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. Luis Suarez
Can’t be touched, Can’t be stopped! Barcelona is a freight train with no brakes, and right now, Suarez is the conductor honking the horn. He notched another hat trick this past week, putting the ball in the back of the net with regularity. His finishing is clinical, and his skills are top notch, well deserving of the top spot.
2. Lionel Messi
Messi has put to rest any criticism that he is selfish. He laid off a penalty to let Luis Suarez score his hat trick. Of course, he is still scoring plenty of goals, but he has seemingly grown to be a great teammate as well. All is well when winning, and Barca shows no signs of slowing down.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
It has been awhile since the Ronaldo-Messi rivalry has been at the top of the power rankings, but they are both back at it. Ronaldo continues to score goals across all competitions, including La Liga and the Champions League. Two goals in his La Liga match last week, and a goal in the Champions League were enough to shoot him up the list.
4. Danny Welbeck
Just when it looked like Arsenal would draw with Leicester City, a forgotten face came back to the spotlight. Welbeck scored an injury time winner, securing 3 points and keeping the title race within reach. Welbeck has always been known to have talent, but can’t seem to stay healthy. He is for now though, making Arsenal fans love him again by keeping them in the title hunt.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The Swede is still kicking at PSG. He scored a pivotal goal in PSG’s victory over Chelsea in their opening leg of their Champions League matchup. Zlatan always knows how to put on a show, bending the crowd to his will. He is still scoring goals in the French capital, continuing his dominance in any country in the world.
6. Jonas
Injury time winners were popular this week, with Jonas claiming one for Benfica in their victory over Zenit St. Petersburg. A 1-0 victory isn’t a huge margin, but pretty important to knowing what they need to achieve in the return leg. Benfica is in a prime position to move on in the Champions League.
7. Julian Draxler
Draxler was the main point of attack for Wolfsburg in their 3-2 victory over Gent. Draxler notched a brace, with a goal in each half. He has fit in seamlessly at Wolfsburg, taking over the primary attacking role for the Bundesliga club. Draxler is one of the best young talents in Germany, ready to take over as the next generation begins to show their star power.
8. Marco Reus
Dortmund may be in the Europa League, but they are still determined to make the best of their European competition. Reus scored as the Black and Yellows scored a 2-0 victory over Porto. His quality is clear, ensuring his selection to this week’s power rankings.
9. Simon Mignolet
Someone has to get some credit from the 6-0 thrashing that Liverpool put on Aston Villa. Although there wasn’t much for him to do, Mignolet still kept the clean sheet as the Reds dominated their way to 3 points. Liverpool has had an up and down season, but this result is something that Jurgen Klopp can point to and get fans excited.
10. Christian Eriksen
Tottenham scored a huge victory when they beat Man City 2-1 on Eriksen’s late winner. The win over their competitors was just another nail in the coffin of their Top 4 status. It also created some separation between the title contenders and Man City, although the race is far from over. Spurs need their star midfielder continuing to churn out results.
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