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The European continent is blessed with natural talent combined with tactical awareness. As a matter of fact, Europe is the focal point of club football in modern times. The last three FIFA World Cup finals have featured five European countries, which signifies their recent dominance in international football. In this article, we take a look at the top 10 European players, based on current form and level, rather than their overall legacy.
#10 - Gianluigi Buffon
Despite being 39 years old, Buffon has shown that age is just a number. The Juventus captain is still considered one of the world's finest goalkeepers. He was key in guiding his club to Serie A and Italian Cup triumphs in 2017, as well as reaching the UEFA Champions League with an impressive defensive record. However, things did not go too well against Real Madrid.
#9 - Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba has had a difficult first season at Manchester United, but that was mainly down to the team's lack of stability. But after having adapted to life in England, the Frenchman will be looking to live up to the expectations this time around.
Pogba has got an amazing technique on the ball and is capable of delivering in the crucial moments, as highlighted in the Europa League final against Ajax Amsterdam. In the Premier League last season, Pogba scored 5 goals and provided 4 assists.
#8 - Leonardo Bonucci
Leonardo Bonucci is one of the finest centre-backs of his generation, and many go further and consider him the best. He had an excellent season with Juventus last campaign, displaying defensive solidity as well as his ability to dictate play from a deeper position.
The veteran has, however, opted to switch camps this time around, as he completed his transfer to AC Milan, where has been appointed as the team's new captain.
#7 - Isco
Isco has quickly grown from a substitute at Real Madrid to a key player for the champions of Europe, as well as for Spain's national team. His ability on the ball is phenomenal. As a matter of fact, even Marco Verratti and Gian Piero Ventura, surrendered to his magic following his master class against Italy's national team, in a recent World Cup qualifier. The Spanish magician scored 10 goals and mustered 8 assists in the La Liga last season.
#6 - Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos possesses defensive solidity but also backs his case with his sensational goal-scoring record, especially in big games. For his performances and leadership in the most important matches, he deserves to be ranked as the best centre-back in the world for the time being.
#5 - Eden Hazard
Arguably the best attacking player in the Premier League, Eden Hazard was crucial in helping Chelsea win the prestigious title. The Belgian's dribbling skills are phenomenal, as he always manages to create space for himself and/or for his teammates to exploit in dangerous areas. Hazard is the definition of a player who finds solutions in tight areas and makes things happen. The Chelsea star averaged 4 dribbles and 2.7 chances created per game, in 2016/2017.
#4 - Robert Lewandowski
Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski is considered by many as the best striker in the world. The Polish is gifted with natural goal-scoring ability, as well as remarkable link-up play that allows him to create chances as well. The Bayern star scored 30 goals alongside 5 assists in the German league in the last campaign.
#3 - Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos is the top midfield organiser in the world and can dictate play against any opponent. His passing range is nothing short of sensational, and you can always count on him to surprise you and score a long-range beauty when you least expect it to happen. Kroos is reliable under pressure and rarely misplaces passes. What else do you need from your midfielder?
#2 - Luka Modric
Luka Modric is arguably the best central midfielder in the world, just ahead of his teammate Toni Kroos. Not only does he possess high work rate and can recover possession, Luka is also extremely gifted on the ball. The Croatian can dictate the tempo of a game with his composure on the ball and the ability to slice open an opposing defence with a sublime pass.
#1 - Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo was decisive in the late stages of the European competition and proved his worth in the games that mattered the most, with his overload of goals against the likes of Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and then Juventus.
The Portuguese international looks set for a 5th FIFA player of the year award. The veteran remains one of the most clinical attackers in the world, having finished La Liga last season, with 25 goals and 6 assists in just 29 appearances. It is worth noting that Cristiano was also the Champions League's top scorer with 12 goals, in addition to 5 assists.
