Liverpool, el Bayern domina, las estrellas de la USMNT entran en nuestro ranking anual de los mejores jugadores de fútbol

Para armar la edición 2020 del FC 100, 65 expertos de ESPN FC (desde editores hasta escritores, talentos de televisión hasta exjugadores) de todo el mundo recibieron una lista de alrededor de 250 jugadores y entrenadores para elegir.

Aquí está la clave: no pusimos un megalista donde todos los jugadores estaban mezclados; esas ideas inevitablemente favorecen a los atacantes porque a todos les encanta un buen gol, ¿no es así? Pero eso no es justo para quienes hacen las artes oscuras detrás. En cambio, hemos desglosado a los mejores jugadores del mundo por posición en una formación 4-3-3 más mánager. Luego, cada experto contribuyó con un top 10 para cada categoría, y juntamos los números e hicimos una revisión final con algunos autores seleccionados.

¿Estás de acuerdo con nuestras recomendaciones? ¿Discrepar? Ahora viene la parte divertida. FC 100: Eso. Es. En.

NOTA: Todas las edades de los jugadores son a partir del 20 de noviembre.

PORTERO

El portero moderno no está solo para detener tiros. También es el primer paso para crear ataques. Ya sea con un lanzamiento largo y preciso o un pase cruzado rasante, es el primer gran avance para la posición desde que el «Kehrer-Keeper» se convirtió en algo gracias a Manuel Neuer. La flexibilidad y los reflejos son algo natural, pero la confianza en uno mismo, la visión y el juego asertivo también son de importancia decisiva.

Cápsulas de jugador de Elaine Teng

Club / País: Man United / España

Años: 30

Rango 2019: 9

De Gea ha sido una constante en los muchos altibajos del United desde que se unió al club en 2011. En los últimos nueve años ha recibido críticas generalizadas, algunos fanáticos creen que debería descartarse para Dean Henderson, de 23 años, pero De Gea es responsable de la mayor cantidad de goles concedidos en la Premier League en la historia del United ( 112, compartido con Peter Schmeichel) e hizo las segundas apariciones de PL más populares (411) entre las publicaciones. La temporada pasada solo el Liverpool y el Manchester City concedieron menos goles. Esta es una gran parte de la razón por la que los Red Devils terminaron terceros a pesar de un mal comienzo.

Destacado 2020: Entre febrero y julio, De Gea salió limpio nueve veces, la mayoría en la liga, para mover al United del séptimo al tercer lugar (y probablemente salvará el trabajo de Ole Gunnar Solskjaer al mismo tiempo).

Club / País: Inter de Milán / Eslovenia

Años: 36

Rango 2019: No calificado

La temporada pasada, el Inter cayó un punto por detrás de la corona de la Juventus en la Serie A y alcanzó la final de la Europa League. Romelu Lukaku y Lautaro Martínez recibieron muchos elogios, pero también se debe reconocer la sólida actuación de Handanovic entre los postes. El Inter ha concedido la menor cantidad de goles de la liga y su astuto capitán se ha mantenido limpio 13 veces. A los 36 años, sus reflejos siguen siendo nítidos, su presencia es impresionante y es muy hábil en los momentos destacados de alto estiramiento.

Destacado 2020: Una excelente atajada contra Nemanja Maksimovic del Getafe ayudó al Inter a alcanzar los cuartos de final de la Europa League y finalmente la final.

Club / País: AC Milán / Italia

Años: 21

Rango 2019: No calificado

Considere esto: Donnarumma hizo su debut en la Serie A hace cinco años, ha disputado más de 200 partidos con el Milán y está firmemente establecido como el sucesor del legendario Gianluigi Buffon para Italia. Y tiene 21 años. A pesar del caos en la gestión y la turbulencia financiera de su club, fue un pilar de calma y estabilidad. En cada una de sus cinco temporadas se mantuvo limpio al menos 10 veces y mejoró constantemente su precisión en los pases. los Rossoneri Han tenido un buen comienzo esta temporada, y cuanto antes puedan firmar a Donnarumma (su contrato expira el próximo verano), mayores serán sus posibilidades de éxito a largo plazo.

Destacado 2020: Zlatan Ibrahimovic anotó los goles en la victoria por 2-1 en el derbi de Milán sobre el Inter, pero Donnarumma salvó a Romelu Lukaku en su ida de vuelta después de dar positivo por coronavirus para cimentar su victoria.

Club / País: París Saint-Germain / Costa Rica

Años: 33

Rango 2019: No calificado

Navas no recibe tanta atención como muchos de sus compañeros en esta lista, pero eso no lo hace menos merecedor. En el Real Madrid le llamaban sus compañeros «Keylor Paras«(» Keylor Stops «), y estuvo a la altura de su nombre después de mudarse a París. En su primera temporada en el PSG se mantuvo limpio cinco veces, solo 191 minutos menos que Manuel Neuer del Bayern, para liderar Su equipo llega a la final de la Liga de Campeones, pero en lo que respecta al éxito europeo, pocos pueden arrebatarlo: ha jugado en cuatro de las últimas cinco finales de la Liga de Campeones y ganó tres de ellas.

Destacado 2020: Salve contra Atalanta en los cuartos de final de la Liga de Campeones para mantener vivas las esperanzas del PSG antes de que Neymar & Co. protagonizaran una espectacular remontada tardía.

Club / País: Manchester City / Brasil

Años: 27

Rango 2019: Cuarto

En el mejor de los casos, Ederson puede sentirse como un jugador de campo adicional que también es fantástico para detener tiros. Sus balones largos terriblemente precisos son el portero perfecto para el fútbol basado en la posesión de Pep Guardiola. El City luchó contra las lesiones y estaba inusualmente frágil en la espalda, pero Ederson aún logró conceder 16 goles la temporada pasada, lo que le valió el Guante de Oro de la Premier League. Mientras intentan arrebatarle el título de liga al Liverpool City, lo necesitará en su mejor momento en ambas ofensivas. y Defensa.

Destacado 2020: Raheem Sterling anotó el gol de la victoria contra el Arsenal en octubre, pero Ederson hizo un rescate espectacular para negar a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang y Bukayo Saka y hacer que el City volviera a encarrilarse.

Club / País: Real Madrid / Bélgica

Años: 28

Clasificación 2019: No clasificado

No siempre pareció que el Real Madrid iba a ganar la liga la temporada pasada, pero Courtois era un gigante en la portería. Concedió 20 goles en 34 partidos de liga, permaneció limpio 18 veces y registró el mayor porcentaje de ahorro de la liga. Pero se sabe que comete algunos errores escandalosos de vez en cuando. En noviembre, durante un partido de la Liga de las Naciones contra Dinamarca, el belga No. 1 lanzó un pase hacia atrás que lo pasó a la portería. Si Bélgica, el mejor equipo del mundo, quiere ganar los euros el año que viene, Courtois tendrá que concentrarse en eso.

Destacado 2020: Ganó su primer título de Liga con el Real Madrid.

Club / País: Barcelona / Alemania

Años: 28

Rango 2019: 3

En septiembre de 2019, Ter Stegen salió furioso del área, le dio un puñetazo a un atacante del Getafe y realizó un pase largo al área opuesta para mantener a Luis Suárez disparando al arco. Este apoyo fue el clásico Ter Stegen, un barrendero seguro de sí mismo que se siente cómodo con el balón en los pies y puede convertir los desfiles en contraataques a la velocidad del rayo. El alemán no recibe tanta atención en un equipo lleno de superestrellas ofensivas, pero juega un papel crucial en los planes de Ronald Koeman mientras intenta que el Barcelona vuelva a la cima de la liga.

Destacado 2020: Antoine Griezmann consiguió su segundo asistente de carrera en diciembre de 2019 cuando anotó contra el Mallorca.

Club / País: Atlético de Madrid / Eslovenia

Años: 27

Rango 2019: 2

En las seis temporadas que Oblak marcó el gol del Atlético, ha concedido menos de 30 goles en cada temporada. El esloveno eficiente y reservado es el portero perfecto para el equipo disciplinado y trabajador de Diego Simeone. Hizo nueve paradas, más que cualquier otro portero del torneo, en una actuación que hizo en la Liga de Campeones del Liverpool la temporada pasada para enviar al Atlético a los cuartos de final. Hay jugadores más glamorosos en el fútbol, ​​pero pocos son tan consistentes o efectivos.

Destacado 2020: El Liverpool tuvo 72% de posesión y 34 tiros en Wanda Metropolitano en marzo, pero no pudo superar a Oblak.

Club / País: Liverpool / Brasil

Años: 28

Rango 2019: 1

El consumado portero moderno, Alisson puede convertir la defensa en ofensiva en poco tiempo. Igualmente tranquilo con el balón con manos y pies, jugó un papel decisivo en el ataque del Liverpool al primer trofeo de la Premier League en tres décadas. En enero, incluso anotó una asistencia con un pase largo para Mohamed Salah, que hizo el 2-0 ante el Manchester United. (Alisson estaba tan contento que corrió a lo largo del campo detrás de todos sus compañeros de equipo para celebrar con la internacional egipcia). La larga lista de lesionados del Liverpool esta temporada, especialmente en la defensa central, significa que Alisson tiene esperanzas de salir al campo. retener el título es más crucial que nunca.

Destacado 2020: Estamos ayudando al Liverpool a poner fin a la espera de 30 años por un título de la Premier League.

Club / País: Bayern Munich / Alemania

Años: 34

Rango 2019: 5

Nota del editor: Neuer y Alisson terminaron de sumar después de que se contaron las boletas, pero Neuer obtuvo el primer lugar porque obtuvo más votos de primer lugar de los votantes del FC, con 19 a 18 de Alisson.

El barrendero de Alemania pareció desacelerarse cuando tenía alrededor de 30 años, pero en los últimos 12 meses, el jugador de 34 años ha vuelto a su mejor nivel. Siete años desde la última vez que ganó tres veces con el Bayern, Neuer ganó la Bundesliga, la Copa de Alemania y la Liga de Campeones como capitán en 2020. Hizo una serie de paradas cruciales en la final de la Liga de Campeones para negar al PSG, incluida una espectacular salvada doble contra Neymar. En octubre se quedó por 200ª vez sin encajar un gol para el Bayern, un récord del club. A veces, los atacantes parecen intimidados solo porque saben que él está en la portería.

Destacado 2020: Ganar su segundo título de la Liga de Campeones, aunque un octavo trofeo de la Bundesliga consecutivo no es poca cosa.

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VUELVO ENSEGUIDA

Los laterales derechos solían ser considerados los jugadores menos calificados en el campo, pero la próxima generación aporta audacia e imprevisibilidad. La conciencia de la posición, el cruce preciso y la velocidad vertiginosa distinguen a los mejores del resto.

Cápsulas de jugador de Stephan Uersfeld

Club / País: Barcelona / Estados Unidos

Años: Vigésimo

Rango 2019: No calificado

Ha sido un año increíble para el joven defensa. Después de solo una temporada y 23 apariciones con el primer equipo del Ajax desde su debut en julio de 2019, Dest estaba en una vertiginosa tendencia ascendente y se convirtió en el primer estadounidense en fichar por los gigantes de la Liga Barcelona después de participar en una saga de transferencias para el campeón de la Champions también pertenecía al Bayern de Múnich. ¡No son las peores opciones! El jugador de origen holandés, que puede jugar en las dos posiciones de lateral, está considerado uno de los mejores internacionales jóvenes de Estados Unidos desde que llegó al Barça en octubre de 2019 y ya ha demostrado en cuatro apariciones con el Barça que está afrontando sus problemas. el lado derecho puede resolver.

