30. Dani Alves – Barcelona and Brazil
Now 30-years-old Alves remains the best full-back in the world when going forward and although his defensive responsibilities are occasionally neglected, he is a hugely useful figure on the right side of defence.
29. Luka Modric – Real Madrid and Croatia
Like Di Maria the arrival of Ancelotti in the Spanish capital has seen this Croatian midfielder take the next step and start living up to his reputation as one of the best in his position on the planet.
28. Eden Hazard – Chelsea and Belgium
Hazard’s club manager Jose Mourinho has claimed that the 23-year-old could one day be a Ballon d’Or winner and it’s true his talent appears to increase with every game.
27. Mario Goetze – Bayern Munich and Germany
Made the move from Dortmund to Bayern last summer for £31.5m despite still being only 21-years-old and has justified that huge fee with some superb performances since.
26. Paul Pogba – Juventus and France
It’s a well told story now but it remains amazing that in two years since leaving Manchester United’s youth team Pogba is now one of his club and country’s best players.
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