This is part three of a four part article series, where I attempt to determine who the 100 best footballers of this past club campaign were. As in the other parts, the stats used in this article are in all competition from FBref, and the positions listed are from Transfermarkt. I would also like to reiterate that there are issues with the stat tracking for players outside the top five leagues. Now, let’s get into players 50 through 26.
50. Ajax, CF Sébastien Haller
Stats: 3235 MP, 32G, 8A, 1.11 GA/90, 123 Shots, 55 SOG, 44.7 SOG %
One of the most unexpected surprises of the past season was the emergence of Sébastien Haller. The striker was once a flop at West Ham, where he managed to score just ten Premier League goals in 48 matches after arriving from Frankfurt for €50m. Apparently all he needed was a change of scenery. In January 2021, Haller signed with Ajax for just €22.5m. As soon as he arrived at Amsterdam, he became a completely different player. Haller managed to score 11 league goals in just 19 matches in his first season at Ajax, more than he was able to score for West Ham in 48 matches. And this year, with a full season in Amsterdam, Haller only got better. He managed to score 32 goals across all competitions, including 11 goals in just eight Champions League games. He teased West Ham fans with the potential that they thought they were getting when he arrived for €50m, and he emerged as one of the world’s best strikers, leading Ajax to another Eredivisie title.
49. Milan, GK Mike Maignan
Stats: 3540 MP, 32 GA, 0.81 GA/90, 77.7 Save %, 19 CS, 6.5 PSxG +/-
I’ve felt for a couple of months now that Mike Maignan was a top three goalkeeper in the world. That’s not necessarily a slight on Mendy, Ederson, or anyone else you would potentially consider a top three goalkeeper last season. The fact is that Maignan has been excellent for two consecutive seasons. His performances can no longer be written off as a fluke. He’s a world class goalkeeper. In the 2020–2021 season, he was the goalkeeper for a Lille side that conceded just 23 goals in Ligue 1 play, the lowest amount in the league by over five goals. He also won Lille the Ligue 1 title for the first time in over ten years. So, Milan handpicked him as the replacement to Gianluigi Donnarumma, and it was obvious that Maignan was good enough to be his replacement. He led Milan to its first Serie A title in over a decade, and he was named Serie A goalkeeper of the year as well. In two seasons, Maignan has snapped decade-long title droughts in two different leagues. He’s finally earning his recognition, and it’s well-deserved.
48. Inter, CB Alessandro Bastoni
Stats: 3315 MP, 1G, 2A, 0.08 GA/90, 39.4 Press %, 52 Int, 63.5 Duel %
In the past few weeks, Bastoni’s name has come up in tons of transfer rumors, as the world’s biggest clubs have all been aiming for his signature. There’s plenty of reasons behind that. At just 21 years old, he was a leader on Inter Milan’s defense as they snapped Juventus’ streak of nine consecutive Serie A titles back in the 2020–2021. Inter faltered a little bit this season, as they underwent a lot of turnover in the summer. Antonio Conte, Romelu Lukaku, and Achraf Hakimi all left the club, leading to Inter only finishing second in the Serie A table. But Bastoni continued his excellent play despite all this turnover. Alongside his defensive prowess, he’s a great ball-playing center back, as he ranks above the 80th percentile in a majority of passing stats compared to other center backs in Europe. He also progresses the ball well, as he ranks above the 80th percentile in progressive carries and players dribbled past. At just 23 years old, Alessandro Bastoni has become one of the best center backs in Serie A, and he has one of the brightest futures in all of Europe.
47. Inter, CB Milan Škriniar
Stats: 4380 MP, 4G, 0A, 0.08 GA/90, 37.5 Press %, 58 Int, 56.8 Duel %
If I’m being honest, I wanted to say more in my entry about Bastoni, but I couldn’t because I didn’t want to say too much about the player I have at number 47, Milan Škriniar. If it were so simple, I could give a 23 year old Alessandro Bastoni all the credit for Inter’s excellent defense over the past two years, and I could go on and on about how he’s the most important part of Inter’s defense. But I can’t, because Škriniar deserves just as much credit as Bastoni for how great Inter have been over the past two years. Just like Bastoni, Škriniar’s a great ball-playing center back. But he’s arguably even better in defense. This past season, Milan Škriniar averaged 0.00 errors per 90 minutes, meaning that he did not make a single mistake that led to an opponent’s shot. He’s just a really great center back. PSG have been looking to sign him, and Inter stated that only one of Bastoni or Škriniar are leaving the club. Although Bastoni is the better choice, since he’s younger, Škriniar’s role at the club cannot go overlooked.
