The Best Football Players in the World Today

Had the criteria been achievements, my choice would have been Sir Alex Ferguson.

Had the criteria been control over players, I would probably have gone with Jose Mourinho.

But for me the criteria was style of play, so Wenger took the cake.

He has spent his career building teams that combine the accumulation of silverware with a desire to entertain and attack. He is a purist, dedicated to individual and collective technical quality.

Wenger's approach to the game has been an emphasis on attack. His style of play has been contrasted with the pragmatic approach of his rivals.

Wenger has a strong reputation for unearthing young talent. At Monaco, he brought Liberian George Weah, who later became FIFA World Player of the Year with A.C. Milan, Tonnerre Yaoundé from Cameroonian side, and Nigerian Victor Ikpeba, who later became African Player of the Year from R.F.C. de Liège.

At Arsenal, Wenger signed young, relatively unknown players such as Patrick Vieira, Francesc Fàbregas, Robin Van Persie and Kolo Touré, and helped their transition into world-class players.

Notably, the defence which set a new record after going 10 consecutive games without conceding a goal on the way to the UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona in 2005-06 cost Arsenal less than £5m to assemble.

The teams which are guided by this man really play the beautiful game.

This World Cup winning goalkeeper is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and with good reason. He has goalkeeping in his blood, for he is the nephew of a goalkeeping legend in Lorenzo Buffon.

His talent was evident even at a very tender age, and he made his debut for the club Parma AC at the age of 17. Within four seasons, his consistent shot-stopping had taken this sub-standard club to a UEFA Cup title. Few were surprised when he signed with Juventus for €52 million, a world record for a goalkeeper.

This UEFA Most Valuable Player & Best Goalkeeper award winner, and, according to footballing legend Pelé, one of the 125 greatest living footballers, is certainly one of the all-time goalkeeping greats.

Real Madrid's man for all seasons can be a real pain in the neck for all opposition strikers when he so desires.

And he always desires.

He became the youngest goalkeeper to play in a Champions League final when Real Madrid defeated Valencia 3-0 just four days after his nineteenth birthday. And he then lead a similarly young Spanish armada to a victory in the European Championships, leading to many pundits lauding his leadership skills.

But what he does best is shot-stopping. He was ranked fourth in the 2008 Ballon d'Or, higher than any other goalkeeper in that year and the third highest by any goalkeeper.

Considered one of the hottest goalkeeping prospects around, he keeps goal for Brazil regularly.

His consistency is comparable to goalkeeping great Gianlugi Buffon.

He is not just good with his hands, he's also useful with his feet and takes penalties for both club and country and well as saving them.

This four time Serie A and Confederation Cup winner is considered one of the best shot-stoppers in the world today.

Praised for his aggressive no-nonsense defensive style, Vidić is now recognised as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and in Europe.

Nicknamed Vida by his Manchester United teammates, he is highly regarded for his physical presence, heading ability in both defence and at attacking set pieces, as well as his bravery.

This Barclays player of the Season is certainly Steve Bruce's successor.

This critically acclaimed defender is the vice captain both of the England national team and Manchester United.

His family can boast of England international Les Ferdinand and fellow centreback Anton Ferdinand.

He is probably the only player in soccer to break the record for the transfer fee of a defender twice—once when he was transferred from West Ham to Leeds United, then again when he was transferred from Leeds to his current club, BPL champions Manchester United.

Known for his physical presence and composure on the ball, this former attacking midfielder is a blessing to England and Man Utd. fans.

This solid defender is famous for his versatility, for, if required, he can play on either flank, notably the right side, which is where he shot to fame.

However, he has made his name as a centre defender, a good one. He has lead the back line of two champion sides—Spain & Barcelona—more times than one would care to count. He also served as a longtime team captain for Barcelona, after taking over from Luis Enrique on August 2004.

He started playing for his home town as a goalkeeper. However, after injury problems with his shoulder, he switched to striker. In 1995, he moved to join FC Barcelona's youth team, switching positions again, to play as a defensive midfielder.

In 1997, Puyol stepped up to play for the club's B-team, occupying the position of right back. On promotion to the first team, he switched to his current position: centre back.

His efforts have been lauded by various bodies. He was awarded "Best European right back" award by UEFA in 2002 and "Best European centre back" in 2005, 2006 and 2008. Puyol also won the trophy "UEFA Club Best Defender" in 2006.

Terry is captain both of club and country, of both Chelsea and England.

He was voted best defender in the UEFA Champions League in both 2005 and 2008, the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2005, and was included in the FIFPro World XI for four consecutive seasons, from 2005 to 2008.

He was also named in the all-star squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the only English player to make the team.

He wears the No. 26 shirt for Chelsea.

In 2007, he became the first captain to lift the FA Cup at the new Wembley Stadium in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Manchester United, and also the first player to score a full international goal there, scoring a header in England’s 1-1 draw with Brazil.

