THE LIST: The best players in European football - Nos 10-1

26 March 2010 07:31
Just how good is Wayne Rooney? [LNB]        HAVE YOUR SAY...     Who is the best player in Europe on current form? The World Cup final are approaching fast and the continent's best players are flexing their muscles on the domestic scene. Wayne Rooney is fizzing for Manchester United but he is not the only player to catch the eye. Who wins your vote for the best player in Europe right now? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK The Manchester United forward is in flying form as the World Cup approaches on the horizon.[LNB]Red-hotRooney is striking fear into the minds of opponents as the planet's topsides prepare for battle in South Africa this summer.[LNB]The England star has rightly won plaudits for his phenomenal season at Old Trafford after smashing through the 30-goal barrier.[LNB]But where does he rank among the Continent's top players?[LNB]In the latest edition of the List, Sportsmail has picked the best 50 stars playing in European football - on current form.[LNB]And, as always, let us know whether you think we've got it right or wrong by leaving your comments at the bottom of the article.[LNB] Read Nos 50-41 Read Nos 40-31  Read Nos 30-21 Read Nos 20-11  10 Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) [LNB]The Holland forward, 26, has been in wonderful touch since his summer move from Real Madrid. During a season which has been troubled by injury, he has still managed 13 goals from his 24 appearances. [LNB] The highlight of his season so far has to be the 30 yard screamer against Fiorentina to put Bayern through to the Champions League quarter-finals. [LNB] Thunderbolt: Robben fired Bayern into the Champions League quarter-finals[LNB][LNB]9 Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid)A devastating recent run of form sees Higuain move into our top ten. The France-born Argentine striker has netted six in his last four appearances and has broken the 20 league goal barrier for the second season running. Form which will surely see him competing at this summer's World Cup. [LNB]8 Didier Drogba (Chelsea) Drogba has been Mr Reliable over at Stamford Bridge for the sixth season running. The workhorse front man has battled his way to 24 league goals already, his best return since moving to west London.[LNB] Hot streak: Gonzalo Higuain[LNB]Mr Reliable: Didier Drogba[LNB] 7 Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) Aside from anything else, his performance against Chelsea in the Champions League is worthy of earning him a place in our top ten. A constant threat as playmaker and with set-pieces, Sneijder was the difference between the two sides. [LNB]6 Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) With a swing of his right boot, Iniesta dumped Chelsea out of last season's Champions League and stepped firmly out of team-mate Xavi's shadow. [LNB]The Ballon D'Or nominee is a wonderful technician and one of the finest passers even to have graced the Nou Camp. [LNB] Dead-ball dead-eye: Wesley Sneijder[LNB]Midfield maestro: Andres Iniesta[LNB] 5 Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) Arsenal's captain started the season very well as two goals and two assists in the opening match of the season against Everton set the tone which continues to this day.[LNB] Despite a succession of injuries to key players, the Gunners have managed to stay in the race for domestic and European honours - with Fabregas right at the heart of everything good they do. [LNB]4 Xavi (Barcelona) The heartbeat of the current stars gracing the Nou Camp, Xavi has been running the Catalans' show for almost a decade now. [LNB]Player of the tournament at Euro 2008, treble winner last season with Barca and still on for a domestic and European double this year - Xavi is at the peak of his powers. [LNB] Inspirational: Cesc Fabregas[LNB]Barca's heartbeat: Xavi[LNB] 3 Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) His departure from Old Trafford was met with dismay by many in Manchester but this boy has always been one for a challenge and they don't come bigger than Real Madrid. [LNB]Ronaldo started well at the Bernabeu, he scored in his first four appearances for the club, and has gone on to rattle in 22 goals in 24 appearances.[LNB]2 Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)Where to start with the superlatives to describe just how good Rooney has been this season?[LNB]A player whose goals have propelled Manchester United into contentionfor a fourth successive season played second fiddle to United team-mateRonaldo last term, this season he is the main man. [LNB]Well onhis way to breaking the 40-goal barrier in all competitions, theEngland forward has grown this year into not just one of the finestplayers of his generation, but ever. [LNB]And his goals thisseason have given England belief that they have a talisman in theirmidst who can take them all the way at this summer's World Cup, if hecan stay fit.[LNB] Roo beauty: United striker Rooney is one of Europe's hottest properties[LNB] £80m man: Cristiano Ronaldo[LNB]Little genius: Lionel Messi[LNB] 1 Lionel Messi (Barcelona) Voted European and World Footballer of the Year, Messi won everything on offer with the Catalans last year. [LNB]Theheir apparent to the throne left vacant by Maradona, the Argentinastriker is still only 22. So there's plenty of time yet for him tobecome the greatest Number 10 ever.[LNB] His league form this season at the Nou Camp has been nothing shortof sensational - he has 25 goals in 25 appearances and nine assistscredited to his name. 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Source: Daily_Mail