46. Real Madrid, DM Casemiro
Stats: 3918 MP, 1G, 3A, 0.09 GA/90, 124 Tackles, 37.2 Press %, 93 Int
Casemiro has been the engine behind Real Madrid’s midfield for the past five seasons. His defensive prowess allows Kroos and Modrić to play a more active role in the attack, and it makes life easier for the back four behind him. He’s consistently been one of the world’s best midfielders, and that remained true during Real Madrid’s UCL run this year. He has such good stamina, and it allows him to be incredibly active defensively from the 1st minute to the 90th. He ranks in the 90th percentile or higher among midfielders in tackles won, successful pressure rate, dribblers tackled, and clearances. He’s also well above average in tons of other defensive statistics, and it goes to show how solid he is in defense. Casemiro still isn’t even thirty yet, so he probably has a longer future at the club than Modrić and Kroos, even with the signing of Tchouaméni. And I have no doubt that he will be instrumental in the development of Madrid’s future midfield.
45. Chelsea, RB Reece James
Stats: 2865 MP, 6G, 10A, 0.50 GA/90, 35.2 Press %, 42 Int, 42 Dribbles
Before I talk about James as a player, I’d like to make something clear. The only reason that Reece James isn’t any higher than 45 is the fact that he missed 19 games due to an assortment of injuries, the most significant of which being a hamstring injury that kept him out of action for 11 games. He had played close to the entirety of the season, he’d probably be in contention for a top 25 spot. Because when he did play, he was absolutely incredible. Reece James is an amazing dribbler, great at crossing the ball into the box from wide channels, and he uses his physicality well to get past opposing fullbacks. And in spite of his attacking prowess, James is very solid in defense, as he wins tons of defensive duels and he rarely lets opponents dribble past him. He’s one of the most complete fullbacks in world football, and that fact is undeniable. If he remains healthy next year, he could rise up this list quickly.
44. Manchester City, CM Phil Foden
Stats: 3209 MP, 14G, 11A, 0.70 GA/90, 104 SCA, 3.36 SCA/90, 44 Dribbles
Phil Foden first broke into the eyes of the public last season, when he scored nine goals and bagged five assists in just 18 Premier League 90s. At the age of 20, Foden was borderline undroppable for a Manchester City side that looked like it was the best in the world until Chelsea won the Champions League final. That fact alone shows the level that Phil Foden is at as a player, even at just 22 years old. Transfermarkt lists Foden as a central midfielder, but I don’t really think it’s fair to consider him one, since he’s a really poor defender compared to other central midfielders. He often plays a more progressive role, either as an attacking midfielder or as a winger of sorts, cutting into the box from wide channels. But it’s that type of versatility that makes Foden so invaluable to the system that Pep Guardiola runs at Manchester City. He has such an advanced skill set at his age. It’s why Foden won the PFA Young Player of the Year, and it’s why he has one of the brightest futures in world football.
43. Chelsea, AM Mason Mount
Stats: 3735 MP, 13G, 16A, 0.70 GA/90, 136 SCA, 4.22 SCA/90, 25 Dribbles
Chelsea may have been disappointed in the Champions League this year, but Mason Mount was still better than ever. He managed to break his career high in goals in all competitions by three, and he broke his career high in assists in all competitions by seven. Lukaku was a massive disappointment, Timo Werner has continued to struggle with his finishing since arriving at the club, and Pulisic has struggled with injuries for most of his time at the club. Outside of Kai Havertz, who still hasn’t achieved the star-level production that was expected with his signing, Mason Mount was the only consistent attacking presence Chelsea had this season. While he may not be as skilled as some of the players below him, the fact is that he had to carry an incredible burden this year, and he responded by putting up the best season of his career.