The Manchester United dressing room DJ is a also one of the fastest players in the Premier League.

Evra was a centre-forward as a youth, before moving out to the left wing. He was moved to left-back in 2003 at Monaco.

Now an integral part of a hugely successful United side, his performances also earned him a return to the France fold and he was brought back into the starting line-up during the 2008 European Championships.

Considered by many to be the best leftback in the League, this quick, committed, attack-minded player will be a successful player at Old Trafford for the years to come.

Simply put, Gael Clichy is one of the finest leftbacks in Europe.

The last remaining memeber of Arsenal's Invincibles, this wingback utilises his pace and skill to make an outlet on the left. This 24-year old may love getting forward, but his main quality is his tenacious and consistent performance in defence.

Fleet-footed, quick-witted, and blessed with a great engine, the youngest winner of a Premier League medal in 2004 will remain a nightmare for wingers in the years to come.

The world's most expensive defender is undoubtedly one of the strongest and most intense players in the world today.

Alves is a man with a Midas touch. He spent a successful six-year spell with Andalusian club Sevilla before moving to Barcelona, where he won the Treble in his very first season.

Despite being just 173 cm tall and weighing only 64 kg, Alves is a very strong player. He covers a lot of ground, is a tireless runner able to move up and down the wing and thus contributes regularly to the attack, without ever neglecting his defensive duties.

He impresses going forward as well, for he is an ambidextrous shooter, a free kick specialist, and is also renowned for his fabulous crosses.

Nobody played more minutes in Barca's treble season. He deserves his tag of the world's most dangerous fullback.

This Brazilian is Inter's first choice rightback and is known as one of the best right sided wingbacks in the world today.

Maicon helped Cruzeiro win an unprecedented treble that, and he served notice of his penchant for the spectacular during Brazil's ill-fated qualification campaign for the Men's Olympic Football Tournament Athens 2004, scoring a wonder goal against Paraguay following an unconceivable charge past five opponents.

He combines his explosive physique with a refined technique and moves swiftly down the right wing from a full-back position to pose a constant source of danger is his opponents' half of the pitch.

Utilising speed, balance, an exquisite touch, accurate crossing and, on occasions, ferocious shooting, he has played a vital role in the Nerazurri's dominance of Italian football.

This Barcelona star is undeniably one of the most feared midfielders in soccer at the moment.

He is a versatile player who can play in a variety of midfield roles. He is usually used in a central midfield role - sometimes as a creative midfielder and sometimes as a holding midfielder. He has also played on the right hand side of midfield on occasion. He has also performed considerably well as a striker or even as a leftback.

He has good skill on the ball, great passing and movement all rounded off with a sound footballing brain. His superb passing has unhinged many resolute defences. He also has the ability to win the ball, and is an extremely tidy player who works hard for the team.

Even his opponents admit that he is the best in the world.

This pint-sized playmaker has utilised his superb technical skills, magical footwork, precise passing and deadly finishing to emerge as one of the world’s most exciting footballers.

This product of the Santos youth system made his debut for the club at the age of sixteen and tore into defences along with partner Robinho en route the Brasileiro Campeonato league title.

His best times, however, came when he was at Werder Bremen. His mind-boggling performances led to him being named Player of the Season.

Expectations are high from the little magician.

The epitome of a defensive midfielder, the Little Chief's dynamic style has lead to him turning into a Kop favourite.

Former Argentine footballers Jorge Valdano and Jorge Solari regard him as possibly the best central midfielder in the world. And they may well be right.

He began his career at legendary Argentine side River Plate in 2003, where his immense potential as a defensive midfielder quickly came to the fore. He continued to impress at Corinthians, helping them to the Campeonato Brasileiro, together with Argentine team-mates Carlos Tévez and Sebastián Domínguez.

This midfield enforcer is also Argentina's capatain and one of its most influential players.

This deep-lying playmaker and box-to-box midfielder truly deserved his tag of the world's most expensive African footballer.

Memorable goals are part of the Essien repertoire. His equaliser against Arsenal in December 2006 was voted that campaign's Chelsea Goal of the Season and was nearly matched by a charge forward and angled drive in Valencia that sent the Blues into the 2007 Champions League semi-final.

He plays as a deep-lying playmaker for the Ghana national football team, but is deployed all over the pitch at Chelsea due to his versatility.

Extremely powerful and with great energy and stamina to match undoubted skill, Essien has proved to be a commanding midfield presence wherever he has played.

Xabi Alonso brings first-class playmaking skills, veteran-like experience and vision for the game. He has a reputation as one of the best passers in the game.

He sees the game like none other, he’s got a cannon of a leg and he can anticipate moves better than all the rest. He has become free-kicker maestro and his powerful shots from outside the box are absolutely deadly.

He is known for his ability to read the game and delivering long-distance passes, earning him nicknames like "Midfield Maestro."

