THE LIST: The best players in European football - Nos 20-11

25 March 2010 00:58
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 50-41Read Nos 40-31Read Nos 30-21  20 Kaka (Real Madrid)Disappointing this season by his ridiculously high standards, Kaka has still managed to score seven La Liga goals in 17 appearances this season. An ongoing thigh injury has stopped the former AC Milan man live up to his £56million price tag, but there are still few you would rather have in your team.[LNB] Midfield marvels: Real Madrid's Kaka (left) and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard[LNB]19 Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)It's testament to just how difficult Liverpool's season has beenthat Gerrard doesn't feature in the top 10 of this List. Like the man at No 20, though, heremains one of the most talented players of his generation.The Reds' captain continues to inspire his underachieving team and he mayyet drag them to European honours this season with the help of a certain Spaniard banging in the goals.  [LNB]18 Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona)The £40m-plus price-tag hasn't over-awed Ibrahimovic - the Sweden international has made an excellent start to life with Barca following his summer move from Inter Milan. Not always a fans favourite, the 28-year-old Sweden striker scored four goals and was credited with two assists in his opening four league matches and has 13 goals in 22 appearances for the season.[LNB] Go faster stripes: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) and raiding right back Maicon[LNB]17 Maicon (Inter Milan)Just ask Chelsea fans how good they think the Brazilian full back is. In the two Champions League clashes against the Blues this month, Maicon left all those who witnessed his performances in no doubt as to why many see him as the best right back in the world.[LNB]16 Lucio (Inter Milan)Many still can't believe that Bayern let the imposing centre-back depart last summer. He continues  to impress for Champions League hopefuls Inter with his own unique brand of robust, offensive defending.[LNB] Head to head: Defensive rock Lucio (left) and attacking marvel Arshavin[LNB]15 Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal)The Gunners' diminutive forward has had to shoulder a great weight this season. Leading the line on a number of occasions through injuries to Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner, but the Russian's talent has shone through. Arshavin has made 34 appearances for Arsenal this term, scored 11 goals and has been credited with nine assists. [LNB]14 Angel di Maria (Benfica)Excellent against Everton in the Europa League clashes earlier this season, Di Maria has been the target for a number of English clubs in recent seasons.  The winger, 22, is a member of the Argentina national squad and has scored 11 goals in 30 appearances this term.[LNB] Wing wizards: Angel di Maria (left) and Jesus Navas[LNB]13 Jesus Navas (Sevilla)The Spain international, 24, has impressed many this season and his performance have led to him being linked with a move to Real Madrid. Any move away from Seville would always be in doubt due to his chronic homesickness and the problem is more likely to stop him going to the World Cup this summer than an ankle injury he sustained last weekend. [LNB]12 Diego Milito (Inter Milan)Milito scored 24 league goals for Genoa last season, as they came fifth in Serie A, cause enough for Jose Mourinho to shell out £20m on the Argentine striker. And Milito has been in great form since the move, scoring 17 goals this term to make him Italy's second-top scorer. [LNB] Danger men: Inter hot shot Diego Milito (left) and Liverpool's Fernando Torres[LNB]11 Fernando Torres (Liveprool)Sixteen Premier League goals so far this season for Liverpool's No 9, who remains a shining light in what has been a year to forget for the Merseyside club. An all-rounder who combines pace, power and finishing with either foot and is superb in the air. 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Source: Daily_Mail