Source: Daily_Mail
THE LIST: The best players in European football right now - 50-41
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-hot Rooney is striking fear into the minds of opponents as the planet's top sides 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]50 Romelu Lukaku (Anderlecht)Few players have generated quite the level of excitement this 16-year-old striker has in his first full season with Belgian league leaders Anderlecht.[LNB]He has already drawn comparisons with Chelsea's Didier Drogba. He's tall, strong, can use both feet and is prolific in front of goal - he has 18 goals in 38 appearances so far this season.[LNB] Hot property: Romelu Lukaku clashes with Hamburg defender David Rozehnal last week[LNB]49 Simon Kjaer (Palermo)The classy Denmark defender is believed to have rejected an offer from Manchester City in the January transfer window and is reported to be holding out for a move to Liverpool or Manchester United.[LNB]Kjaer, who turns 21 this week, signed for the Sicilian club in February 2008 for £3m but it would cost a reported £15m to persuade Palermo to part company with their in-demand centre-back. [LNB] Kjaer: Clashing with Livorno's Romano Perticone earlier this month[LNB]48 Antonio di Natale (Udinese)Top scorer in Italy so far this season, Di Natale's 21 strikes have been crucial in keeping Udinese out of the relegation places.[LNB]His great scoring form has given him the chance of making this summer's World Cup with the Azzurri and, at 32, this is likely to be his last chance. [LNB] Pure delight: Di Natale celebrates after scoring against Inter Milan earlier this season[LNB]47 Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea)Chelsea's ambition may have been somewhat curtailed after the early Champions League exit to Inter but they still believe the Premier League is achievable - mainly thanks to the form of their two strikers.[LNB]Anelka, last season's top goal scorer, along with Drogba has forged a 29-goal partnership this season.[LNB] Eye for goal: Anelka scores against Sunderland in January[LNB]46 Toni Kroos (Bayer Leverkusen)On loan at Bayer Leverkusen, the 20-year-old attacking midfielder has been outstanding this season, helping to steer Leverkusen to within three points of leaders Bayern Munich.[LNB]His loan deal at Leverkusen ends in the summer but while his domestic future remains uncertain, his international career looks bright.[LNB]He has a decent chance of appearing at the World Cup this summer after winning his first international cap three weeks ago.[LNB] Midfield star: Toni Kroos in action for Bayer Leverkusen against Cologne last month[LNB]45 Carles Puyol (Barcelona)Barca's captain remains a belligerent mainstay of his team's defence and his side remains on course to defend the domestic and European titles they won last season.[LNB]A number of niggling injuries have failed to hold Puyol back - the Catalan's have the most frugal defence in Spain, conceding a miserly 16 goals all season.[LNB]Case for the defence: Captain Puyol has enjoyed great success lately with Barcelona[LNB]44 Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)This could have been a poisoned chalice for Valencia, taking up the position where the free-scoring hero Ronaldo had played in the preceding seasons.[LNB]Granted, the Ecuadorian took time to settle but his crossing has contributed greatly to Wayne Rooney's very impressive season so far and United's challenge for a fourth consecutive title.[LNB] In form: Valencia playing for Manchester United against Liverpool on Sunday[LNB]43 Juan Mata (Valencia)Valencia have done well to hold on to Juan Mata for as long as they have but he may have to move this summer as Los Che try to stave off financial crisis.[LNB]Mata remains one of the most exciting wingers in Europe and chips in with more than just the odd goal - he has eight this season from 31 starts.[LNB] Exciting winger: Juan Mata in action for Valencia earlier this month[LNB]42 Oscar Cardozo (Benfica)The Paraguay striker is reportedly a target for David Moyes, and you can understand why. He is the Portuguese league's top scorer and has netted 27 times in all competitions this season.[LNB]However, potential suitors may be warned off as Cardozo's current contract runs until 2014 and he has a £70m release clause in his deal.[LNB] Reasons to celebrate: Oscar Cardozo is delighted after scoring against Nacional earlier this month[LNB]41 James Milner (Aston Villa)Milner has found the form this season which has transformed him from World Cup squad outsider to first-team hopeful.[LNB]The Villa midfielder has nine goals this term but his attributes include strength, work rate and passing. He's got it all and is still only 24.[LNB] Fine season: James Milner has impressed for Aston Villa this term[LNB] [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]