Destacado 2020: Iniciar el ClasicoFue el primer estadounidense en jugar contra el Real Madrid en Barcelona e incluso ganó el premio al Jugador del Partido del Barça en la derrota por 3-1.

Club / País: Atlético de Madrid / Inglaterra

Años: 30

Rango 2019: Octavo

Ahora en su segunda temporada de La Liga con Atleti, Trippier ha abrazado completamente su nueva vida fuera del Tottenham y la Premier League. Como parte integral del primer once de Diego Simeone, ha comenzado y terminado todos los partidos de la temporada 2020-21. Juega como lateral derecho a nivel de clubes y es lo suficientemente versátil como para jugar un papel más avanzado para Inglaterra. Juega como lateral en la formación 3-4-2-1 de Gareth Southgate. Si bien Inglaterra se enfrenta a mucha competencia por los puestos de lateral, la experiencia, la velocidad y la precisión de Trippier con los cruces podrían ser fundamentales para la ambición de los Tres Leones de competir en la Eurocopa este verano.

Destacado 2020: El mejor momento de Trippier fue un «regreso» a Inglaterra. En uno de los últimos grandes juegos que se jugaron frente a los fanáticos antes de que el coronavirus terminara el deporte, Trippier jugó un papel decisivo en la victoria del Atlético por 3-2 en Liverpool en marzo, cerrando hábilmente a Sadio Mane y Andy Robertson antes de entrar en la prórroga. retirado.

Club / País: Ciudad de Leicester / Portugal

Años: 27

Rango 2019: 3

El dinámico defensor comenzó todos menos uno de los 29 partidos de la Premier League de Leicester antes de la pandemia, pero todavía estamos esperando verlo en acción nuevamente. Su ausencia debido a una lesión en el ligamento cruzado anterior supuso un gran desafío para los Foxes, que perdieron el ritmo y el equilibrio de Pereira en el flanco. Antes de eso, Pereira había participado en 471 duelos, más que cualquier otro defensa en las cinco primeras ligas de Europa. Sin Pereira, Leicester fue eliminado de la Liga de Campeones al final de la temporada 2019-20, testimonio de su importancia para los planes de Brendan Rodger.

Destacado 2020: Los defensores rara vez aparecen en la hoja de partido, pero Pereira armó un excelente partido contra el West Ham en enero, anotando un gol y ganando por 4-1.

Club / País: Atalanta / Holanda

Años: 26

Rango 2019: No calificado

Exitoso en su papel como lateral del Atalanta, Hateboer fue una parte integral de uno de los equipos más emocionantes de Europa la temporada pasada cuando el equipo italiano no anunciado marcó el objetivo tardío del PSG de llegar a las semifinales de la Liga de Campeones. Es una fuerza en las peleas de perros y el complicado juego de pases de su equipo y combina una velocidad de trabajo sobrehumana con inteligencia posicional en una posición exigente. El jugador de 26 años fue contratado por Atalanta del club holandés Groningen por menos de un millón de euros en 2017 y ha sido una parte integral de la selección holandesa desde entonces. Existe la posibilidad de que dé un paso más el próximo verano y se mude a uno de los gigantes europeos.

Destacado 2020: Impresionante actuación de dos goles en los octavos de final de la Liga de Campeones en la ida ante el Valencia. No solo fue su único juego que anotó en 2019-20, sino que también llevó al pequeño equipo de la Serie A a los últimos ocho juegos de la Liga de Campeones en Lisboa.

tocar

Gab Marcotti elogia el impacto que tuvo Trent Alexander-Arnold en Liverpool.

Club / País: Sevilla / España

Años: 35

Rango 2019: No calificado

Navas no contuvo las lágrimas cuando el Sevilla ganó la Europa League 2019-20 en Alemania este verano. Después de comenzar su carrera en el club senior en 2003 y ganar dos Copas de la UEFA y dos Copas del Reys, ganar la Europa League a la edad de 34 años fue visto como una recompensa para el internacional español. De hecho, parece haber mejorado con la edad desde que dejó el Manchester City por su club juvenil en 2017.

Destacado 2020: Como capitán del equipo, Navas asistió al Inter de Milán en la final, cuando el Sevilla ganó la competición por sexta vez desde 2005.

Club / País: Manchester City / Inglaterra

Años: 30

Rango 2019: 5

Un defensor confiable bajo Pep Guardiola, Walker puede no tener el poder de ataque de Trent Alexander-Arnold o Achraf Hakimi. Sin embargo, desde que se unió al club en 2017, ha sido uno de los jugadores del City más consistentes. En la plaza de la derecha de la ciudad, patrulla con alta velocidad, fisicalidad y una intensidad incomparable. En sus 30 años, y con un aparente vacío de liderazgo en el equipo de la ciudad desde la partida de Vincent Kompany, Walker ha sido un lugarteniente clave para Guardiola.

Destacado 2020: Anota al ganador, ¡pero no celebres! – contra uno de sus antiguos clubes, Sheffield United, en su partido número 100 en la Premier League con el Manchester City.

Club / País: Real Madrid / España

Años: 28

Rango 2019: Cuarto

Es difícil encontrar un lateral derecho más consistente en los últimos años. Se defendió del riesgo de perder su lugar en el primer once del Madrid con otra temporada estelar y se veía tan bien que su supuesto sucesor Achraf Hakimi regresó de un préstamo con el Borussia Dortmund solo para ser vendido al Inter de Milán. Carvajal no es un lateral derecho llamativo más conocido por su trabajo detrás del balón, pero también ha sido un excelente apoyo para Karim Benzema cuando es capaz de adelantarse y jugar cruces al área. Carvajal formó parte de la plantilla del Real Madrid que ganó la Liga por primera vez desde la 2016/17 y aunque se perdió el inicio de campaña por lesión, su próxima vuelta reforzará enormemente la plantilla de Zinedine Zidane.

Destacado 2020: Fue excelente en ambos Clasico Enfrentamientos la temporada pasada, resultados que jugaron un papel clave en la lucha por el título del Real Madrid.

Club / País: Bayern Munich / Francia

Años: 24

Rango 2019: No calificado

Pavard está lejos de ser un nombre familiar, aunque podría decirse que el joven defensor fue el héroe anónimo del Bayern de Múnich en una temporada de triple victoria. Después de su descenso del VfB Stuttgart en 2019, aseguró la estabilidad del lateral derecho, lo que permitió a Joshua Kimmich asumir un papel de mediocampo defensivo permanente. En su temporada de debut en el Allianz Arena, marcó menos goles que algunos de sus laterales derechos como Hakimi y marcó siete goles en todas las competiciones. La tarifa de transferencia de 35 millones de euros para el defensa francés parece una ganga, aunque su estilo de juego poco espectacular le gana pocos elogios. Ah, y Pavard también puede hacer un cambio en el defensa central para mejorar aún más las innumerables oportunidades del Bayern.

Destacado 2020: En su primer partido de liga con Hansi Flick, Pavard estuvo genial y brindó una asistencia cuando el Bayern venció al Borussia Dortmund por 4-0 a mediados de la temporada pasada.

Club / País: Inter de Milán / Marruecos

Años: 22

Rango 2019: No calificado

Hakimi es un jugador de dos vías espectacular y aventurero que puede brillar en ambos lados del balón. Rápidamente se ha convertido en uno de los mejores laterales derechos del fútbol mundial. Después de que Hakimi marcó seis goles y dio seis asistencias para el Dortmund la temporada pasada y construyó una excelente relación con la estrella inglesa Jadon Sancho cuando fue cedido en la Bundesliga, se mudó al Inter de Milán este verano y continuó charlando en el Ala. Como uno de los defensores más rápidos del juego, sus pases descuidados a veces han sido un dolor de cabeza para sus compañeros, aunque siempre compensa los errores con aportes ofensivos.

Destacado 2020: Tras un 2-0 en el entretiempo, el doblete de Hakimi en la fase de grupos de la Champions League ante el Inter de Milán le dio la vuelta al empate para el Dortmund (ganó 3-2).

Club / País: Liverpool / Inglaterra

Años: 22

Rango 2019: 1

El chico de Liverpool vive el sueño en Anfield. Liverpool continuó su notable victoria en la Liga de Campeones 2018/19 con su primer título de liga en 30 años, y Alexander-Arnold fue una vez más crucial para el éxito de los Rojos. Originalmente un mediocampista en la Liverpool Academy, el joven defensor continúa definiendo y definiendo lo que puede ser un juego de lateral en el juego moderno. Sus jugadas a balón parado son una amenaza constante y sus cruces están provocando el caos en el área. El internacional inglés sigue en ascenso pero una lesión muscular ha ralentizado su avance esta temporada. Sin embargo, el futuro parece prometedor para un jugador que ha ganado 77 de 101 partidos en la Premier League con su club juvenil.

Destacado 2020: Virgil van Dijk hizo dos asistencias en la victoria por 2-1 sobre Brighton a finales de noviembre, ambas a balón parado. Fue una de las victorias más importantes para el Liverpool en su camino hacia su primer título de la Premier League.

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DE NUEVO EN EL MEDIO

Ser un gran defensa central requiere más que tamaño, asertividad y fuerza. Algunos de los tamaños modernos se cultivan en posesión; otros son el epítome de la violencia sensata. Los mejores centrales combinan sincronización y potencia con elegancia y aplomo bajo presión.

Cápsulas de jugador de Tom Hamilton

Club / País: París Saint-Germain / Brasil

Años: 26

Rango 2019: Octavo

El defensa del PSG encabezó el viaje de los campeones de la Ligue 1 a la final de la Champions League 2019-20. Debido a su versatilidad, el jefe del PSG, Thomas Tuchel, a veces lo usa en el centro del campo, pero ese fue un punto de discordia. El director deportivo Leonardo tenía muchas ganas de ver a Marquinhos en el defensa central. Donde quiera que juegue, el brasileño es influyente. Considerado el sucesor a largo plazo de Thiago Silva, quien viajó al Chelsea en el verano, no teme dar su opinión cuando se le pide su opinión. Esto lo convirtió en el candidato perfecto para el nuevo capitán del PSG. El ex defensa del club, Jean-Marc Pilorget, describió a Marquinhos como «inquebrantable en el campo».

Destacado 2020: Excelente en la campaña de la Champions del PSG. Marcó dos goles importantes contra Atalanta y RB Leipzig para llevar al equipo a la final.

Club / País: Sevilla / Francia

Años: 22

Rango 2019: No calificado

La brillante temporada de Kounde, clasificado como uno de los mejores defensores centrales jóvenes del mundo, resultó en una «gran» oferta de transferencia del Manchester City, según Monchi, director deportivo del club. Monchi luego elogió la respuesta de Kounde a la oferta rechazada y dijo que estaba mostrando «un comportamiento profesional y respetuoso». El City finalmente eligió a Nathan Ake y Ruben Dias, pero el Manchester United también está interesado en el hombre que ahora reemplazará a Raphael Varane y Dayot Upamecano con la selección francesa. Después de mudarse de Burdeos a Sevilla por £ 22,5 millones antes de la temporada 2019-20, les ayudó a ganar el título de la Europa League la temporada pasada y es una figura clave en sus ambiciones de la Liga de Campeones esta temporada. .

Destacado 2020: Tuvo muchas actuaciones notables la temporada pasada, pero fue excepcionalmente genial en la victoria de cuartos de final contra Wolves en la Europa League.

