Each season different players will rise to the occasion and provide a real bump to their team’s chances. This list is not a measure of talent, as much as it is a list of the most impactful players this season. Season results, combined with “what have you done for me lately”, are just a couple of the factors taken into account on our Player Power Rankings

1. Neymar

The Brazilian is a bonafide superstar. That is about all you can say. With Messi out, and increased pressure and attention, he continues to perform, getting a brace this weekend. On the ball, off the ball, every part of his game is clicking, as Barcelona haven’t skipped a beat.

2. Jamie Vardy

Another day, another dollar, another goal. 9 games in a row with a goal, and a 2-1 victory for Leicester to boot. Jamie Vardy might not be the rockstar that his peers are, but he is sure playing like one. If Vardy continues his impressive streak, people might begin to see this striker a little differently.

3. Jack Butland

Stoke City Jack Butland

The keeper posted some pretty impressive saves on his way to a clean sheet victory over struggling Chelsea. Stoke City need all the points they can muster to prevent a potential relegation battle. This victory puts a little distance between them and the bottom tier. Butland might get some looks from bigger clubs if he continues to put up clean sheets like this.

4. Harry Kane

Kane has been kick-started, grabbing a goal in the North London Derby. The confidence is clearly back, as Kane got some impressive backing to be England’s number 9. Pundits are starting to notice Tottenham, questioning if they have a legitimate shot at the title or Champions League spots. Their Golden Boy will be a big reason if they do make a title push.

5. Kei Kamara

The Columbus Crew needed a big win in the second leg of the MLS playoffs to continue on, and Kamara was the man who put in the game-winner. It came in the 111th minute, after the two sides were tied on aggregate. The 31-year-old returned to Columbus after spending the last few years in England, but has returned to become a fan favorite at the Crew.

6. Jesse Gonzalez

When it comes down to penalty kicks in any competition, you have to give props to the winning keeper. This time, it was Gonzalez manning the job, leading FC Dallas to the 4-2 PK win. The win moves the club onto the next round of the playoffs, only a step away from the finals.

7. Manuel Neuer

Bayern Munich continue to smash through everyone, and sometimes Neuer doesn’t get enough credit for that. The keeper added another clean sheet to his tally over the weekend, adding another 3 points to Bayern’s top-of-the-table tally. Neuer continues to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

8. Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang

Scoring once again for Dortmund is Aubameyang, who has been on fire. He had the eventual game winner against Schalke over the weekend, securing a 3-2 victory for the Black and Yellows. This incredible run of form continues for Aubameyang.

On the Spot: Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang

9. Chicharito Hernandez

Little Pea is back in good graces, and back on transfer wishlists. He has been solid for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring in European competition with regularity. The Mexican international is hitting his stride just as CONCACAF World Cup qualifying is starting. We are looking forward to see if his club form continues to his national team duties.

10. Darlington Nagbe

He was critical in Portland Timbers advancing in the MLS Cup, but the even bigger news is that he has earned a call up from Jurgen Klinsmann for the US in the World Cup qualifiers. His creative force in the midfield will be interesting to watch in the red, white, and blue for the United States.

 

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