42. West Ham, DM Declan Rice
Stats: 4420 MP, 5G, 4A, 0.18 GA/90, 104 Tackles, 31.0 Press %, 132 Int
In the entry about Sébastien Haller, I mentioned how West Ham fans must’ve felt bad as they watched their former flop tearing it up in the Champions League. Although that may have stung a little for West Ham fans to watch, Declan Rice probably made it much easier to stomach. The defensive midfielder has been a fixture in West Ham’s starting XI since he was just 19 years old. And now, at 23 years old, he’s evolved from a youngster with potential to one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. Without Rice, West Ham wouldn’t have even made it past the group stage of the Europa League, much less the semi-finals. Rice sets the tone on both attack and defense. He makes tons of ball recoveries, and he uses his great passing ability to get the ball to his attackers out in space. Declan Rice is becoming a complete midfielder before our eyes, and his profile will only grow once he moves to a bigger club.
41. Monaco, DM Aurélien Tchouaméni
Stats: 3870 MP, 4G, 3A, 0.16 GA/90, 114 Tackles, 36.4 Press %, 152 Int
I’ve referenced Real Madrid’s midfield several times in this series, and it’s usually in the context of how it will appear in the future. Now it is time to meet Aurélien Tchouaméni, the reason why Real Madrid’s midfield will continue to be dominant for years to come. At just 22 years old, he’s demonstrating all the talent needed to become the world’s best defensive midfielder someday. His 3.56 interceptions per 90 minutes ranks in the 99th percentile among all midfielders, he’s a great presser, he’s solid in defensive duels, and his 2.46 aerials won per 90 minutes ranks in the 87th percentile among all midfielders. Defensively, he’s the total package in the midfield. Add this with the fact that Tchouaméni is a great passer, ranking well above average in most passing stats, and you get one of the most complete midfielders in Europe at just 22 years old. It’s really unfortunate that he looks to be a backup for Casemiro next season, because he could be a top 20 player if he started most games for Real Madrid.
40. Paris St. Germain, RB Achraf Hakimi
Stats: 3286 MP, 4G, 6A, 0.27 GA/90, 31.5 Press %, 55 Int, 38 Dribbles
If I’m being honest, I was more impressed with Hakimi last season, when he had his breakout season and helped lead Inter’s title charge at just 21 years old. But even then, Hakimi was still very impressive in his first season with PSG. Defensively, Hakimi stacks up well against most fullbacks in world football. He’s a great tackler, great on the press, makes good ball recoveries, and he stops dribblers at a high rate. His dribblers tackled per 90 ranks in the 93rd percentile of all fullbacks. But, Hakimi is also great at getting involved in the attack. He’s a great dribbler, a good passer, and he’s a very technical fullback overall. He ranks above the 80th percentile in most shooting, passing, and possession statistics. His only real flaw is a lack of shot-creation compared to other fullbacks, which holds him down a bit on this list. PSG was in a transitional phase last year, as they attempted to integrate Messi and Hakimi into the team. Given another season at the club, I’m sure Hakimi will perform as well as he did at Inter.
39. Paris St. Germain, CB Marquinhos
Stats: 3581 MP, 5G, 1A, 0.15 GA/90, 32.4 Press %, 67 Int, 55.0 Duel %
Marquinhos was always an important part of PSG, but when Thiago Silva left the club to join Chelsea, the onus was on him to step up for both club and country. It’s safe to say he rose to the challenge. For his country, he helps form one of the best center back partnerships in world football, alongside Thiago Silva. For PSG, Marquinhos helped form a strong back four for Paris St. Germain this season, alongside Achraf Hakimi. As the captain of PSG, he provided a stable presence and set the tone for the rest of the team. As the club’s best defender, he made life much easier for whoever was in net, whether it be Keylor Navas or Gianluigi Donnarumma. Ever since Roma sold him when he was 19, Marquinhos has been a fixture in PSG’s starting eleven. Eight years later, at 27 years old, Marquinhos has completed his evolution into one of the world’s best center backs.
