to find many flaws and even harder to find a player whose contributions largely go unnoticed. Modric pulled the strings from the middle of the park as Los Blancos created history by winning their 11th European title beating Atletico Madrid in the final of the UEFA Champions League.
Modric is unbelievable with the ball at his feet and played a pivotal role as the Santiago Bernabeu outfit capped off an excellent year by winning the FIFA Club World Cup.
The former Tottenham Hotspur man is capable of excellently pulling off Hollywood passes – a la Xabi Alonso. Madrid struggle in the absence of the Croatian and that is the biggest testament to the genius of the diminutive Croat.
#7 Pepe
Reaching the twilight of his career Pepe seems to have a much calmer head now along with his trademark crunching tackles. The aforementioned combination has yielded to what can be easily termed as the best year of his career.
Under Fernando Santos’ able guidance, Pepe marshalled Portugal’s defence at Euro 2016 and played a pivotal role in helping them win their first major honour on the international stage.
Before his heroics with his country, Pepe had helped Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid en route to their 11th European triumph.
Now, the Portuguese may be headed towards the exit door of the Santiago Bernabeu but it is only after helping them have one of the best seasons in recent memory.
#6 Riyad Mahrez
Leicester City won the Premier League. Period.
The first line was enough to highlight what has been one of the biggest sporting achievements of all time and definitely the biggest in the last decade or so. Even Portugal winning Euro 2016 was not as big as this.
And the fairytale would never have been possible without the genius of the fleet-footed Algerian. Here is an achievement that should not be weighed down by the use of heavy-handed words. They won it fair and square and have etched their name in the history books forever.
Many permutations and combinations can be contemplated but the bottom line remains – Mahrez was their best player during that season and if not for his heroics on many occasions, we might not have witnessed what we did.
And despite having a rather dismal second half of the year, it is that achievement in itself that guarantees him a place on this list.
