1 Skill Each of World's Top 10 Players Still Needs to Master

The philosophy of an athlete involves a continuous pursuit of improvement. Some have more to develop than others, but most would say there is always something to refine.

In the world of football, two players stand above the rest as the best in show. But while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo assume the roles as the top footballers on the globe, there is always room for improvement.

It is the striving for excellence and perfection that stimulates the competitor in each athlete and makes the game that much more enjoyable.

So in series of nitpicking at players' weaknesses, mind you the best players in the world (which also makes this piece a selection of the latter), here are the worst-best skills of the best footballers on earth.

Lionel Messi

Avoiding the argument, Messi takes the pole position as the world's best for the sake of this piece.

The 25-year-old dribbling magician is widely regarded as the best on-ball player in the game, and there is little that he cannot do on the pitch.

If we're going to nitpick about the world's best players, there is little to find wrong is Messi's game.

He obviously lacks the height to be a more complete performer around the pitch, but while his short stature leaves him vulnerable in the air, he more than compensates with brilliance on the ground.

But with his incredible skill comes the need to use it, and during long runs, Messi may look to finish with glory instead of finding the holes he created to generate for his teammates.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The scintillating Ronaldo forms the other half of the argument in consideration of the best footballer on the planet.

With a game that is flashier and more physical than Messi's, Ronaldo can impose his will, though somewhat selfishly, on any game.

An obvious blunder to Ronaldo's style of play is his ease of going to ground. Too often does he play for the foul at the slightest of challenges; surely he can fend off more than a few of them.

Wayne Rooney

The star striker for Manchester United is easily one of the top scorers in today's game, and thanks to his wide array of skills, Rooney is a scoring adept who is threatening in a multitude of ways.

Strength, on the ball and in the air, speed and power only scratch the surface of Rooney's quality.

But with the ferocity that he plays with, Rooney can get easily frustrated and sometimes lose focus on what he does best.

While improving in this aspect would do little to enhance his tools, it may prove much more effective with consistency in performance.

Xavi

In what is half of the driver that manages the Barcelona and Spanish offenses, Xavi brings ball control to both teams that virtually no other player can imitate.

A possession master, Xavi pairs up extremely well with Iniesta to compose what many consider the best duo in the game.

But with shortcomings in strength and pace, Xavi just does not have that coveted combination that would lift his quality to an even higher level. No matter, though, with how well he is able to create, surely he is happy to let the ball outrun the defenders.

Andres Iniesta

In the dissection of Iniesta's game, it is difficult to properly diagnose a weakness.

The Spanish tactician fuels the offense for both his national side and for Barcelona, a conductor of sorts that generates chances more often than not.

Iniesta's vision and control are his best attributes, but he glaringly lacks strength, a characteristic that requires a different mindset to master.

Nevertheless, for whatever Iniesta lacks in physicality, he more than compensates for his masterful composition of offense.

Robin Van Persie

The left-footed goal-wizard in van Persie enters the argument for best finishing touch, capable of scoring from virtually any angle.

His time with Arsenal was well-marked with impeccable goals and injury-ridden campaigns. Now with Manchester United, the Dutchman has already made his mark with clutch scoring and exquisite touch.

Capable of playing at a number of positions on the attacking front, van Persie's diversity is what adds to his status as one of the best in the world.

Strength is the standout need for van Persie, especially aerially. That and the added affinity for the lefty to go for glory in big ways account for some of his drawbacks.

Sergio Aguero

One of Manchester City's brightest players is already on injury watch after a knock in the club's first game of the season. Still, Aguero is simply a masterful tactician in and around the final third, creating and finishing chances of high quality.

Graced with fantastic balance, speed, control and a dose of strength, the Argentine has been a consistent playmaker since his days at Atletico Madrid.

But since he's been in a City shirt, Aguero has meshed well with the likes of David Silva, Samir Nasri and Carlos Tevez, forming a quartet of highly adept skill players who can captivate an audience.

Aguero's highest attributes include ball control and acceleration, allowing him to burst into an attacking position quickly for a chance at goal.

His biggest strengths, however, may be a reason for his shortcoming. Knowing his talent for blazing past defenders, Aguero does tend to take ambitious opportunities with the hopes of something magical, though often times leading to easy giveaways.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Power and strength characterize the Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Fresh off of a move from AC Milan, where Ibrahimovic led the league in scoring last season, to Paris Saint-Germain, the robust striker brings his talents to the French Ligue 1.

But shadowed in the figure of his physical side that lead to goals created through strength and holding off defenders is Ibrahimovic's lighter side.

The Swede does have a distinct flair that couples well with his strong attributes, but a more delicate touch at times, along with better work ethic, would serve him well in the goal-scoring world.

David Silva

Behind the two best at their craft, David Silva is the next Spaniard to claim a pass-master title.

When in top form, he stacks up with the top midfielders in creating goals for teammates. A skillful left-footer, Silva is a clever dribbler and plays off his teammates movement very well.

But he does get shoved off the ball very easily when he isn't squeezing away from defenders. It's a knack that could only come on a smaller player, but he could certainly be more determined to maintain possession in some cases.

Neymar

One of the bright, young superstars of the game has already emerged as one of the world's best in show.

The Brazilian sensation Neymar is pure genius with the ball at his feet, using pace, control and incredible technique to weave and pass around defenders with ease.

But could an ego be developing with signs of selfish play? It is a shortcoming he can shake off, but it may not be easy as his status as a top player will only impede those developments.