38. Liverpool, DM Fabinho
Stats: 3690 MP, 8G, 1A, 0.22 GA/90, 92 Tackles, 35.4 Press %, 79 Int
In some ways, Fabinho could be considered as Liverpool’s Casemiro. The comparison makes sense. Both players are Brazilian, and both operate as their club’s holding midfielder. But I’d argue that Fabinho is more important to Liverpool’s style of play than Casemiro is to Real Madrid’s. In Madrid’s midfield, Casemiro gets to work next to two of the greatest midfielders of all time in Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić. When those two have to take a rest game, Casemiro gets to play alongside two very exciting midfield prospects in Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde. Liverpool doesn’t have that level of talent in its midfield. While Thiago Alcántara can have moments of excellence when he does play, he also misses lots of games due to injury. And outside of him, Liverpool’s midfield lacks impact players. Naby Keïta has good games but he is inconsistent, and Jordan Henderson is not in his prime anymore. Fabinho stands alone as the only stable presence in Liverpool’s midfield, and he was crucial in their Champions League run.
37. Juventus, CF Dušan Vlahović
Stats: 3670 MP, 29G, 3A, 0.78 GA/90, 144 Shots, 64 SOG, 44.4 SOG %
I would be lying if I said that I was a fan of Vlahović. The whole transfer saga in January between Arsenal and his agents really soured my opinion on him. But I would also be lying if I said that he wasn’t a good striker. In his age 21 season, he was routinely tearing up Serie A defenses, scoring 20 goals in just 24 matches for Fiorentina before being sold to Juventus. If he had kept up that pace throughout the entire season, I would’ve had no choice but to have him even higher on this list, perhaps even top 20. But upon arriving at Juventus in January, he fell off a bit as he struggled to adjust to life in Turin. In 21 matches in all competitions for Juventus, Vlahovic scored just nine goals and got one assist. While I do rate Vlahović highly as a player, and I think he will bounce back, his slump in the second half of the season really worsened his placement on this list.
36. Bayer Leverkusen, LW Moussa Diaby
Stats: 3563 MP, 17G, 15A, 0.81 GA/90, 129 SCA, 3.43 SCA/90, 62 Dribbles
If anyone has a chance to unseat Bayern Munich and win the Bundesliga title next season, it is Bayer Leverkusen. There’s several reasons for this, one of which being the overwhelming amount of young talent that Leverkusen has stockpiled over recent years. Piero Hincapie, Jeremie Frimpong, Odilon Kossonou, Mitchel Bakker, and top 100 selection Florian Wirtz are all U23s Leverkusen has signed in recent years that have begun to produce in the Bundesliga. But among all the U23s that Leverkusen has, Moussa Diaby is probably the best one. This season, Diaby was top ten in both goals and assists in the Bundesliga. The only other player to do that is Christopher Nkunku, who will have his own entry later on. Diaby’s such a talented winger, and he’s gifted with pace that allows him to dribble past most fullbacks. If Leverkusen manage to keep him and Florian Wirtz this summer, they will be primed for a very successful season next year.
35. Real Madrid, CB Éder Militão
Stats: 4491 MP, 2G, 2A, 0.08 GA/90, 36.6 Press %, 110 Int, 75.6 Duel %
Éder Militão was immensely important to Real Madrid’s Champions League run. Alongside David Alaba, he provided a stable presence in that back four, making Thibaut Courtois’ life much easier. In aerial duels, Militão is great. His 75.6 win percentage in aerial duels ranked in the 95th percentile among all center backs. He’s just a great defender, and his ability to control the ball well helps Real Madrid set the tone and start the attack. Since arriving from Porto three years ago at the age of 20, he hadn’t really been much more than a part time player. But when Sergio Ramos and Raphaël Varane both left the club in the summer, people around the club knew that the responsibility was on Militão to step up and take on a larger role. And he rose to the challenge. Without Militão, Madrid don’t win the Champions League. He’ll be a staple in that back four for years to come.
34. Borussia Dortmund, CM Jude Bellingham
Stats: 3787 MP, 6G, 14A, 0.48 GA/90, 122 SCA, 3.16 SCA/90, 72 Dribbles
Just two seasons ago, Jude Bellingham was 16 years old, starting regularly for Birmingham City in the Championship. He was eventually sold by the club, despite his wishes, so they could avoid liquidation. Now, alongside Erling Haaland, he’s absolutely dominating the Bundesliga at just 18 years old. While the media prefers to focus on Mason Mount and Phil Foden, since they play for top clubs in the Premier League, I’d argue that Jude Bellingham is the best English youngster in the world right now. It also depends on how you define youngster, as Trent Alexander-Arnold is still 23. But Bellingham is an unreal talent, and I have no doubt in my mind that he’d get just as much attention as Foden and Mount if he was on a Premier League side. At 18 years old, Bellingham is a central midfielder who can create chances for others, score goals, dribble at a high level, and play capable defense. He plays the game like he’s been there for decades. I would not be surprised to see Bellingham challenging for Ballon d’Ors very soon.