Club / País: Juventus / Holanda

Años: 21

Rango 2019: 3

El central holandés completó su fichaje de 75 millones de euros a la Juventus antes de la temporada 2019-20, siguiendo los pasos de sus ídolos Alessandro Nesta y Fabio Cannavaro. El entonces técnico Maurizio Sarri inicialmente planeaba integrarlo lentamente, pero el joven defensa se unió al primer equipo debido a la lesión de larga duración de Giorgio Chiellini. Tuvo un comienzo inestable y, a pesar de una lesión en el hombro en 2020-21, se ha convertido en una parte integral de la defensa de la Juventus. La victoria por 2-0 de la Juve en Bolonia en junio fue el partido en el que De Ligt realmente se hizo un nombre en la Serie A. «Nació en 1999 y fue catapultado a un nuevo estilo de juego. Es inteligente», dijo Chiellini de De Ligt. El Observatorio de Fútbol CIES califica a De Ligt como el defensa central más valioso del mundo y sitúa su valor actual en la asombrosa cifra de 105 millones de euros.

Destacado 2020: Resume su actuación ante el Lyon en los octavos de final de la Liga de Campeones, donde siguió luchando a pesar de que le cortaron la cabeza al inicio del partido.

Club / País: Manchester City / Francia

Años: 26

Rango 2019: Cuarto

La importancia de Laporte en el Manchester City se demuestra quizás mejor en su ausencia. Existe la creencia generalizada de que la carrera por el título de la Premier League habría sido mucho más reñida la temporada pasada si Laporte no hubiera sufrido una lesión en la rodilla que lo excluyó durante cuatro meses. «Lo extrañamos mucho, es el mejor defensa central izquierdo del mundo», dijo el técnico de la ciudad Pep Guardiola de Laporte. «Imagínese si los mejores equipos del mundo pierden a su mejor central. Es rápido y fuerte en el aire». Laporte es la mitad de una asociación impresionante para el City junto con Ruben Dias, y sentarán las bases para otro impulso de trofeos. Laporte sigue esperando su debut con la selección francesa. Ésta es la vergüenza de la riqueza de Didier Deschamps para Francia, pero es una cuestión de tiempo, no de caso.

Destacado 2020: Fácil de volver a ver en acción después de un largo descanso. Laporte es tan importante para el City que Guardiola tuvo que advertir de su regreso en enero, ya que era la única respuesta para resolver todos sus problemas defensivos.

Club / País: Real Madrid / Francia

Años: 27

Rango 2019: No calificado

Otro internacional francés en la lista, Varane es la mitad de la formidable asociación del Real Madrid junto a Sergio Ramos, a pesar de que el jugador de 27 años tuvo un 2020 mixto. De camino al título del campeonato fue indispensable en la zaga impermeable de la Real. Con Los Blancos Solo hubo seis goles encajados en once partidos tras la reanudación, pero los amigos y compañeros de Varane como el portero francés Hugo Lloris no están preocupados. «Es un gran campeón sobre todo», dijo Lloris. «Ha tenido una gran experiencia. Es un líder en nuestro equipo». Su compañero en el Real Madrid Eden Hazard también se mostró impresionado: «He visto defensores fantásticos en mi carrera, como John Terry y Vincent Kompany. [Varane] aún es joven, ya es uno de los mejores centrales de todos los tiempos. «A pesar de las preguntas sobre su forma, sigue siendo cuarto en las cinco principales ligas europeas de duelos de defensa aérea que se han ganado esta temporada, siempre está a la vanguardia, asumiendo responsabilidades y buscando mejorar.

Destacado 2020: El Real jugó 32 partidos de liga y se llevó su primera corona de La Liga desde 2016/17.

Club / País: RB Leipzig / Francia

Años: 22

Rango 2019: No calificado

El joven francés ha estado vinculado a casi todos los gigantes europeos después de otra temporada fuerte, con el Manchester United y el Bayern de Múnich en la parte superior de la fila. «No estoy seguro del futuro [if Upamecano will stay] Da er sehr talentiert ist «, sagte Leipziger Chef Julian Nagelsmann gegenüber ESPN.» Viele Vereine werden ihn kaufen wollen – vielleicht könnte es in der nächsten Saison real sein, dass er den Verein verlässt. «Obwohl er erst 22 Jahre alt ist, spielt Upamecano mit Autorität Auf der Rückseite hat er keine Angst, den Ball aus der Abwehr zu tragen, ist sich aber auch bewusst, wann er eine sicherere Option wählen muss. Neben Kounde, Kurt Zouma und Aymeric Laporte ist er einer von mehreren brillanten Verteidigern, die dem französischen Chef Didier Deschamps zur Verfügung stehen.

Höhepunkt 2020: In einer Saison, in der RB Leipzig das Halbfinale der Champions League erreichte, war er beim Viertelfinalsieg gegen Atletico Madrid von seiner besten Seite.

Verein / Land: Napoli / Senegal

Alter: 29

Rang 2019: 2

Es gibt kein Transferfenster, ohne dass eine Handvoll europäischer Giganten mit dem Verteidiger von Napoli in Verbindung gebracht wird. Das letzte Team, das den 6-Fuß-5-Senegal-Nationalspieler verfolgte, war PSG im Sommer, aber Napoli war entschlossen, Angebote abzulehnen, die unter dem Preis von 75 Millionen Euro lagen. «Ich hatte keine Zweifel, er ist einer der stärksten Champions der Welt in seiner Rolle», sagte Napoli-Chef Gennaro Gattuso im September von Koulibaly. Er ist jetzt der Kapitän seiner Nationalmannschaft und wurde vom ehemaligen spanischen Torhüter Pepe Reina als bester Innenverteidiger eingestuft, hinter dem er gespielt hat. Die Zukunft bleibt für Koulibaly ungewiss, da eine Reihe von Teams für immer mit ihm verbunden sind – Liverpool könnte in der Krise der Defensivverletzung für ihn zurückkehren -, aber für Napoli ist er vorerst unverzichtbar.

Höhepunkt 2020: Obwohl Napoli in der Liga erneut Zweiter nach Juventus wurde, war Koulibaly im Finale von Coppa Italia hervorragend, als seine Mannschaft den Ligameister im Elfmeterschießen besiegte.

Verein / Land: Bayern München / Österreich

Alter: 28

Rang 2019: 2 (Linksverteidiger)

Was können Sie über einen der vielseitigsten Verteidiger im modernen Spiel sagen? Alaba startete in der vergangenen Saison als Linksverteidiger unter dem vorherigen Trainer Niko Kovac, um ihn als dreifach siegreicher Innenverteidiger zu beenden. Der Vertrag des Österreichers läuft zum Ende der Saison und Bayern München bereitet sich auf seinen Ausstieg vor – erwarten Sie, dass Liverpools interessiert sind. Bayern-Manager Hansi Flick sagt, Alaba «hält die Verteidigung zusammen», während Bayern-Chef Karl-Heinz Rummenigge im August Alabas Einfluss im Innenverteidiger mit den Transformationsqualitäten von Franz Beckenbauer verglich. «Wir haben seit einiger Zeit keinen ‘Chef’ in der Verteidigung mehr, der wirklich die Zügel in die Hand nimmt und dort den Ton angibt und einfach als Chef der Defensive fungiert – das hat er getan», sagte Rummenigge.

Höhepunkt 2020: Es gab zahlreiche herausragende Momente für Alaba, aber die letzten 12 Monate werden in Erinnerung bleiben, als die Bayern München alle vor ihnen fegten und die Bundesliga, den DFB-Pokal und die Champions League gewannen.

Verein / Land: Real Madrid / Spanien

Alter: 34

Rang 2019: 5

Der Real Madrid Talisman ist weiterhin eine polarisierende Figur, aber er liebt oder hasst ihn, er ist ein wirklich bemerkenswerter Spieler. Sein echter Teamkollege Toni Kroos nennt ihn den «absoluten Kapitän» und das «Beste, was man haben kann». Trotz seines Alters würde Ramos immer noch in die meisten Mannschaften gehen und ein Top-Free-Agent sein, wenn er sich nach dieser Saison gegen eine Verlängerung seines Aufenthalts bei Real Madrid entscheidet. In der Zwischenzeit stellt er weiterhin Rekorde auf, nachdem er die 100-Tore-Marke für überschritten hat Los Blancos und stellte nach seinem 45. auch einen neuen Rekord auf El Clasico Auftritt, als Real Madrid Ende Oktober Barcelona mit 3: 1 besiegte. Ramos ist auch auf internationaler Ebene für Spanien nach wie vor unverzichtbar. Luis Enrique nennt ihn einen «einzigartigen Verteidiger auf einer anderen Ebene». Vor kurzem stellte er dort auch mit seinem 177. Länderspiel gegen Deutschland die meisten Länderspiele auf Level für jeden im Herrenspiel in Europa.

Höhepunkt 2020: Los Blancos Die Fans werden sich an seine wichtigsten Strafen bei den 1: 0-Siegen von Real gegen Getafe und Athletic Bilbao im Juli erinnern, als sie ihren Titelgewinn in der La Liga 2019-20 fortsetzten.

Verein / Land: Liverpool / Niederlande

Alter: 29

Rang 2019: 1

Es ist ein Beweis für Van Dijk, dass sich die Stimmung in Liverpool geändert hat, als er im Oktober gegen Everton seine Verletzung am Ende der Saison erlitt. Gigi Wijnaldum sagte, dass der Kader «schlaflose Nächte» erlitten habe, während Jürgen Klopp zugibt, dass Van Dijk unersetzlich ist. «Every team in the world would miss Virgil van Dijk,» Klopp said soon after his injury. «He is the best in the world.» Up to that injury, the Dutch international had missed just one Premier League game for Liverpool after signing from Southampton for £75m in January 2018.

High point of 2020: Playing every single minute (and scoring five goals) in Liverpool’s 2019-20 Premier League-winning season, the club’s first league title in 30 years. Need we say more?

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LEFT-BACK

Top left-backs are as comfortable locking down an opposing winger as they are turning into one when their teams are in possession. Some aren’t even left-footed, using their positional awareness to drift infield and be another central defender or midfielder if needed.

In the modern era, no positions touch the ball more than full-back, making the best of them simply indispensable.

Player capsules by Alex Kirkland

Club/country: Real Madrid/France

Age: 25

2019 rank: 7

Mendy established himself as Real Madrid’s undisputed first-choice left-back this year after coach Zinedine Zidane requested his signing in the summer of 2019. In the biggest games, against Barcelona in La Liga or Manchester City in the Champions League, Mendy — not Marcelo — gets the nod. Mendy might lack his teammate’s eye-catching skills, but he offers a defensive solidity that helped the team keep clean sheet after clean sheet post lockdown. He’s no slouch going forward, either.

High point of 2020: His only goal for the club so far, a thunderous near-post finish against Granada as Real Madrid closed in on the La Liga title.

Club/country: Real Madrid/Brazil

Age: 32

2019 rank: Not ranked

Marcelo’s reputation and history — and Real Madrid’s title win — see him make this list even though, by his own standards, he had a disappointing year. The 32-year-old started fewer than half of Real Madrid’s games in 2019-20, and the defensive lapses that have made him an occasional liability during a hugely successful club career became increasingly common. Since Zinedine Zidane returned for his second spell in charge, in 2019, Madrid have lost nine league games, and Marcelo started all of them. No one doubts his talent and personality, though, and on his day, there are few footballers who are more fun to watch.

