No1: Cristiano Ronaldo
Love him or hate him, there’s no denying Ronaldo’s
talents. The winker’s future in the Premier League lay in tatters
after the 2006 World Cup but the Manchester United ace proved he’s
a tough cookie. And 18 months later, he can claim to be one of the
world’s best players after silencing the boo-boys with some truly
exceptional displays.
No2: Cesc Fabregas
Arsene Wenger has nurtured some gems in the past but
none of them can beat the talents of this Spanish star. When
Patrick Vieira left Arsenal, Fabregas ensured fans’ fears were
instantly extinguished with some immense performances. The
midfielder is now the rock of a reborn Gunners side - and let’s not
forget he’s still only 20.
No3: Michael Essien
This list may be dominated by glamour players but
occasionally a powerhouse gatecrashes the party. Essien cannot be
classed as find after costing £24million from Lyon but he certainly
does the dirty work at the Bridge as the stars take the glory. The
Ghana midfielder is exactly the type of player you want on your
side when the going gets tough.
No4: Didier Drogba
... but then there is one person at Chelsea. Drogba
could possibly be in his last season at Stamford Bridge but Blues
fans will never forget his contribution in their title-winning
seasons. After initially struggling to adapt, the Ivory Coast ace
transformed into one of the most fearsome finishers in the Premier
League. And this season, Drogba is again at his sizzling best.
No5: Dimitar Berbatov
Despite an £11million price tag, Berbatov’s arrival
last summer barely registered as the World Cup grabbed the
headlines. Yet Spurs pulled off one of the coups of the decade as
the brilliant Bulgarian lit up White Hart Lane. Power, pace,
finishing and intelligence - the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star has it
all. Berbatov is arguably the league’s most complete
frontman...
No6: Carlos Tevez
After all the drama surrounding the Argentina ace’s
first year in the Premier League, people often forget what an
impact he had on the pitch. The striker virtually saved West Ham
from relegation on his own despite the protracted row over his
controversial arrival at Upton Park. Now at Manchester United,
Tevez is now able to demonstrate his immense talent in the
Champions League.
No7: Petr Cech
It’s a miracle that the Chelsea keeper is still playing
football, let alone making this list. The Czech Republic star
required surgery after fracturing his skull in a collision with
Reading forward Stephen Hunt last year. But Cech has bounced back
from that setback to confirm his reputation as one of the world’s
best keepers – if not the best.
No8: Fernando Torres
The Spanish star has started with a bang at Liverpool
since signing for a club record £21.5million. The ex-Atletico
Madrid striker won over the Anfield crowd with a superb goal
against Chelsea and could finally fill the hole that was never
filled after the departure of Michael Owen.
No9: Robin van Persie
The Dutchman has shone since emerging from the long
shadow of Thierry Henry at Arsenal. The striker has starred in the
Gunners’ climb to the top of the Premier League table this season
and, at just 24, can go on to become one of Europe’s deadliest
finishers. Van Persie is on course to repeat the heroics of another
Arsenal and Holland ace, Dennis Bergkamp.
No10: Mikel Arteta
The Everton midfielder is one of the unsung heroes of
the Premier League. Since signing from Real Sociedad for just
£2million in 2005, the Spaniard has become the driving force behind
David Moyes’ revitalised Toffees. Arteta has yet to play for his
country and Everton fans know he must play be playing Champions
League football to achieve that aim.
