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. Cristiano Ronaldo
4 goals in a single game. There is no denying Ronaldo the top spot after that performance. He added another in their Champions League match against Roma, sealing the win and progressing to the next round. CR7 is back on top, scoring goals and striking fear into the hearts of any defender who dare tries to stop him.
2. Rihad Mahrez
The numbers may not be as impressive as some of his peers, but the number next to his club matters more than others. That is currently a 1, with Leicester City 5 points clear of the competition in the Premier League. Mahrez had the deciding goal this week, notching another 3 points for the Foxes, taking them one step closer to what might become the greatest sports upset in history. With 9 matches remaining, it will be up to Mahrez to make sure the Foxes don’t choke away their lead.
3. Gianluigi Buffon
Old dogs can learn new tricks, as proven by Buffon. The aging star still has it, including a 9-game clean sheet streak in Serie A. Juventus has had this legend show some of his best stuff over the years, with the rest of us just witnessing his accomplishments from afar. The Italian will be revered in due time, but for now, we can all sit back and just watch the show.
4. Lionel Messi
The main attraction for Barcleona has really matured as a player and a teammate over the past few years, creating a well-oiled machine alongside the most fearsome trio in the world. That hasn’t stopped him from scoring goals though, snagging a couple in their latest league match. Messi has his sights set on more trophies for Barcelona, something he will likely achieve.
5. Sergio Aguero
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So long as he isn’t injured, Aguero has been one of the most consistent performers over the past 3 years for Man City. He consistently scores goals at all the right times, including 2 more against Aston Villa this week. Sure, Villa aren’t the strongest of foes, but Aguero puts the ball in the net against everyone. He now has 16 league goals, an impressive number considering he had an injury keep him out early in the season.
6. Matt Besler
The MLS is back, and so is one of its best defenders. Besler anchored the Sporting KC defense against the Seattle Sounders. He helped limit the Sounders to 2 shots on goal, alongside a clean sheet 1-0 victory. He had a good share of struggles last season, but it is nice to see the captain get off on the right foot this year. He will likely be a part of the US World Cup qualifying squad, so this was a good impression for coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
7. Mike Magee
LA seems to be working out for the veteran forward. He scored two 2nd half goals in the Galaxy’s opener against DC United. He has been a league journeyman, but always had promising goal scoring potential. That is now blossoming for the 31-year old, making his 2nd stint in LA count. With a host of stars on the Galaxy, Magee will have his work cut out for him in standing out.
8. Andre Schurrle
Schurrle scored the lone goal in Wolfsburg’s 1-0 2nd leg victory over Gent in the Champions League. His goal ensured that Wolfsburg would go through, making it all the more important. The German has been out of the headlines for awhile, but he is still quietly putting together a solid season in Germany. He is starting to pick up his play after settling in.
9. Federico Higuain
We couldn’t leave Higuain off the list after his beautiful bicycle kick goal on MLS Opening Day. The Argentine took a pass, flicked it up, and buried it with beautiful form. The Argentine striker is already in midseason form on Day 1 of the season. Goal of the Season might already be locked up, that is how awesome this goal was.
10. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
When PSG needed someone to step up in the Champions League tilt with Chelsea, Zlatan was there. Ibrahimovic scored the goal that put it out of reach, ensuring that PSG would advance to the next round. Zlatan is living up to the billing as the main attraction for PSG, living up to his reputation both as a goal scorer and entertainer.
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