Source: Daily_Mail
THE LIST: The best players in European football - Nos 40-31
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 50-4140 Iker Casillas (Real Madrid) Casillas has been the Real Madrid and Spain No 1 for as longas we care to remember, thanks to his immense shot-stoppingability, positional sense and power to deal with any aerial threat. He has missed only one league game for Madrid who have shipped just 22 goals all season.[LNB] Safe hands: Casillas has over 100 caps for Spain[LNB]39 Dani Alves (Barcelona)An attacking full-back, as happy going forward as he is defending. An influential part of the Barcelona side that won six trophies lastyear, Alves remains a regular as the Catalan giants battle for domestic andEuropean glory again this season.[LNB]38 Radamel Falcao (Porto)The Columbian striker, 24, has been the subject of interest from anumber of Premier League clubs and his reputation will have beenenhanced by his recent Champions League performances. This may be just his first season in Europe with Porto but his 23strikes have alerted the continent's bigclubs.[LNB] Energy: Alves gets up and down the line[LNB]In demand: Falcao has made clubs take notice[LNB] 37 Julio Cesar (Inter Milan)Cesar has won four consecutiveItalian titles and hasmissed just one Serie A game for Inter Milan in the current campaign.The highlight for Cesar this season was the penalty save from Brazilteam-mate Ronaldinho as nine-man Inter won 2-0 against city rivals ACMilan.[LNB] Flying: Cesar has been in fine form for Inter Milan this season[LNB]36 Luiz Adriano (Shakhtar Donetsk)The highs of the 2009 UEFA Cup victory, in which he scored theopener in the final against Werder Bremen, haven't quite been matchedthis term. But Adriano remains in good form, he has nine goals in 16 appearances in the Ukrainian Premier League.[LNB]35 David Silva (Valencia)Silva is a playmaker by trade but features regularly on either wing and is one of the most talked-about players in Europe. It is remarkable that Valencia have managed to hold on to Silva, giventhe club's financial difficulties and their lack of success. Silva hasjust the Spanish Cup to show for his six years at the Mestalla. [LNB] Cup cracker: Luiz Adriano[LNB]Loyal: Valencia star Silva[LNB] 34 Ronaldinho (AC Milan)Many believed that his departure from Barcelona signalled the end of the 30-year-old's career. But Ronaldinho has recapturedthe form which saw him earn European and World Footballer of the Yearawards in the past. The Brazilian scored his first hat-trick for Milan in the recent matchwith Siena and has nine league goals for the season, a total whichalready outshines his tally from the previous two terms.[LNB]33 Florent Malouda (Chelsea) This is Malouda's third season in west London after his £13million move from Lyon - and by far his best. He has already equalled his highest goals return and was one of the few Chelsea players to come out of the recent defeatto Inter with his reputation enhanced. [LNB] Samba superstar: Ronaldinho[LNB]Wide boy: Blues winger Malouda[LNB] 32 Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid)One of the best young strikers in the world, Aguero is part of a'dynasty' after having a child with Diego Maradona's daughterGiannina. Aguero has been with Atletico since he was 18 and has scored 67 goalsin under four seasons. Still only 21, he already has 20 Argentina caps to his name.[LNB] [LNB]31 Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)He may be sitting out Arsenal's next game after his recent sending off but this first season in the Premier League has been a real success for Vermaelen. The Belgium centre-back has impressed with the way he has slotted in so easily. He has picked up the pace and physicality of the Premier League and he has bagged seven goals this season as well.[LNB] Hot shot: Aguero[LNB]Top Gunner: Vermaelen[LNB] The best of the rest of The ListSportsmail'stop 50 Premier League players of the decadeSportsmail'stop 50 last-gasp goals in British footballSportsmail'stop 50 footballers never to play at the World CupSportsmail's top 50 sporting feuds of all timeSportsmail's 50 great sports photographsSportsmail'stop 50 commentators of all timeSportsmail'stop 50 sporting venuesSportsmail'stop 50 performers of the season so farSportsmail'stop 50 all-time managers in BritainSportsmail'stop 50 goal poachersSportsmail'stop 50 footballing traitorsSportsmail'stop 50 FA Cup heroesSportsmail'sgreatest Wembley finals in historySportsmail'stop 50 biggest hitters in cricketSportsmail'stop 50 British & Irish LionsSportsmail'stop 50 Ashes heroes[LNB][LNB]