High point of 2020: Winning his fifth league title in 14 years as a Real Madrid player.

Club/country: Chelsea/England

Age: 23

2019 rank: Not ranked

Chilwell was an important part of Leicester City’s impressive 2019-20 campaign and his August move to Chelsea — after a drawn-out transfer saga that saw Leicester demand a world-record fee for a defender before accepting «only» £50m — cemented his status as one of English football’s best young players. Wasting no time at Stamford Bridge, Chilwell provided a goal and assist on his Premier League debut. Coach Frank Lampard says he’s «fantastic,» praising Chilwell’s «ability to be so high up the pitch when you want him.»

High point of 2020: A glorious 90th-minute goal vs. Watford in Leicester’s first game back in June, which was somewhat spoiled by Watford equalising three minutes later.

Club/country: AC Milan/France

Age: 23

2019 rank: Not ranked

This has been a year of rediscovery for the young Frenchman as he finally started to resemble the powerful, expansive full-back it was hoped he’d become when he graduated from the Atletico Madrid academy alongside his brother, Lucas. Hernandez excelled on loan at Alaves in 2016-17, looked out of his depth at Real Madrid in 2017-18 and was decidedly average at Real Sociedad in 2018-19. At Milan, though, he’s been a revelation. Hernandez scored six goals in Serie A last season, with Opta rating him as the best left-back in Italy.

High point of 2020: A crisp, volleyed finish in a 3-2 win over Udinese in January.

Club/country: Tottenham/Spain

Age: 23

2019 rank: Not ranked

Arguably the best full-back in La Liga last season, Reguilon was a blur of constant movement on the left flank of Julen Lopetegui’s Sevilla team as they cruised to a top-four league finish and won the Europa League. But, remarkably, Real Madrid chose to cash in, selling him to Tottenham off the back of that impressive loan. It’s true that Real have a buyback clause, but why wait for a season or two? Reguilon is good enough to be starting for Real Madrid right now. In the meantime, he’s become an integral part of Jose Mourinho’s Spurs side, one that has a very real shot at winning the Premier League.

High point of 2020: Winning the Europa League in his last game for Sevilla.

Club/country: Borussia Dortmund/Portugal

Age: 26

2019 rank: Not ranked

Guerreiro doesn’t attract the headlines of others on this list — or of some high-profile teammates at Dortmund — but he quietly had the best season of his career in 2019-20. Coach Lucien Favre’s tactical switch to a 3-4-3 formation helped enormously, enabling Guerreiro to operate in the wing-back role to which he is best suited while also minimising the defects that hold him back as a pure full-back or winger. A well-rounded player, he contributed an impressive eight goals to Dortmund’s second-placed Bundesliga finish. At 26, he’s approaching his peak, and chose to sign a new deal in October 2019 despite reported interest from Barcelona and PSG.

High point of 2020: Scoring twice in Dortmund’s 4-0 derby win over Schalke in May.

Club/country: Juventus/Brazil

Age: 29

2019 rank: 4

Taking fourth place in our list for the fourth year in a row suggests Sandro is consistency personified. Into his sixth season at Juventus and soon to turn 30, he remains one of the most reliable performers in world football in his position. (Juventus were so excited about signing him in 2015 that they published a glowing story on the team website about his myriad qualities.) Sandro isn’t quite as dangerous going forward as you might expect, though there aren’t any real weaknesses to his game. Brazilian great Roberto Carlos said in 2015 that Sandro was his true «successor,» and few can argue with his assessment.

High point of 2020: Scored Juventus’ third goal in a 3-3 roller-coaster draw with Sassuolo, and then cleared a potential winner off the line.

Club/country: Barcelona/Spain

Age: 31

2019 rank: 3

Alba is past his peak and looks to have been left behind by Spain at the international level, but he’s still Barcelona’s undisputed first-choice left-back. His link-ups with Lionel Messi — once one of the most fruitful attacking partnerships in football — remain dangerous, albeit less frequent. Alba has set up three goals this season under new coach Ronald Koeman. His defensive failings are well known, and unlikely to change at this stage. Barcelona have tried to prepare for life after Alba — the Spain international will be 32 in March — but Lucas Digne and Junior Firpo have already failed to supplant him at the Camp Nou.

High point of 2020: Whatever it was, it wasn’t Barca’s 8-2 defeat to Bayern.

Club/country: Bayern Munich/Canada

Age: 20

2019 rank: Not ranked

Davies’ emergence as a world-class player has been thrilling to watch. Take his assist in Bayern’s 8-2 Champions League demolition of Barcelona, when he evaded Lionel Messi, left Arturo Vidal on the floor and flummoxed Nelson Semedo before cutting the ball back for Joshua Kimmich to tap in. Was there a more memorable setup in 2020? «I was almost ashamed of how happy I was after scoring, because it was 99% his goal,» Kimmich said afterward, and it was hard to disagree.

High point of 2020: That assist, obviously, though winning a domestic/European Treble with Bayern was also extremely special.

Club/country: Liverpool/Scotland

Age: 26

2019 rank: 1

This year’s title win, ending Liverpool’s 30-year wait, was the culmination of a remarkable journey for Robertson. In three years at Anfield, he’s gone from Premier League prospect to, quite simply, the best left-back in the world. It almost seems wrong to call him «left-back» given how prolific he is in attack, racking up 23 assists in the past two Premier League seasons from a defensive position. In terms of creating chances, taking set pieces and working tirelessly off the ball, he is a cut above. He racked up his 100th Premier League appearance for the club, and the £10m that Liverpool spent on Robertson in 2017 from Hull City increasingly looks like one of the best bits of transfer business ever.

High point of 2020: Liverpool won the league. You might have heard about it.

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CENTRAL MIDFIELD

The key to playing central midfield is a good sense of rhythm: knowing when to speed up in transition and when to slow the pace. There are many forms, too: the tough tackler, box-to-box machine and the nimble playmaker. It’s about seeing the whole field — and exploiting it.

Player capsules by Sam Marsden

Club/country: Paris Saint-Germain/Italy

Age: 28

2019 rank: 9

It has been a stop-start year for most players amid the coronavirus pandemic, but especially for Verratti. The French league decided to curtail the 2019-20 season in March, and when PSG eventually returned to competitive action in the French Cup final and Champions League in the summer, Verratti was injured. He reappeared as a substitute in the CL semifinal win over RB Leipzig before featuring for 25 minutes in the final against Bayern. However, while staying fit remains a problem, his absences from Thomas Tuchel’s side serve only to highlight his importance. PSG are a different side with pass-master Verratti in their midfield, and he’s also playing a big role in the rejuvenation of the Italian national team under Roberto Mancini.

High point of 2020: Completing a domestic Treble with PSG.

Club/country: Real Madrid/Croatia

Age: 35

2019 rank: Not ranked

Modric might be in the twilight of his playing career, but he’s still getting it done in one of the most demanding midfields and for one of the most demanding fan bases. The Croatian midfielder’s ability on the ball and his vision of the game have always been his strong suit. It’s how he casually guided Croatia to the World Cup final in 2018 and picked up the Ballon d’Or — the first player not named Messi or Ronaldo to win it since 2007 — in the same year. That’s why Zinedine Zidane still trusts him to deliver at the highest level.

High point of 2020: Scored his first-ever goal in El Clasico last season as Real surged to the title at their rivals’ expense.

Club/country: Barcelona/Netherlands

Age: 23

2019 rank: 2

The Dutch midfielder was the poster boy of European football when he joined Barca from Ajax for €70 million in 2019, but his first season in Spain showed him that not everything is always rosy in football. After excelling as the deepest midfielder at Ajax, he is playing a more attacking role under first Ernesto Valverde and later Quique Setien in Spain. Despite being moved around and having to adapt to a new country and a new language, De Jong showed glimpses of his talent, and there are signs of improvement in his second season at the club. Under his third coach at Camp Nou — his compatriot Ronald Koeman — he looks more comfortable in a «double pivot» (a pair of deep-lying midfielders who shield the defense and share creative responsibilities), and Barca hope he can rule their midfield for the next decade.

High point of 2020: Has played every minute for Barcelona in La Liga this season.

Club/country: Liverpool/Brazil

Age: 27

2019 rank: 6

The Brazilian won the Champions League in his first season with Liverpool and the Premier League title in his second. Not bad, right? He’s excelled for Jurgen Klopp’s side at the base of the midfield as an imposing figure who also offers a touch of class on the ball. He was incredible in the 3-1 win over Manchester City last November, when he opened the scoring. His versatility is increasingly important, too. He played as a full-back earlier in his career at Real Madrid and AS Monaco, but is just as comfortable slotting into central defense for the Reds following a serious injury to Virgil van Dijk.

High point of 2020: Played 28 games in Liverpool’s first-ever Premier League title win.

Club/country: Liverpool/England

Age: 30

2019 rank: Not ranked

There are more glamorous players at Liverpool, but England international Henderson took the plaudits for his side’s Premier League triumph last season. For his performances on the pitch, his influence as the club’s captain and his work with the #playerstogether initiative during the coronavirus lockdown, he’s finally getting the respect his career has demanded. Henderson is not a highlight-reel player at the base of the Reds’ midfield, but his hard work, unfussy style of play and passionate captaincy remain essential to the Reds’ success. He’s never been a player who captures the imagination at Liverpool — or anywhere, for that matter — but there’s a reason he’s the first name Jurgen Klopp puts on the team sheet.

High point of 2020: A Premier League title, anyone?

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Julien Laurens is full of praise for N’Golo Kante, who finishes just 5th in ESPN’s FC 100.

Club/country: Chelsea/France

Age: 29

2019 rank: 1

Eden Hazard once said that Kante is so good that he plays like two men in midfield, and who can argue? Understated and always willing to let more talented teammates get the glory, Kante is the perfect pivot for club and country. Though injuries and a positional change under then-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri reduced his effectiveness, there are signs under Frank Lampard that he is refinding his best form. Back at the base of the midfield and with a stellar attack ahead of him, his relentless work in winning the ball back and distributing it could prove just as important as the goals and assists Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner contribute.

High point of 2020: Helped Chelsea to finish runner-up in the FA Cup despite missing much of the season through injury and concerns around COVID-19. Also passed 150 appearances for the club despite transfer interest from PSG.

Club/country: Real Madrid/Brazil

Age: 28

2019 rank: 5

To classify Casemiro as a «destroyer» in midfield is to do the Brazil international a disservice. He offers much more to Madrid than just protection to the back four, and you could even argue he’s become their most important player. When he doesn’t play, Madrid struggle. He missed three league games last season and Madrid won only one of them. Madrid conceded four at Valencia in November when he was absent with the coronavirus. He’s also developed a knack for scoring important goals: twice in the 2-1 win against Sevilla last season, and the winner in the 1-0 victory at Espanyol as Madrid closed in on the league title. He was also on target against Borussia Monchengladbach in October as Zinedine Zidane’s side came from behind to draw 2-2 in the Champions League. The other goal was scored by Karim Benzema, but guess who set it up? Casemiro.

High point of 2020: Playing 35 games in the coronavirus-impacted La Liga season en route to the league title, his second since joining the club in 2013.