33. Manchester City, AM Bernardo Silva
Stats: 3941 MP, 13G, 7A, 0.46 GA/90, 146 SCA, 3.52 SCA/90, 62 Dribbles
The end product has never met his talent level, as his career high is just 13 goals in all competitions. Regardless, Bernardo Silva is one of the most talented footballers in the world. He controls the ball with such ease, and he can dribble circles around the world’s best defenders. He’s also an amazing passer, one of the smartest decision-makers in world football, he can create chances for others at a very high level. Earlier in the season, Silva was on an absolute tear, scoring seven goals in his first 16 Premier League games. Had he continued his pace, he likely would’ve finished even higher on this list. But this season was still a great return to form for Bernardo Silva after a 2020–2021 campaign where he struggled to find a permanent role in Manchester City’s team. Silva is invaluable to Guardiola wants to play, and he demonstrated why this season.
32. Paris St. Germain, LW Neymar
Stats: 2320 MP, 13G, 8A, 0.81 GA/90, 144 SCA, 5.59 SCA/90, 77 Dribbles
Neymar’s tenure at Paris St. Germain has been filled with injury-riddled seasons and disappointment. I don’t need to talk about Neymar as a player. His reputation precedes him, and if you aren’t familiar with who he is as a player, I’m not sure why you have decided to read this. I honestly wasn’t entirely sure where to rank Neymar on this list, as he was still an exceptional player when he was on the pitch. However, he missed 12 games with an ankle injury, and missed several more due to other issues relating to his health. Since arriving at PSG, Neymar hasn’t played more than 2700 minutes in a season in all competitions. While he was still able to produce at a transcendent level in past seasons despite the injuries, this season marked a new low for Neymar. His mark of 13 goals and eight assists in all competitions was the lowest of his career. Since his PSG tenure is beginning to end, maybe Neymar can revitalize his career elsewhere. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if he never performs as well as he did with Barcelona.
31. Inter, CF Lautaro Martínez
Stats: 3266 MP, 25G, 3A, 0.77 GA/90, 152 Shots, 61 SOG, 40.1 SOG %
Martínez truly broke out in the 2020–2021 campaign, where he excelled in a second striker role behind Romelu Lukaku and was vital to Inter’s Serie A title run. This season, Lukaku left to Chelsea, and it was up to Martínez to step up and be the focal point of Inter’s attack. It’s safe to say he was ready to rise to the occasion. He started the summer with a very impressive performance for his country, scoring three goals for Argentina as they won the Copa America. For his club, he was even better. In his age 23 season, Martínez scored a career high 21 goals in Serie A, and 25 in all competitions. He still played that second striker role for Inter, but he was playing alongside Edin Dzeko instead of Romelu Lukaku. Martínez will likely take a backseat next year because of the fact that Inter have agreed to a loan deal to bring Lukaku back. However, he should continue to be among the best strikers in the world.
30. Liverpool, LW Sadio Mané
Stats: 3927 MP, 23G, 3A, 0.60 GA/90, 134 SCA, 3.32 SCA/90, 61 Dribbles
Sadio Mané had a successful year in his own right, as he helped lead Liverpool to a UCL Final and he managed to win the African Cup of Nations for Senegal. But this entry shouldn’t be about Mané’s season this year. As he’s set to leave Liverpool on a €32m transfer to Bayern Munich, I think it’s more fitting that this entry be about Mané’s career as a whole. It’s been a marvelous career at Anfield for Sadio Mané. It was 2016 when Jürgen Klopp saw the potential in the 23 year old Southampton winger. Six seasons later, Mané has become one of the best wingers in the world. Mané has been a crucial part of some of the best Liverpool teams in history. He’s won the Champions League, the Premier League, and he’s gotten so close to so much more. Countless of memorable goals for Liverpool, crucial assists, technical dribbles, and so much more. Mané has done it all at Liverpool, and it’s time for him to find a new challenge.
