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. Riyad Mahrez

No, that isn’t a pseudonym for Jamie Vardy, but it is the player playing behind him in the midfield. While Vardy has been stealing the headlines, it has been Mahrez doing the dirty work behind the scenes and out of the spotlight. No longer though, as his hat trick over the weekend made him the 2nd highest scorer in the Premier League, just behind his teammate.

2. Robert Elliot

Newcastle are in for a relegation scrap again this season, but they got a big win at home over Liverpool. Elliot was the man in between the sticks, as he helped post a clean sheet in the 2-0 victory. Sure, he only had to make 1 save, but he was in great positions all day, preventing shots on goal. The win brought the club into a three way tie for 16th, knowing that 18th and below get relegated.

3. Diego Valeri

The Portland Timbers man really started the MLS Cup off with a bang, scoring in the first minute and never looking back. The Argentine set the pace for the Timbers, who captured their first MLS Cup ever. Scoring in a cup final is a big deal, vaulting Valeri to #3 on this week’s list.

4. Fabian Johnson

Fabian Johnson with Monchengladbach

Getty Images

The Gladbach man has been on a tear ever since Jurgen Klinsmann called him out, scoring again this weekend in a victory over Bayern Munich. It was Bayern’s first Bundesliga loss this season, making the win a little extra sweet. Things continue to look up for Johnson, as he will likely be back in the red, white, and blue during the next international break.

5. Kei Kamara

Sure, the Crew lost the final, but Kamara put in a very gutsy effort. He was injured in training just days prior to the final, but gutted it out and even scored a goal. His goal gave the Crew new life and hope, although their bid to come back fell short. The striker has been extremely important to the side this season, even performing when he wasn’t fully healthy.

6. Petr Cech

Arsenal are right in the thick of the title race, and it is due in large part to their new keeper. Apart from a Oliver Giroud own goal, Cech kept Sunderland off the board this weekend, garnering another 3 points for the Gunners. They are in 2nd place in the table by themselves, two points behind Leicester City. Arsene Wenger has his team playing great, but it will be Cech who will make the difference.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo

CR7 has continued to be a productive player despite lacking competition from his rival. He scored and set up another goal in Real Madrid’s 4-0 victory over the weekend. Ronaldo is still the same incredible figure, putting the ball in the back of the net.

8. John Brooks

After a solid 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, a Hertha coach gave the US international praise, calling him “a diamond”. Brooks still needs to work on being a consistent presence in the back, but he has shown some amazing potential. Since defenders are like wine, he will get better and mature with age.

9. Marko Arnautovic

Two goals and three points for Stoke, courtesy of Arnautovic. The striker had a brilliant performance against Manchester City, notching a brace. Both goals were in the first 15 minutes, which set the tone for the entire match. The win has them 10th in the standings, only a point off of 6th place. The Potters can make a surprise run at a Euro spot if they continue playing well.

10. US/Swiss legal systems

Give it up for the justice system! More arrests and rooting out corruption from the United States and Switzerland. It is great for world football that we get the bribes and crooked behavior out of the game. Round of applause for those putting in extra effort to keep the beautiful game pure.

 

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