Club/country: Real Madrid/Germany

Age: 30

2019 rank: Not ranked

Kroos is into his seventh season with Madrid and remains as important to Zinedine Zidane’s side as ever. Take it from ZZ himself, who enjoys simply watching the German midfielder at practice. «I love to watch Toni train,» Zidane said. «I love to be there for his training sessions. They’re exceptional sessions. I’m not saying it for the sake of it. It’s true. I’ve never seen him lose the ball. Well, maybe once. His game is always elegant and efficient. He never has a bad day.» Even Pep Guardiola, who managed Kroos at Bayern Munich, raved about his former charge in a 2020 documentary: «The players that shout the most are those that hide when things go badly. Toni is the opposite, he’s the bravest of them all in the most difficult moments.» Before last season, Kroos had won La Liga once, but his consistency in Madrid’s 10-game winning run — Casemiro said earlier this year that «Real Madrid matches always go in Kroos’ rhythm» — when football resumed in June helped Los Blancos end a three-year wait for the Spanish title.

High point of 2020: Playing 35 games and adding several key assists on the way to Real’s La Liga title, their first since 2016-17.

Club/country: Liverpool/Spain

Age: 29

2019 rank: Not ranked

Thiago turned heads this summer when he signed for Liverpool, but it wasn’t the transfer that shocked people; rather, it was the fact that other elite teams across Europe didn’t put up a fight to sign him instead. Despite a string of challenging injuries throughout his career, Thiago’s ability and creative skills have never diminished. Even last season he missed the run-in in the Bundesliga, although prior to that he had been influential in Bayern’s turnaround under Hansi Flick, and he returned in time for the Champions League knockout phase to exert his authority on the competition. At his best, he’s a peerless deep-lying playmaker, perfect for unlocking packed defenses — something Liverpool face often — with a clever pass or swivel of the hips. He makes everything look so simple and was the best player on the pitch in the final in Lisbon, completing 85 passes, more than any other player (Kimmich managed 78), as Bayern beat PSG to clinch the Treble.

High point of 2020: Finishing his final season at Bayern in style, with a domestic/European Treble and, most notably, his first Champions League winners’ medal since doing it with Barcelona in 2010-11.

Club/country: Bayern Munich/Germany

Age: 25

2019 rank: 2 (right-back)

Kimmich is a coach’s dream. Last season, he alternated effortlessly between the right-back and defensive midfield positions. He even filled in at centre-back occasionally, though it’s in midfield where coach Hansi Flick prefers him, especially since the sale of Thiago to Liverpool. For old time’s sake, it was at right-back, with Benjamin Pavard returning from injury, where he took on the role of chief creator in Bayern’s run to Champions League glory in the summer. He scored one and created four of his side’s goals from the quarterfinal stage, including assisting the winner in the final for Kingsley Coman. Still just 25, he is Bayern’s present and future.

High point of 2020: He was instrumental in Bayern’s first Champions League win 2012-13, Jupp Heynckes’ final season with the club.

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ATTACKING MIDFIELD

The best attacking midfielders have a sense of mischief, capable of cracking a robust defensive set with improvisation or magic. Greats make the most of their free roles to entertain, create and convert.

Player capsules by Sam Marsden

Club/country: Aston Villa/England

Age: 25

2019 rank: Not ranked

Big things have been expected from Grealish since he made his Premier League debut at 18 for Aston Villa in 2014. However, it’s over only the past 12 months that he’s really kicked on. He’s a more mature, productive player on the pitch and, after helping Villa stay up on the final day of last season, he’s started the new season in red-hot form for club and country. A midfielder who excels with the ball at his feet and who knows how to create space, it’s not hard to understand why he’s been linked to both Manchester United und Manchester City in 2020.

High point of 2020: Grealish scored twice and set up three goals in Villa’s extraordinary 7-2 win against Liverpool in October.

Club/country: Lyon/France

Age: 22

2019 rank: Not ranked

The Lyon side that reached the Champions League semifinal last season was brimming with talent, but the jewel in the Ligue 1 side’s crown was undoubtedly Aouar. He tore apart Juventus and Manchester City in an advanced midfield role, setting up four of Lyon’s five goals against the two European giants as they set up a final four meeting with eventual winners Bayern. A quick-footed creator with trickery in abundance, Aouar resisted a summer move to the Premier League, though it’s just a matter of time until his skills enhance a bigger club and on a bigger stage.

High point of 2020: Taking Lyon to within 90 minutes of the Champions League final with a string of match-winning performances.

Club/country: Man United/France

Age: 27

2019 rank: 6

Few players divide opinion quite like Pogba. France teammate Antoine Griezmann told ESPN he’s the «most underrated player in the world,» but not everyone would agree. He has arguably flattered to deceive since returning to Manchester United from Juventus for €100m in 2016 — together, they’ve won just one League Cup and a Europa League in four seasons — but the underlying feeling is that he is still one of the best box-to-box midfielders on his day. He is capable of the sublime, if he can stay fit. Last season was tainted by injuries — he was restricted to 21 appearances, scoring just one goal — but with the arrival of Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford and a settled XI under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the conditions are ripe for Pogba to show his best.

High point of 2020: Setting up the crucial second goal after coming off the bench in a Champions League group stage win at Paris Saint-Germain.

Club/country: Manchester City/Portugal

Age: 26

2019 rank: 1

Silva was not able to live up to his excellent 2018-19 campaign last season, but when on form, he remains one of Europe’s most creative midfielders. Even so, he still managed to score six goals and record seven assists as Man City finished second in the Premier League in 2019-20. However, he didn’t even make it off the bench as City were stunned by Lyon in the Champions League quarterfinal when the tournament resumed in August. His aim this season is to win his place back in the City XI by rediscovering the form that led coach Pep Guardiola to say: «Right now, it’s Bernardo and 10 more players.»

High point of 2020: Notched a goal and an assist against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup semifinals, putting City on course to win their only trophy of the 2019-20 season.

Club/country: Chelsea/Germany

Age: 21

2019 rank: 8

Chelsea have lacked a dominant playmaker from midfielder for years, but in signing Havertz, the No. 10 spot is secured for years to come. Havertz is mature beyond his years: as a 20-year-old last season, he steered Bayer Leverkusen to a fifth-place finish in the Bundesliga with 12 goals. He also scored in four out of five Europa League games as Leverkusen reached the final eight, where they lost to eventual runners-up Inter Milan. Many expect him to become one of the best players in the world, and he’s already a regular under Frank Lampard at Chelsea, who was «overwhelmed» with his new signing’s humility and quiet confidence upon arrival in England.

High point of 2020: Taking Leverkusen to the final eight of the Europa League was good, but a hat trick in a League Cup win over Barnsley was a nice moment early in his Chelsea career.

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Gab Marcotti reacts to Kevin De Bruyne being named the best attacking midfielder in ESPN’s FC 100.

Club/country: Bayern Munich/Germany

Age: 25

2019 rank: Not ranked

Goretzka’s physical transformation since signing for Bayern from Schalke has mirrored the German club’s rise back to the top of European football. The once-slender midfielder looks more like an bodybuilder than a soccer star these days, having put on a tremendous amount of muscle. The extra bulk has helped keep him healthy, and Bayern benefit from his resilience: He was integral in Bayern’s dominant Treble-winning season, weighing in with eight goals and 11 assists. «The day I was unveiled at Bayern, I said I’d like to assume a role of responsibility within the team,» Goretzka said this summer, «and I’m moving more in that direction now. Maybe also imposing myself a bit more as I’ve got physically stronger. And that’s a development I’m pleased with.» Aggressive without being reckless and assertive without racking up yellow and red cards, Goretzka is, as former RB Leipzig coach Ralf Rangnick puts it, «the best box-to-box player in the world.»

High point of 2020: Played a big role in Bayern’s Treble-winning season.

Club/country: Atalanta/Argentina

Age: 32

2019 rank: Not ranked

Gomez is one of the great Atalanta success stories. Plucked from Metalist Kharkiv for just £4m in 2014, he’s now regarded as one of the world’s best midfielders. He even got a recall to the Argentina national team at the age of 32, three years after he won his fourth cap. He is arguably the frontman for a this band of unfashionable players who have turned into European powerhouses under Gian Piero Gasperini. His record of seven goals and 16 assists in the Italian top flight belies his true influence: He is the conduit for his team’s attack (a team that scored the most goals in the Italian top flight last season) and his form saw him named Serie A midfielder of the year.

As Atalanta captain, Gomez also played an important role in helping heal Bergamo. Atalanta’s Lombardy region was hit hard by COVID-19 back in March, recording over 16,000 deaths because of the pandemic. Atalanta became a symbol of hope for that part of Italy, and their charge to the Champions League quarterfinals was as much for the region as it was for the players. During lockdown, Gomez used his social media platform to share «life hacks» such as how to repurpose plastic bottles, or offering indoor workout plans.

High point of 2020: Returning to the Argentina national team after years without a call-up.

Club/country: Manchester United/Portugal

Age: 26

2019 rank: Not ranked

Fernandes has been so good since signing for Manchester United for an initial fee of €55 million that it seems as though he’s been there for years. In 14 Premier League appearances last season, he scored eight goals and created seven more, confirming that he could do in England what he’d done in Portugal, where he hit 20 goals in the Primeira Liga in 2018-19. Fernandes has done more of the same at the start of this season, with goals and match-winning performances against Brighton and Everton. He’s not even been at Old Trafford for a year, but he’s already their talisman.

High point of 2020: Was instrumental in Man United’s return to the Champions League and third-place finish in 2019-20.

Club/country: Bayern Munich/Germany

Age: 31

2019 rank: Not ranked

Not only has Muller been one of the best players in the world over the past year, with his own unique sense of humour, but he’s also one of the most entertaining. Muller was so good in the early 2010s they named a position after him — the «Raumdeuter» («interpreter of space») – but the past season has been a seesaw of emotions. He started the 2019-20 season exiled under previous Bayern boss Niko Kovac and was contemplating leaving, but when Hansi Flick took charge, he put Muller slap-bang in the middle of his attacking lineup and Muller delivered. He finished the most recent campaign with a record-breaking 21 assists in the Bundesliga, and helped Bayern deliver a remarkable Treble — aided by his two goals in their 8-2 dismantling of Barcelona. His form has led to widespread calls for Joachim Low to bring him back in from the cold for Germany, but Low is still trying his best to ignore them.

Muller has also provided us with a huge amount of enjoyment off the pitch. His social media account is wonderfully personable, while his impression of Roadrunner in describing Alphonso Davies’ pace was brilliant. And he’s now offered a second word into the football lexicon, with «Lewan-goal-ski» now alongside his very own position, even though he’s not sure if the definition fits his style. «I’m always on the prowl. But I’m also more than just a ‘Raumdeuter.’ My skills on the ball are also very good. But of course, my great strength is making runs with the right timing.»

High point of 2020: Playing an instrumental role in Bayern’s three-trophy season.

Club/country: Manchester City/Belgium

Age: 29

2019 rank: 2

Manchester City missed out on the title to Liverpool last season by an 18-point margin, but De Bruyne’s work did not go unnoticed. In 35 Premier League appearances, he set up 20 goals for his teammates, matching the record for assists in a single season held by Arsenal great Thierry Henry. He also scored 13 goals for Pep Guardiola’s side as they ended the season in second place. De Bruyne won’t want to come second again, meaning his motor and creativity will be pivotal to City wrestling the title back from Merseyside.

High point of 2020: Matching the Premier League’s single-season assist record.

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WINGER

Wingers still have a role to play in the modern era. Their pace and persistence on the flanks give their teams another angle of attack; their ability to cut infield and shoot adds a dimension too.