29. Paris St. Germain, RW Lionel Messi
Stats: 2903 MP, 11G, 14A, 0.78 GA/90, 173 SCA, 5.59 SCA/90, 92 Dribbles
Cristiano Ronaldo got all the fanfare, since he was playing in the Premier League and he was scoring goals while Messi only scored six goals in Ligue 1 play. But if you actually watched both players and ignored the goals, you can easily tell which one is still better. While Messi did decline, and that was fairly obvious to anyone who watched him, he was a very effective creative outlet for PSG’s attack. As he struggled to integrate himself into a new team, Messi took a step back and focused on creating chances for Neymar and Mbappé. And he did it at a remarkably high level. In almost all passing stats, Messi ranked above the 90th percentile. In shot creating actions and goal creating actions per 90 minutes, Messi ranked in the 99th percentile. The football that Ronaldo played at United made him the focal point of the attack, sometimes to a fault. Messi’s role was much more helpful to the way PSG play, and I have faith that the goals will come as he gets used to playing in Paris.
28. Real Madrid, CB David Alaba
Stats: 4066 MP, 3G, 4A, 0.15 GA/90, 35.5 Press %, 55 Int, 47.8 Duel %
David Alaba is a serial winner. That’s really the best way to describe him. For both club and country, he’s been excellent throughout his entire career. Internationally, Alaba is probably the best player to ever play for Austria, as he has won the Austria Footballer of the Year six times. For his club, Alaba is a ten time Domestic League Champion, a three time Champions League winner, and he has been named to the UEFA Team of the Year three times. Until this season, David Alaba had spent his entire senior career under contract with Bayern Munich. When it was announced that Alaba was leaving Bayern Munich this summer, many wondered how he would adjust to life in Madrid. The Bundesliga hasn’t had a true contender to challenge Bayern for the title in years, while La Liga is very competitive year to year. It’s safe to say Alaba met the challenge. He’s an amazing leader, and his defensive efforts played a crucial role in Madrid’s La Liga title and their Champions League win. Even with Rüdiger coming in next season, Alaba is ready to move to left-back to fit Ancelotti’s plans, and it’s that selflessness that makes him so invaluable.
27. Paris St. Germain, CM Marco Verratti
Stats: 2640 MP, 2G, 2A, 0.14 GA/90, 82 SCA, 3.16 SCA/90, 50 Dribbles
At Paris St. Germain, Verratti gets overshadowed by Messi, Neymar, Mbappe, and all the other stars in that starting eleven. With Italy, he gets overshadowed by Jorginho, Bonucci, Chiellini, Barella, and Chiesa. He’s never the player that demands the most attention on any team he’s on, and it’s why he’s been underappreciated throughout his career. But without him, both Italy and PSG would be significantly worse. As a midfielder, Verratti has two real flaws: his poor shooting and his lack of discipline when defending. Despite not even playing 2,000 minutes in Ligue 1 play, Verratti picked up 12 yellow cards, tied for the second most in Ligue 1. But outside of that, he’s an excellent player. Playing next to Danilo Paredes and Georginio Wijnaldum, Verratti has to carry most of the defensive burden in PSG’s midfield, and he excels at it. And he might be one of the best passers in world football. His passing chart on FBref is reminiscent of Messi’s, as he ranks in the 97th percentile or higher on a majority of passing stats. He deserves respect, and it’s about time he starts being considered one of the best midfielders in the world.
26. Liverpool, RB Trent Alexander-Arnold
Stats: 4229 MP, 2G, 18A, 0.43 GA/90, 34.8 Press %, 99 Int, 29 Dribbles
Before I go into this entry, let me make something clear. Trent Alexander-Arnold isn’t a good defensive fullback, and I’m not pretending that he is. He’s average at best, and even that is pushing it. However, the ability to create a shot out of thin air is something few players in the world possess, let alone fullbacks. The passes that Trent Alexander-Arnold can hit are passes that no one else in the world can hit. His passing range is unreal, and it’s why Liverpool have such a potent attack. When your right back can hit 50 yard passes with ease, it makes life very easy for your wingers. Alexander-Arnold’s passing talent is transcendent, and it’s why I am willing to forgive his defensive shortcomings and have him as a top 30 player. If Alexander-Arnold could be an above average defensive right back, he’d be the best fullback in the world and there’s little doubt in my mind about that.
