UEFA Champions League 2011: Ranking the Top 10 Players in the Tournament so Far

A week from today the UEFA Champions League semifinals will start, but before the last four decide who's the best team in Europe, let's take a look at the best players of this year's tournament.                                                                                                                                                                                          

10) Mario Gomez, FC Bayern München

We start out with one of last year's finalists. With his goals, Mario Gomez was able to lead the team to the top of their group and win the first leg of the final rematch against Internazionale Milano.

He averaged a goal per game, eight goals in that many matches, and was also able to give an assist.

9) Samuel Eto'o, FC Internazionale Milano

At No. 9 we have the other finalist. He scored the same amount of goals as Mario Gomez, but was able to go further in the tournament after eliminating Bayern München in a rematch from last year's final.

Surprisingly they were eliminated by another German team, Schalke 04.

8) Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea FC

The top scorer for his team by far, he has the same amount of goals as all other Chelsea forwards and midfielders combined. His team hasn't lost a match in which he scored.

7) Edwin Van Der Sar, Manchester United

Two goals in seven games. Nobody was able to score against this guy in the group stage. Even at his age he's still one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world.

6) Xavi Hernandez, FC Barcelona

If he plays well, so does his team. He's FC Barcelona's mind. He controls the pace, the action, the ball, everything. 

He rarely is off target in a pass and opposing teams have to be very aware of him, as one pass can set everything in motion.

5) Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspurs

One of the surprises of this tournament, at his young age (21) Bale has caught the eye of every big team in Europe. 

Even though he's a defender he has scored the same amount of goals as a forward like Crouch and both are tied for most team goals at four. He has also given two assists.

4) Mesut Özil, Real Madrid

Next up is the top assistant of this edition. Bought from Werder Bremen after his great World Cup, he has already made an impact for his team. With six assists he leads every player in that category and has scored a goal himself.

3) Raúl Gonzalez, Schalke 04

We start the top three with this year's surprise semifinalist. As much as Schalke's success comes as a surprise, Raul's play in this tournament also comes as one.

He was discarded by his lifelong team and ended up in Germany. He's been playing as if he were in his youth again, scoring a goal every two matches (five goals in 10 matches) and giving a couple assists in the process.

2) Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid

Some people hate him, other people love him.

All defenders hate him. He sometimes may be too individualist, but he's always a dangerous guy to leave alone inside the box.

He's managed to score six goals and his team has won every single game he scored in and has also given two assists.

1) Leo Messi, FC Barcelona

At No. 1 we have the top scorer of this edition of the Champions League. When he has the ball on his feet he's able to do absolutely anything. 

If he scores his team doesn't lose. Only one game he scored in isn't a win for his team. He lead the scorers in this edition of the tournament with nine goals and has also been able to give three assists to his teammates.