Player capsules by Alex Kirkland

Club/country: Real Madrid/Brazil

Age: 20

2019 rank: Not ranked

Vinicius still feels more like a bundle of raw attributes — pace, trickery — than a fully formed player. He frustrates as often as he thrills, a view shared by his own Real Madrid teammates at times, as evidenced by Karim Benzema blasting Vinicius to another player while the Brazilian watched on back in October. But when Real Madrid need a goal or a different dimension in attack, they turn to Vinicius. Half the time, even he doesn’t look like he knows what’s going to happen next, but maybe that’s the point. In a modern game that is so often defined by rigid tactical discipline, his unpredictability can be priceless.

High point of 2020: Scoring the opening goal against Barcelona in El Clasico in March, a match that saw the title race start to tip in Real Madrid’s favour.

Club/country: Real Madrid/Belgium

Age: 29

2019 rank: 3

Hazard called 2019-20 «the worst season of my career» and it’s hard to argue. Out of shape on his arrival at Real Madrid, an ankle fracture in November followed by another in February meant Hazard was essentially an irrelevance in their title win. At least the campaign’s delayed conclusion allowed him to recover in time to make some unremarkable late appearances. Serious questions have been asked about the wisdom of Madrid investing so much — reportedly up to €160m — in Hazard in 2019, especially when he would have been available for free a year later. No one doubts his world-class talent, though, and we might still see a player who was once the Premier League’s best repeat that form in a Real Madrid shirt.

High point of 2020: A stunning long-range goal against Huesca in October 2020 suggested that better things could be just around the corner.

Club/country: Sevilla/Argentina

Age: 26

2019 rank: Not ranked

Sevilla transfer guru Monchi rarely gets a deal wrong, but the bargain €15m signing of Ocampos from Marseille must rank among his best acquisitions ever. At that point, the Argentinian looked like a solid professional, albeit performing below the potential he’d shown as a youngster at River Plate, with spells in Ligue 1 and Serie A underwhelming. At Sevilla, he has developed into the best winger in La Liga, and one of the most effective players in any position. His boundless reserves of energy are a perfect fit for Julen Lopetegui’s exhausting, all-action brand of football. One game summed up his season: Not only did Ocampos score in Sevilla’s 1-0 win over Eibar in July, he also went im goal when keeper Tomas Vaclik got injured, even making a crucial save in the ninth minute of added time.

High point of 2020: It’s tempting to say the Europa League win, but let’s face it: The brilliant madness of stand-in keeper Ocampos saving from actual Eibar keeper Dmitrovic (yes, really) in the 99th minute is hard to beat.

Club/country: Bayern Munich/France

Age: 24

2019 rank: Not ranked

There was a cruel poetry to the manner of Paris Saint-Germain’s 2020 Champions League final defeat. Having spent over a billion euros to get within touching distance of the trophy they crave above all others, they were denied by a headed goal from Coman — one of their own, discarded youth products. Coman joined PSG at the age of 10 and became their youngest-ever debutant at 16 before deciding to continue his career elsewhere. Still improving and into his sixth season at Bayern, he has an experience beyond his years and a trophy cabinet to match.

High point of 2020: Scoring the winner in a Champions League final against his former club.

Club/country: Chelsea/United States

Age: 22

2019 rank: Not ranked

Pulisic’s first season in England might have ended on a sour note, looking distraught as he limped off with a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s cup final defeat to Arsenal, but that shouldn’t obscure what had come before it. Pulisic did enough that day at Wembley — and in the 2019-20 season as a whole — to suggest that all the hype around the U.S. star is absolutely justified. Nine Premier League goals from 25 appearances was an impressive return for a wide player, and more than twice as many as he ever scored in a season at Borussia Dortmund, which suggests he’s progressing nicely under coach Frank Lampard despite those injury problems.

High point of 2020: That fifth-minute FA Cup final goal.

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Gab Marcotti believes Sadio Mane «smartness» is one of the reasons he tops ESPN’s FC 100.

Club/country: Paris Saint-Germain/Argentina

Age: 32

2019 rank: 7

Neymar and Kylian Mbappe get all the attention, but Angel Di Maria is every bit as important to Paris Saint-Germain’s success. Just look at the 3-0 semifinal win over RB Leipzig that put them through to their first-ever Champions League final. With a goal, two assists and five key passes, it was a near-flawless performance. It’s no surprise coach Thomas Tuchel loves him. Di Maria has been remarkably consistent throughout his time at PSG, and at 32 looks better than ever. Don’t be surprised if the Parisians look to extend a contract that expires next summer.

High point of 2020: A masterful performance in the Champions League semifinal against Leipzig.

Club/country: Borussia Dortmund/England

Age: 20

2019 rank: 4

Sancho’s year was nothing short of extraordinary. Seventeen Bundesliga goals — behind only Robert Lewandowski and Timo Werner — and 16 assists are gobsmacking figures for any player, let alone a kid with 84 senior games under his belt. The scariest thing is that this feels like just the beginning. His form early this season has dipped, with some speculation linking that swoon with a failed summer move to Manchester United, but there’s no reason to think it’s more than a temporary blip. Sancho’s thrilling, mutually beneficial partnership with Erling Haaland will surely be flourishing again.

High point of 2020: Becoming the first player in Europe’s top leagues to hit double figures for goals und assists last season.

Club/country: Bayern Munich/Germany

Age: 25

2019 rank: Not ranked

One of the first names on the team sheet for European champions Bayern and the German national team, it’s almost unfathomable that he was, once upon a time, failing on loan at West Brom and struggling to crack the starting XI for Arsenal. Gnabry is the complete package — speedy, skilful, smart, strong — and the ideal wide man for Hansi Flick’s ferocious Bayern team. He’s an absolute nightmare for any defender — just ask Barcelona, after their backline was torn apart in an infamous 8-2 humiliation in Lisbon in August. Even in a team full of elite performers that night, Gnabry stood out with a first-half goal and assist. A hat trick in Bayern’s 8-0 thrashing of Schalke in September suggested there’s much more to come, too.

High point of 2020: His incandescent performance against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Club/country: Manchester City/England

Age: 25

2019 rank: 1

The 2019-20 season was Sterling’s best when it comes to scoring goals. He netted 20 in the Premier League alone, more than teammates Sergio Aguero or Gabriel Jesus. It was ultimately a disappointing season for City — second in the league and beaten by Lyon in the Champions League quarterfinals — but Sterling’s reputation as a player continues to grow, as does his knack of timing runs into the box to finish City’s typically flowing attacking moves. His next steps: helping City finally deliver in Europe and performing for England at Euro 2020.

High point of 2020: A Premier League hat trick against Brighton in July that proved he’s more than just a winger and provider.

Club/country: Liverpool/Senegal

Age: 28

2019 rank: 2

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are such an impressive unit that it’s easy to underestimate the team’s constituent parts. That’s especially true in attack, where Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane combine so seamlessly as a trio that we probably don’t appreciate just how good Mane is as an individual. Is any player more fun to watch? Or more of a headache to face? Or more complete a package? He has so many strengths to his game — pace, touch, work rate, finishing ability — that it’s hard to highlight any one. Former Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher says Mane is pushing John Barnes for the title of Liverpool’s best left winger ever.

High point of 2020: A four-minute brace in Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge in September which showcased all of his qualities.

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FORWARD

The best players in the game seem to have positions as hard to define as their individual talents. They’re a potent mix of attacking midfield, winger and centre-forward, but also have the intelligence and quick thinking to know where to be.

Player capsules by Elaine Teng

Club/country: Atalanta/Slovenia

Age: 32

2019 rank: Not ranked

Josip Ilicic was playing the best football of his life before COVID-19 hit Bergamo, Italy. In the 2018-19 season, he scored 12 goals in 31 games to help Atalanta qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history, and maintained that form the next season. He netted four goals against Valencia to put the Italians through to the quarterfinal, at one point outscoring Cristiano Ronaldo in Serie A. In July, he suddenly went on leave for personal reasons, later revealed to be depression after contracting COVID-19. He’s made a slow return to action this season, but his stellar pre-pandemic play earns him a spot on this list.

High point of 2020: Scoring four goals against Valencia in the Champions League round of 16

Club/country: Manchester United/England

Age: 23

2019 rank: Not ranked

Rashford notched 17 goals and eight assists last season to keep an uneven Manchester United team in the top four, but his biggest wins came far away from Old Trafford. In June, after he heard the British government had decided not to provide free school meals for low-income kids over the summer, the 23-year-old wrote an open letter to Parliament urging them to change course. The government reversed its decision within a day. Rashford has continued his campaign, working with Britain’s biggest food companies to reduce poverty and starting a book club for kids, and is still in superlative form as the focal point of Manchester United’s attack.

High point of 2020: A classy hat trick against RB Leipzig in a 5-0 Champions League group-stage win on Oct. 28.

Club/country: Juventus/Argentina

Age: 27

2019 rank: Not ranked

Dybala hasn’t been the dominant forward many believe he should be. Outshone at Juventus by Cristiano Ronaldo, he’s struggled to assert himself under Andrea Pirlo’s management and has been linked with a move away from Turin. And yet, the 27-year-old was named Serie A’s MVP last season, helped Juve to a ninth consecutive title and is undoubtedly one of the world’s most talented attackers. Perhaps a move out of Ronaldo’s sizable shadow is what he needs.

High point of 2020: Winning his fifth Serie A title with Juventus.

Club/country: Tottenham/South Korea

Age: 28

2019 rank: 5 (wing)

If there’s one Tottenham player thriving under Jose Mourinho, it’s Son. Since the mercurial manager took over a year ago, Son and his attacking partner, Harry Kane, have been unstoppable. If Son isn’t assisting Kane, Kane is assisting Son. In the second week of the season, the South Korea international scored four goals against Southampton, all of which were set up by the Englishman. Though when needed, he can do it alone, too: witness his mesmeric, Puskas Award nominee goal against Burnley back in December, when he collected the ball at the edge of the Spurs area and ran the length of the field, evading six tackles and bypassing everyone before calmly slotting the ball home. This blistering form has earned him contract extension talks, with Spurs expected to offer him around £200,000 a week ($266,000). Off the pitch, the global shutdown created by the COVID-19 pandemic meant that Son finally had time to complete his mandatory military service in South Korea — and earned an award doing it.

High point of 2020: Son’s best start to a season won him the Premier League Player of the Month in October, the first such prize for a Tottenham player since 2018.

Club/country: Arsenal/Gabon

Age: 31

2019 rank: 7

It’s a testament to Aubameyang’s importance to Arsenal that keeping him in North London was seen as the key to manager Mikel Arteta’s rebuild. The club captain capped an excellent 2019-20 campaign by converting a penalty and scoring the winner against Chelsea in the FA Cup final (though his subsequent dropping of the trophy might be even more memorable). Versatile, speedy and an excellent finisher, he will be called upon to take Arsenal back into the top four. Luckily for Gunners fans, he signed a new three-year deal in September.

High point of 2020: Beating Chelsea to win the FA Cup as Arsenal captain.

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Julien Laurens believes Kylian Mbappe will be the next generational player once Messi and Ronaldo retire.

Club/country: Liverpool/Egypt

Age: 28

2019 rank: 4

Salah is such a superstar for the Premier League champions, it’s hard to imagine a time when Jose Mourinho didn’t think he was good enough for Chelsea. With his breakneck pace, deft touch and killer nose for goal, Salah is the most prolific and most acclaimed member of Liverpool’s celebrated front three, along with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. He’s started the new season in wonderful form and in October, he became the first player since Steven Gerrard to score 100 goals for the Reds.

High point of 2020: Salah scored many stunning goals to end Liverpool’s 30-year title drought, including an audacious back-heel finish against Watford in December.