Widely considered among the finest playmakers in world football, he was named Best Player by UEFA at Euro 2008 and was one of the five finalists for the 2007-08 FIFA World Player of the Year.

Xavi is the playmaker for both Barca and Spain and guides his teams with an extraordinarily cool head.

He has matured and has shown an increasing ability to adapt himself to different positions in the midfield when his manager has called on him.

His passing to the forwards and his ability to take the pressure off and protect the ball better than almost any other player around, have turned him into one of the focal points on the pitch. He also stands out for his defensive capabilities and his capacity as a ball winner, all while showing superb vision.

In addition he has shown himself more than capable of handling dead ball situations, where his potent shot has brought a number of important goals.

Nobody passes the ball better.

Arjen Robben is a rare breed in modern day football.

There may be many fast attacking midfielders nowadays, but very few are as capable as Robben is of dribbling the ball with such class inside the box and changing the pace of the game in such a way that thwarts any defenders attempts to steal the ball.

He has a phenomenal knack for scoring and is an excellent shot, which also make deadly from outside the box. Defences are unable to live with his pace, power and finishing ability.

Robben has proved himself to be one of the most exciting talents in the world, able to run with the ball at pace, score sublime goals and create for others with a fine range of passing.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s technique, speed and agility guarantee exquisite football. His technique, speed, strength, agility, dribbling skills and powerful windup and shot have earned him the respect of football fans around the world.

The 2008 Ballon d’Or, FIFA World Player of the year and Golden Boot winner improvises plays never seen before. No matter if he is on the left or right flank, his opponent’s say he is impossible to stop. He is lethal in front of goal and can score on a whim with his head, from outside the box, from a set-piece.

The most expensive player in the world is certainly quite a handful.

The previous talisman of Les Bleus, Zinedine Zidane, has called Ribéry the "jewel of French football." How right he is.

This renowned playmaker has earned many nicknames due to his amazing powers of acceleration. He is also known for his untiring energy and precise passing.

His ability to accelerate past defenders, to make hard and accurate passes to teammates in front of goal, and to have incredible attacking talent granted him a starting place in whichever team he plays for.

He has twice been honoured with The French player of the Year while also winning the Germaon Player of the Year.

Robinho was personally picked by Pelé as his heir apparent at only 15 years of age.

Robinho is full of tricks and can out-fox even the most experienced of defenders.

He consistently shows glimpses of his skill, brilliance and magic on the ball. He is indeed one of the most skilled players in world football.

Kaká is widely considered as one of the best footballers of his generation, often drawing comparisons in style and ability to other great footballers as Michel Platini, Sócrates, Zico, and Pelé. His footballing style is unique as he has the technique of a Brazilian and the physical qualities of a European.

Direct and ruthlessly effective when he chooses to be, Kaka can also turn on the style and dribble with the best of them. In his time at Milan, he has grown into an assured playmaker capable of turning a game in the blink of an eye.

He is adept at coming off the bench and making an instant impact, as he has shown for Brazil on numerous occasions in the qualifiers for Germany 2006.
And do not be fooled by his slim build and baby face.

The 23-year-old is a past master at using his body effectively and is not one to shirk a tackle even when facing stronger opponents.

This World Player of the Year is indeed a nightmare for all defenders.

Messi's playing style and ability have drawn comparisons to football legend Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi his "successor."

He is an unusual player. He is highly creative, and has the skills to take on defenders with ease. He is a versatile left-footed player who can play either in the middle or on either wing, or even as a centre forward.

He is incredibly powerful, and a specialist in such dead ball situations as corners, free kicks and penalties. Although he is quite short, he is so fast and physically strong that he can cope with larger opponents.

Messi has incredible dribbling skills that see him ghost past opponents with consummate ease. Highly creative and versatile, his low centre of gravity has helped his development and he has proved to have great strength and balance despite his diminutive size.

Still only young, the Barcelona striker has the world at his feet and is expected to dominate the global game for years to come.

The Kid is already the second top scorer of all time for Spain behind only Raúl.

Widely regarded as one of the top strikers in the game, Villa has impressed for both club and country and has one of the finest scoring records around. The Spanish striker has made his name as one of the quickest and most deadly finishers in the game with Valencia, while his performances for Spain have seen him net nearly a goal every other game.

Due to his outstanding finishing skills, pace, well-roundedness (he can score from seemingly any position with both his head and feet) and work ethic, he is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in La Liga and in the world.

Liverpool broke their transfer record on July 4, 2007 when they signed Torres for £26.5m from Atletico Madrid and it looks to be a real bargain.

El Nino was an instant hit in England as his brand of speedy forward play and physical stature perfectly suited the Premiership. By the end of his debut season, 2007-08, he had scored 33 goals in all competitions—24 in the Premier League.

This European Championship hero consistently makes it to the shortlist for the World Player of the Year award.

Robbie Fowler's successor is well on his way to achieving god-like status at Anfield.