3. Cristiano Ronaldo- This Real Madrid ace is number three on my list because of his ability to create scoring chances from nothing, but his hotheadedness and Jupiter-sized ego makes him more of an asset than a leader. In terms of goals scored, Ronaldo scored 26 goals in all competitions last year with Manchester United. Given his current form, he will most likely score more this season. He is not the traditional, sportsmanlike leader and is not a captain of his current club. He is only 24, and is still quite immature and tempermental. Instead, Cristiano leads the team by example and his blistering pace on the pitch. And he has one of the most consistent scoring foots in top-flight football, but his discipline is shoddy and can flare up at any moment.
2. Lionel Messi- The pride of Argentina makes number two on the list of my top soccer players. He is widely regarded as the best in the world, and I do not disagree. The lightning-fast winger had a tremendous season with Barcelona last year, scoring 38 goals and winning three major trophies. He is creative, fluid and triumphant over defenders that are half a foot taller than him. He is rarely injured, making him as consistent as a 22-year old can get. The wonder-kid orchestrates all aspects of attacking side on his team, creating as well as finishing, but he is a quiet beast, and does not lead his fellow comrades. For this, Lionel Messi does not grab the coveted number one spot.
1. Cesc Fabregas- Most people who read this will be confounded when they see my choice, but Fabregas is incomparable to Messi and Ronaldo and he definitely deserves to grace the highest pillar of the podium. He is my favorite player, playing for my favorite team, Arsenal. If one looks at his goal tally for last year's season, most would gawk at the measley digit on the screen: three. Why does this goof deserve top spot? That is because Cesc is the lifeblood of Arsenal's spine-chillingly beautiful attacking play. He led the English Premier League in assists last year, and is currently on a spectacular run. In fourteen games, he has hit the net eight times, and has assisted his team-mates 12 times. Being the top scoring midfielder in the EPL, number one in assists, and captaining his club all at the tender age of 22, Fabregas is a central midfielder in a class of his own. He started his professional career at 16, so he has the experience and consistency of any 30 year old in the league, and he has only sustained one major injury in his 7 seasons with Arsenal. Astounding, no?
Is my top three biased? I think so, but I doubt anyone in the class would contest my decisions. I think that because frankly, I'm sure no one knows who I'm talking about. Beckham who?