Club/country: Paris Saint-Germain/Brazil

Age: 28

2019 rank: 8

After an injury-heavy, controversy riddled year that almost saw him go back to Barcelona, Neymar simply reassimilated in Paris with his characteristic swagger and silky touch. When fans booed him during his first game back at the Parc des Princes in September 2019, he responded with a spectacular, game-winning bicycle kick at the death. His goals and assists, including a diving header against Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16, were instrumental in taking PSG to the Champions League final, the closest they’ve ever been to reaching their dream of European glory.

High point of 2020: Getting to the Champions League final for the first time with PSG. If only Bayern Munich hadn’t gotten in the way …

Club/country: Juventus/Portugal

Age: 35

2019 rank: 2

The records keep falling for Ronaldo. He could be the leading scorer in 2020 across Europe’s biggest leagues, he’ll soon overtake the all-time men’s international goal record (he’s seven shy of Ali Daei’s 109), and he’s averaged nearly a goal game for Portugal since he turned 30. Even a bout of COVID-19 in October couldn’t slow him down. In his third season with Juventus, Ronaldo has won back-to-back domestic titles and will be eager to deliver the European trophy the Italian giants so desperately crave.

High point of 2020: Successfully defending Juventus’ Serie A title.

Club/country: Paris Saint-Germain/France

Age: 21

2019 rank: 3

It’s hard to believe Mbappe is still so young. He’s already a World Cup winner, a four-time French champion and has been the leading scorer in Ligue 1 for the past two seasons. As Neymar has struggled with injuries, Mbappe has picked up the slack and made PSG his own. The complete attacking player, he can play centrally or on the wing and bamboozles defenders with his pace, strength, skill and superior reading of the game. As Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo reach the end of their careers, don’t be surprised to see Mbappe at the top of this list soon.

High point of 2020: His 93rd-minute assist for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in PSG’s late comeback against Atalanta in the Champions League quarterfinal.

Club/country: Barcelona/Argentina

Age: 33

2019 rank: 1

This was the first year in Messi’s long career that off-field drama overshadowed his on-field performance. As he made his displeasure with Barcelona known this summer, the world waited to see if he would decamp for Manchester. He chose to stay, unwilling to take legal action against the club he has called home since he was a boy. Messi still isn’t happy and Barcelona are still wobbling, but anyone who thinks the 33-year-old is in decline should watch his recent performance against Real Betis. He came on in the second half, the scoreline level at 1-1, and changed everything. His magnificent dummy set up Antoine Griezmann, his penalty was unstoppable, and his 82nd-minute goal, a left-footed rocket, peeled back the years.

High point of 2020: Tough to say in a year when Barcelona lost La Liga to Real Madrid and were humiliated 8-2 by Bayern Munich, so perhaps it was finally venting his rage at Barcelona and making journalists around the globe look up what exactly a «burofax» is.

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STRIKER

Around the penalty area, the striker is king. The «classic» No. 9 (a bit of a dying breed) will score against anyone, at any time, from anywhere. While all great strikers have that ruthless determination to seize every scoring opportunity, the truly great are as adept at linking play as they are finishing it.

Player capsules by Stephan Uersfeld

Club/country: Wolverhampton Wanderers/Mexico

Age: 29

2019 rank: Not ranked

Jimenez is much more than the Wolves’ aerial target, rather an attacker who loves to distribute the ball from a deeper position. He’s the epitome of a «target man» — the forward who receives the ball in attacking spots and retains possession while teammates make runs toward goal — and with his first touch can create dangerous situations on the wing. His 27 goals and 10 assists across all competitions last term were his best output of his career. It’s no surprise that he’s been linked with Juventus and Manchester United.

High point of 2020: Early on in the season when the Wolves were out to secure their place in the Europa League, Jimenez chipped to the ball to Diogo Jota who converted with a scissor kick. A prime example of their partnership.

Club/country: Liverpool/Brazil

Age: 29

2019 rank: 5 (forward)

He’s a striker who doesn’t score as many goals as some on this list, but Firmino has put his name in Liverpool’s history books with his contribution to LFC’s first championship in 30 years. His role is hard to define; he’s not a true No. 9 but rather a fluid, always-in-motion frontman who creates confusion for opponents and scoring opportunities for the other members of the Reds’ all-world attack, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. Firmino’s creativity and unpredictability have made him Jurgen Klopp’s go-to «difference-maker» up front.

High point of 2020: Notched three assists in the spectacular 4-3 Champions League win over RB Salzburg, albeit overshadowed by Erling Haaland’s exploits on a memorable night at Anfield.

Club/country: Chelsea/Germany

Age: 24

2019 rank: Not ranked

Werner could have left RB Leipzig in 2019. Instead, he remained at the club, put a release clause in his new deal and refined his game under Julian Nagelsmann before earning a move to Chelsea in the summer. A consistent scorer, he thrived last term with 28 goals in the league and four in the Champions League. With 23 of his 28 Bundesliga goals coming from open play and 21 of them scored in the box, he is not only a counterattacking threat, but also a player who can instinctively arrive in the box to finish moves. Already looks at home in the Premier League, too, with four goals and three assists in nine appearances.

High point of 2020: A scorer of three hat tricks last Bundesliga season, Werner’s most impressive match came in an 8-0 win against Mainz in which he provided three goals and three assists.

Club/country: Lazio/Italy

Age: 30

2019 rank: Not ranked

A flop at Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla, Immobile has been irresistible since returning home to Italy, where he led Lazio back to the Champions League last term. In his first match back in Europe’s top flight since 2015, Immobile scored against old club BVB. A strong finisher throughout his Serie A career, he took his 2019-20 tally through the roof, with 36 goals in 37 league matches, and it’s not just from open play that he’s prolific, as his coolness from the spot helped, too. He converted 14 of his 15 penalty attempts in all competitions last term.

High point of 2020: Beating the prolific Robert Lewandowski to the Golden Shoe, awarded to Europe’s leading scorer across all leagues.

Club/country: Manchester City/Argentina

Age: 32

2019 rank: 1

Aguero’s importance to Manchester City has never waned through the years even as the injuries have piled up. After Aguero sprinted out of the gate with eight goals in six Premier League games to open the 2019-20 season, his season was marred by injuries and a lack of form as City’s season drifted away. He has now gone without a goal in Premier League since scoring the 1-0 win at Sheffield United on Jan. 21 amid various knee injuries, but it speaks volumes that when fit, he’s still Pep Guardiola’s go-to up front: «If he’s playing at his level, we don’t have any doubts that he’s a player to stay until he decides because he’s unique. He’s important for us, our fans and everyone.»

High point of 2020: His sole hat trick of the season came in his vintage performance at Aston Villa during a short sprint in mid-January.

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Gab Marcotti says there’s too many top strikers to justify putting Zlatan Ibrahimovic in ESPN’s FC 100.

Club/country: Inter Milan/Belgium

Age: 27

2019 rank: Not ranked

The player previously written off as a «flop» at Manchester United has been incandescent since moving to Serie A side Inter. He can curl the ball like Arjen Robben, he’s cool as ice from the spot, he’s strong in the air, can fire in shots from outside the box and is present for the simpler goals around the 6-yard box. Following on from just 15 goals for United in the 2018-19 season, he struck 34 in 51 games in his debut season in Italy. Add to that nine goals in eight matches for Belgium since September 2019 as proof the Lukaku revival is in full swing. Said Antonio Conte of his striker back in October, «I always said in the past he was a rough diamond that I wanted to work with. … You can see just the way he receives the ball, the way he moves. Everything has improved.»

High point of 2020: Scoring in 11 straight Europa League games — a new record — as Inter finished runners-up in the competition.

Club/country: Tottenham/England

Age: 27

2019 rank: 2

The England captain has been in outstanding form this year. In double figures for both goals and assists in the 2020-21 season, Kane’s last term — his first under Jose Mourinho — had been more about scoring goals than setting up. His injury ahead of the suspension of the Premier League led to Spurs dropping crucial points against Liverpool, Watford, Chelsea and Wolverhampton in the race for a top-four finish and qualification for the Champions League. Such is the essence Kane brings to the Spurs side, whether finishing moves or starting them. Cruised past 150 goals for Tottenham in 2020 as well, prompting Mourinho — never one for effusive praise — to say that Kane is «fantastic and he very much represents the spirit of the team.»

High point of 2020: Showed his full brilliance in the 5-2 win at Southampton on Sept. 20, scoring one goal and providing four assists for Son Heung-Min.

Club/country: Real Madrid/France

Age: 32

2019 rank: 4

An underrated striker, Benzema continued his fine form ever since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus. Often maligned for being ineffective in Ronaldo’s shadow, the veteran center-forward has thrived with the added responsibility. His stellar right foot remains one of the best in the game, brought to use not only to net goals, but also make his teammates look good. With over 250 competitive goals for Real Madrid, the 21 he added in La Liga last term helped Real to their first league title since 2017 and Benzema to his third overall. It was the first time in his career, too, that he scored 20 or more goals in back-to-back seasons.

High point of 2020: Some 11 years after first netting against Xerez on 20 September 2009, Benzema reached the landmark 250th goal for Madrid against Levante on Oct. 4. Earlier in 2020, he eclipsed Ferenc Puskas’ 242 goals to move up to fifth in Real’s all-time scoring charts.

Club/country: Borussia Dortmund/Norway

Age: 20

2019 rank: Not ranked

The weirdest thing about Haaland is that he’s still finding his feet but is already up there with the very best strikers in the world. Not only is the Norway international a player who knows how to use his towering height, but he is also one of the fastest forwards. Most of his goals (and ensuing celebrations) are worth a meme, especially those where he bulldozes past an entire team as he sprints from his own box to the other end to neatly finish off a counterattack, usually set up by Jadon Sancho. What you admire most about him, perhaps, is his seemingly infinite self-belief. Last winter, he opted to join Borussia Dortmund from FC Salzburg to gain more experience at a higher level and for a club with a reputation of developing players for the European super clubs. He then scored a hat trick on his Bundesliga debut, the second player in BVB history to do it, and finished the truncated campaign with 16 goals in all competitions. With 17 and counting this season, the sky’s the limit.

High point of 2020: Scoring twice in the Champions League round of 16, first leg against Paris Saint-Germain. While Dortmund would go on to be eliminated, his goals earned the last Westfalenstadion roar before fans were forced to go silent amid the pandemic.

Club/country: Bayern Munich/Poland

Age: 32

2019 rank: 3

It’s difficult to keep track of Lewandowski’s records. The Bayern Munich striker has scored 68 goals and set up a further 15 in just 58 competitive appearances for the club since the start of the 2019-20 season. In Bundesliga, he has been on target in 30 of the 37 matches since then. Now in his 11th season in Germany and his seventh at Bayern Munich, Lewandowski was finally able to lift the Champions League trophy this summer. At the mini tournament in Lisbon, Lewandowski worked hard for his team, tracking back deep into midfield and floating to the wings to make space in the box. At 32, Lewandowski has a couple of seasons left in him as he chases Gerd Muller’s record of 40 goals in one Bundesliga season.

High point of 2020: A peak Lewandowski performance at Stamford Bridge and the Allianz Arena paved the way for Bayern to win the Champions League. The Polish star had his hand in every single one of the seven goals Bayern scored in the 7-1 aggregate win over Chelsea.

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MANAGER

Football can be chaos, but top managers are able to see the bigger picture and won’t panic when Plan A doesn’t work. After all, they’ve got Plans B, C and D. Top coaches can ease their big-ego, big-talent squads through the emotional ups and downs while keeping everyone happy, harmonious and fully committed to the cause.

