Cristiano Ronaldo and Other Contenders for Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo

Let's face facts: Cristiano Ronaldo has been the best player in the world for the past season. He scored 42 total goals, 31 of them in the Premier League. But those stats don't tell the full story.

Ronaldo has always been famous for his flicks and tricks, but he showed more composure and end-product last season than in all the previous seasons combined. Ronaldo is a player that can score on about every given opportunity; free kicks, penalties, headers, long range, and more.

There has been an ongoing debate about Lionel Messi being the better player, but I think that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves that crown without question.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is like a magician on the football pitch. The way he twists and turns defenders, the way he quickly switches direction in the blink of an eye. He is widely regarded as the successor to Maradona, and at only 21, Messi is well on his way to being even better than Maradona.

But Messi's season was plagued by injuries. If he had played more games last season, and if Barcelona had participated in the Champions League, then Messi would have been my pick to win the Ballon d'Or.

Kaka

Kaka is only 26, but it feels like he's been around for ages. He has been one of the best midfielders in the world for the past four years. He has the vision of Fabregas, the touch of Messi, and the speed of Ronaldo.

Unfortunately, his season was also hampered by injuries. If he was able to play more games, then he might have had the opportunity to surpass Ronaldo and Messi.

Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas, at the young age of 21, is the best play-maker in the world. No one creates goals like Fabregas, few can pass like him, and he has some of the best control in the business.

Fabregas made a career as a creative midfielder, but last season he added a knack for goal-scoring to his game. His goal against AC Milan at the San Siro was a spectacle of absolute brilliance. If he had managed to propel Arsenal to the top of the Champions League, then he would have been higher up in my list.

Fernando Torres

When Rafa Benitez splashed out £25 million on Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres, many wondered if he could handle the Premier League or if he was simply a waste of money.

But considering what he has brought to the team, he should be considered a bargain. He is one of the deadliest finishers there is, and the Premier League hasn't seen such a striker since Thierry Henry.

What I love about Torres is his ability to make a big play even when he's getting bullied out of a match. For a debut season you could not ask for more.

Honourable Mentions

•Iker Casillas, who had a brilliant season in goal and was probably Real Madrid's player of the season.

•Xavi, who was brilliant at the European Championships and was the Player of the Tournament.

•Sergio Aguero, who earned La Liga Player of the Season honours and developed into a more matured player.

•David Villa, who ended up as the top scorer at Euro 2008, and managed to carry a struggling Valencia club with an impressive 18 goals.