Top 15 Soccer Players in the World

15. Robin Van Persie (F, Arsenal/Netherlands) - I was considering putting Drogba here, but it went down to the present day form the 2 players are in. While Drogba has just experienced a subpar, if not poor season, the Dutchmans form has been nothing short of spectacular, with 20 goals in just 18 games. That is pretty damn impressive if you ask me.




14. Mesut Ozil (M, Real Madrid/Germany) - Cool and composed in the midfield, Ozil is Madrid's main playmaker, and a key factor in the clubs recent success. Ozil boasts the ability to make graceful runs, split the defense with a singe pass, and the ability to score his fare share of goals.




13. Cesc Fabregas (M, Arsenal/Spain) - Cesc has the passing vision to create many important plays, and the scoring ability to score plenty of goals. Cap that off with superb footwork and you've got a top 15 player.



12. Iker Casillas (G, Real Madrid/Spain) The worlds best keeper has no real weaknesses. You can argue that he a bit undersized, but that really is a non factor.



11. Gerard Pique (D, Barcelona/Spain) - Pique is a defensive wizard, with size, strength and athleticism to boot. He also loves to come forward and score goals.



10. Carlos Tevez (F, Manchester City/Argentina) - The neanderthal like Argentine boasts creative ball movement, a hard shot and a work ethic that will leave his opponents gasping for breath. Tevez is a whirlwind of energy capable of scoring spectacular goals, but is often an inconsistent finisher.

9. Samuel Eto'o (F, Inter Milan/Cameroon) - His age has caught up with him a bit,  but he is still a world class goal scorer. The Cameroonian international is one of the most dangerous strikers out there today.

8. Wesley Sneijder (M, Inter Milan/Netherlands) - What Sneijder lacks in hight, he makes up for with an incredible soccer IQ. Fully equipped with great field vision, long range shooting and precise set pieces, Sneijder is one of the finest play makers in the world. He isn't too bad at scoring goals either.

7. David Villa (F, Barcelona/Spain) - The ambidextrous Spaniard is an elite finisher, capable of scoring from just about anywhere in the penalty box.

6. Nemanja Vidic (D, Manchester United/Serbia) - A muscle bound monster in the central defense, Vidic is capable of out muscling just about anyone to the ball, as well as laser guided tackles and strong aerial showings. The Serb lacks superior ball control, but is often considered the finest defender in the world.

5. Wayne Rooney (F, Manchester United/England) - A rare blend of power, speed and playmaking abilities, Rooney is a complete striker who can finish from just about anywhere.

4. Andres Iniesta (M, Barcelona/Spain) - One of the best playmakers out there, Iniesta possesses world class creativity, and is a staple in the Barcelona midfield. In addition to his passing, Iniesta is able to beat defenders on the dribble, and he can score some spectacular goals. 

3. Xavi (M, Barcelona/Spain)- The best midfielder in the world today, Xavi is a superb technical player with the field vision and passing skills to set up an incredible amount of goals. Isn't much of a scoring threat, but is probably accountable for more scores than just about anyone.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (M/F, Real Madrid/Portugal) - Ronaldo has the pace, speed and athleticism to beat just about any defender, and he is a pro at creating space for a shot. In addition to all this, he possesses an incredible aerial game, as well as a deadly free kick. His selfishness and lack of ball movement keep Cristiano from the 1 spot, but he is probably the most talented footballer on the planet.

1. Lionel Messi (F, Barcelona/Argentina) - There are no words necessary for this choice. Messi is the best player in the world today.