Manager capsules by Tom Hamilton

10: Carlo Ancelotti

Club: Everton

Age: 61

2019 rank: 7

Ancelotti took charge of Everton in January. The club were in the relegation zone in December 2019, but Ancelotti guided them to eighth and then embarked on a well-planned summer spending spree, recruiting Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure, James Rodriguez and Ben Godfrey. Everton started the season in rich form, winning their first four matches, and are currently in seventh. Ancelotti’s biggest assets have always been bringing diplomacy and discipline to teams, and Everton have found both: Their dreadful record of defending set pieces — they conceded 24 goals from set pieces prior to his arrival last season, the most in the top flight — has been addressed, and the Italian is now targeting Champions League football for Everton. He already has won three Champions Leagues, one Premier League, one FA Cup, one Bundesliga, one Serie A and a Ligue 1 title, but did add the September manager of the month award to his collection. «When I heard he was going there I thought, ‘Oh, God,'» Jurgen Klopp said of Ancelotti when he got the Everton job. «I didn’t like that fact, but he is there and he is doing an incredible job.»

High point of 2020: It might be the persuasive skills he used to convince James Rodriguez to come to the Premier League. The Colombia international has been incandescent so far.

9: Zinedine Zidane

Club/country: Real Madrid

Age: 48

2019 rank: Not ranked

The French maestro returned to Real Madrid in March 2019 and finished the fragmented 2019-20 season with the La Liga title, his Los Blancos side also smashing a number of Spanish top flight records along the way. It was a true team effort, too: Real boasted their best defensive record in three decades, alongside the most scorers from one team — 21 players found the net during the season. Toni Kroos hails Zidane as the «best coach you could ask for,» but it’s his man management that really sets him apart. Though he never quite saw eye-to-eye with Gareth Bale, he manages to keep the array of stars all on the same page, with Kroos saying «he meets every player at eye level, brings everyone on board and has everything around Real under control.» Though Real have had a shaky start to the 2020-21 campaign, Zidane is still, as Sergio Ramos puts it, the «captain of the ship.»

High point of 2020: Bringing the league title back to the Bernabeu after several seasons of futility and frustration.

8: Julen Lopetegui

Club/country: Sevilla

Age: 54

2019 rank: Not ranked

The Spanish manager helped extend Sevilla’s love affair with the Europa League, as they won last season’s tournament thanks to a 3-2 victory over Inter Milan in the final. It was Lopetegui’s first major honour of a tumultuous career that saw him manage Spain into the 2018 World Cup, only to then lose his job before it started after agreeing to become Real Madrid manager. He lasted just 4½ months in the Spanish capital before getting sacked, but he’s comfortably reaffirmed his undoubted ability at Sevilla, winning the Europa League and guiding them into this season’s Champions League.

«You have to know how to cope with difficult moments and overcome them. This is a feeling of immense happiness,» Lopetegui said soon after lifting the Europa League trophy. It was his own moment of redemption, and the aftermath of their 1-1 draw against Barcelona in October is proof of how far Lopetegui has taken Sevilla in a short time after taking over in June 2019. As defender Jules Kounde reflected on their draw at Camp Nou, he said «I’m a bit disappointed.» This is a Sevilla team now with expectations of being in the mix for La Liga.

High point of 2020: Winning the Europa League and securing a top-four finish in La Liga in the same season.

7: Diego Simeone

Club/country: Atletico Madrid

Age: 50

2019 rank: 5

Though the 2019-20 season finished with more a whimper than a roar, the signs this term are extremely encouraging. João Félix is now at the heart of Atletico’s attack (and arguably the most thrilling player in La Liga), while Simeone continues his tactical evolution into a more exciting brand of football. His triumphs over the past year include transforming Marcos Llorente from a holding midfielder to a second striker, which paid off brilliantly in their best result of the past 12 months.

Back in March, Atletico knocked out the reigning Champions League champions at Anfield thanks to a 3-2 win over Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, which sparked Mourinho-esque scenes with Simeone sprinting down the touchline to celebrate with his players. Their campaign would eventually come to an abrupt end against RB Leipzig in the quarterfinals, but that was a real triumph for Simeone. He’s now got an aging, but still ruthless, Luis Suarez up front — thanks to personally phoning him to seal the deal — and despite a vastly inferior budget to Real Madrid and Barcelona, Atletico continue to be annual title challengers, which is a remarkable feat in itself. They might even be favorites this season.

High point of 2020: Beating Liverpool at Anfield in March, a masterpiece of clever, counterattacking football.

6: Marcelo Bielsa

Club/country: Leeds United

Age: 65

2019 rank: Not ranked

The man whom Mauricio Pochettino calls «a genius» and «special» guided Leeds United back into the Premier League for the first time since 2004. He is now the darling of West Yorkshire, and this season further cemented his place in managerial greatness with his Leeds team showing zero fear and attacking the top flight with wonderful ambition. Bielsa is arguably the most fascinating coach in world football: nicknamed «El Loco,» Pep Guardiola says of Bielsa, «nobody can imitate him and that makes him special,» and that watching Bielsa during a game is entertainment enough. He sits on his specially made bucket like a coiled viper, but often stays relatively calm, meticulously watching every ball being kicked and planning his next move.

Together, he and Leeds spent £96m in the summer to prepare for the season, but he’s still kept the spine of the team that got Leeds into the Premier League. The biggest compliment one can pay him is how universally he’s respected and adored by the coaching community; even players past and present adore him. «He’s God. He’s the special one,» former Leeds captain Lucas Radebe told ESPN.

High point of 2020: Getting Leeds back into the Premier League for the first time in 16 years, and doing it in style with the Championship title and a 10-point cushion between them and second-place West Brom.

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Gab Marcotti explains how Jurgen Klopp beat Hansi Flick to the FC 100 best manager award.

5: Julian Nagelsmann

Club/country: RB Leipzig

Age: 33

2019 rank: Not ranked

Any list of candidates to take over at one of the European superpowers will inevitably have Nagelsmann’s name on it. He’s one of the most admired young managers in world football and did his reputation no harm in guiding the Bundesliga team to the semifinals of the Champions League last season. Nagelsmann has a glowing reputation in the sport: he’s loved by his players, has an incredible ability of making a team greater than the sum of its parts and is tactically brilliant.

In an interview with ESPN, he spoke of how he doesn’t bother with formations, but instead has a series of systems that he alternates among depending on how matches are going. Atletico Madrid found this out to their cost in last season’s Champions League quarterfinals, when Leipzig quashed Diego Simeone’s team’s hopes of progressing. Nagelsmann’s contract is up at the end of this season and Manchester United are known to be admirers. «I believe he could do Real Madrid,» ex-Leipzig manager Ralf Rangnick said. «I think it’s very possible that he could go to a better or even bigger club [than Leipzig], if he wants that.»

High point of 2020: Taking RB Leipzig to the Champions League semifinals, even without Timo Werner at the tail end of the competition following his move to Chelsea.

4: Gian Piero Gasperini

Club/country: Atalanta

Age: 62

2019 rank: Not ranked

Gasperini and Atalanta are the perfect footballing marriage of ideology, tactics and application. They are one of the most entertaining teams in world football, with Gasperini’s tactics finding their foundations in Sun Tzu’s proverb: «Defending makes you invincible, but if you want to win, you must attack.» His Atalanta team are now synonymous with Gasperini’s 3-4-1-2 system, but their familiarity is born from brutal training sessions and a relentless focus on self-improvement — Gasperini is constantly looking to push his team forward.

Last season they were top scorers in Serie A with a remarkable 98 goals (17 ahead of Inter, next on the list) and has turned the likes of Papu Gomez (named Serie A midfielder of the year) and Josip Ilicic into some of the best players in the world. «When you reach the maturity necessary to understand that hard work leads to results, you no longer feel tired,» Gasperini said. He’s not just managing a team, either; over the past year, his Atalanta side have provided hope to their region, Bergamo, a part of Italy hit hard by COVID-19, and that remains their fuel as they look to finish in the top four of Serie A for the fourth time in five seasons.

High point of 2020: Came within two late Paris Saint-Germain goals of taking Atalanta into the Champions League semifinals.

3: Pep Guardiola

Club/country: Manchester City

Age: 49

2019 rank: 2

To many, he is the best coach in the world. Unwaveringly intense, forever animated and brilliantly dressed, Guardiola will dearly want another title at Manchester City this season. The 18 points by which Liverpool won the league last season would have hurt Guardiola, as did his side’s continued inability to win in Europe: Last season, Lyon eliminated them in the quarterfinals after City had brilliantly dispatched Real Madrid in the previous round. Despite this, both Jurgen Klopp and Zinedine Zidane rate Guardiola as the best coach in the world, while Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo says Guardiola’s philosophy is his «model.»

«I know the standards of the club and if I don’t achieve the standards, I probably don’t deserve [to stay], so I have to win to extend my contract,» Guardiola said earlier in the season about his future at the club. Lucky for City, he has extended his contract, good news for the club’s long-term goals and bad news for those teams standing in their way.

High point of 2020: Masterminding that Champions League last-16 win over Real Madrid.

2: Hansi Flick

Club/country: Bayern Munich

Age: 55

2019 rank: Not ranked

When Flick took over Bayern Munich on an interim basis in November 2019, the club — by their high standards — were in disarray. They had just lost 5-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt and were fourth in the Bundesliga. By the following August, Flick had guided Bayern Munich to 32 wins in 35 matches and to a remarkable triple of trophies as his team swept all before them to win the Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal. He also breathed new life into the careers of Thomas Muller and Jerome Boateng, who looked as though they were on the way out of Bayern having fallen out of favour and form.

Flick’s Bayern are already setting off at quite a pace this term, sitting atop the Bundesliga and boasting a perfect record in the Champions League group stage. Flick is now being mentioned as a successor to Joachim Low as Germany manager, while his players say he brought the fun back to Bayern Munich. It hasn’t gone unnoticed by his contemporaries: «It would be difficult to write more history in eight months!» Jurgen Klopp said of Flick’s accomplishments.

High point of 2020: Revived the Bavarian giants to a domestic/European Treble this season in his first head coaching role since 2005.

1: Jurgen Klopp

Club/country: Liverpool

Age: 53

2019 rank: 1

Klopp’s legacy at Liverpool is grand enough, but a pair of his glasses have been buried in a time capsule at the club’s new training ground to further anchor him on Merseyside. Having won the Champions League and then the Premier League, Klopp’s place is assured in the pantheon of Liverpool greats. When Klopp stood with his Liverpool team in the empty Kop and lifted the Premier League trophy into the firework-lit sky, it marked an end to their 30-year wait for a top-flight title. They ran up a remarkable record 99-point tally in the Premier League last term and Klopp would end up being crowned Manager of the Season.

This term has proved to be a little rockier, with Liverpool suffering a monumental series of injury setbacks — including losing the world’s best defender, Virgil van Dijk, for the season — but Klopp will still find a way to ensure Liverpool are in the mix to retain their title later in the season. He is adored in Liverpool, and any club in the world would want his services. He even received praise from the great Sir Alex Ferguson. «Your personality runs right throughout the whole club,» Sir Alex told Klopp when he was named LMA manager of the year. «It was a marvellous performance. I’ll forgive you for waking me up at 3:30 a.m. to tell me you have won the league.»

High point of 2020: Bringing a league title to Anfield for the first time in 30 years.

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