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. Robert Lewandowski
I don’t think there has ever been a whirlwind like Lewandowski in the history of the sport. The 27-year-old has settled into Bayern Munich’s season, destroying everything in his path this season. Usually a starter, the Polish forward has 16 goals in 9 appearances. In a recent match with Wolfsburg, he came on at halftime, and immediately decided to go beserk. 5 goals in 9 minutes is well enough for us to open the 2015/16 Player Power Rankings with Lewandowski on top.
2. Sergio Aguero
In the Premier League, Aguero must have watched Lewandowski and said “hey, I can do that.” The Argentine also went for five goals recently, although it took him a whole 20 minutes to reach his achievement against Newcastle. Aguero had gotten off to a slow start, but he has rebounded quickly. His 8 goals in 11 game is still an impressive ratio, and enough to put him in the runner-up spot in our player rankings.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo has had a typical start at Real Madrid, notching 10 goals from 9 matches. Normally, that would likely be enough to garner the top spot, but not this time. CR7 will look to capitalize on his rival’s absence due to injury, breaking records with no real competition. Now in his 30’s, Ronaldo continues to take care of his body, including those golden feet that have scored hundreds of goals.
4. Memphis Depay/Anthony Martial
These youngsters have been an absolute gift at Manchester United. Memphis was the more heralded of the two, but both have provided big moments for the Red Devils. Martial has 4 goals in 7 matches, while Memphis has 4 in 13 matches. They have been the creators for the Louis van Gaal’s squad, as Wayne Rooney and others have struggled to get going. This tandem should be really fun to watch as the Premier League season unfolds.
5. Jamie Vardy
Someone from Leicester City needed to be on the list, and Vardy seems like the perfect fit. The Foxes are tied for 4th, shocking everyone to open the season with 4 wins, 3 draws, and only a single loss. Leicester are the little engine that could, with Vardy as the conductor driving the train. His 7 Premier League goals in 8 appearances are the driving force behind the Foxes surprising start. If he can continue that pace, Leicester City might just shock the world.
6. Thomas Muller
The once transfer-rumored Muller is predictably picking up where he left off last season. The Bayern man has 10 goals from 11 appearances, while also notching 4 goals in 2015 with Germany. The dependable attacker continues to be one of the most consistent players in the world. He is the leading goal scoring German in UEFA Champions League history, adding to his total this season. More trophies look to be in Bayern’s future with Muller.
7.Sebastian Giovinco
Is there anything this little Italian cannot do? He has absolutely dominated his first season in the MLS, leading the league in assists, while also putting up 21 goals. He has been everywhere for Toronto FC, making a very convincing case to be the league MVP. His season might also carry Toronto to the MLS playoffs, which would be a great forward step for the Canadian club.
8. Benny Feilhaber
The Sporting KC midfield stalwart has been incredible this season. He helped Sporting KC capture the US Open Cup in a penalty shootout last week, burying his opportunity. He has double digit goals and assists, proving to be the engine behind Sporting KC’s offense. Capturing another trophy and a CONCACAF Champions League spot was enough to get Feilhaber on our list this week.
9. Luis Suarez
Someone has to pick up the slack in Lionel Messi’s absence, and Suarez looks like he is taking on that role. 6 goals and 4 assists so far this season has Luis Suarez at #9 on our Player Rankings this week. He is a bonafide star in his own right, and now Suarez will need to carry Barcelona for at least the next month or so. If the past is any indication, he should be up to the task.
10. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The Zlatan scored two penalties to become PSG’s all-time leading goal scorer last week, enough for him to claim the 10th spot on our player rankings. Zlatan is always a good show, and still has the skills to dominate at 34.
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