2010/2011 Football's Player of the Season

We take a look at football’s best players in the world shortlisted for our player of the season

Javier ‘Chicarito’ Hernandez - Manchester United

The Mexican forward has had an outstanding first season leading the line for the English. Manchester United are on the brink of record 19th Premier League title largely thanks to the ‘Little Peas’ contribution upfront. Bagging more than 20 goals this season, Hernandez has performed well above expectations and clearly deserves recognition for some outstanding performances and his excellent work rate.

Verdict: outside contender 1%

Samir Nasri - Arsenal

The diminutive Gunners midfielder flew out of the blocks at the start of this season, bagging and assisting a great deal of Arsenal’s goals. With the inconsistent appearance and disappearance of captain Fabregas, Nasri took on the responsibility of playmaker for the London outfit. The French midfielder scored some crucial goals this year and eventually was shortlisted for PFA Players Player of the Year for 2011 but lost out to cross town rival Gareth Bale.

Verdict: Again, outside contender 1%

Antonio Di Natale - Udinese

The stocky forward who is known for his dribbling and silky smooth skills, has been bagging goals for fun this year leaving himself just one goal behind last years club record breaking haul of 29. Coming off the back of winning the Italian Player of the Year for 2010, Di Natale is again proving his consistency at the highest level showing why he is Italy’s best current striker.

Verdict: Excellent season, not high profile enough 2%

Gareth Bale - Tottenham Hotspur

The speedy winger picked up the PFA Players Player of the year this season which raised some eyebrows amongst spectators and journalists alike. To his credit he outperformed any winger in the first half of the season with notable performances vs Inter Milan in the Champions League making Maicon look like an amateur schoolboy player. Bale hasn’t scored many this season, but did bag a hattrick against the Italians gaining momentum in popularity within his side. Consistency has been an issue but has played out of his skin on occasions.

Verdict: One award already, unlikely for another 3%

Carlos Tevez - Manchester City

The workhorse has led City’s attack excellently this season. The Argentine has grabbed 19 goals this year contributing to his sides first ever Champions League qualification. The blues turn to Tevez when times are down and you can expect nothing less than 110% effort from the front man. His work ethic and desire is unquestionable and just simply does not give up on a lost cause. Deserves far more credit for outstanding performances than he receives.

Verdict: Earning recognition 3%

Mesut Ozil - Real Madrid

The German midfielder plays like a man beyond his years, turning out consistent performances on a regular basis for the Capital club. The Real playmaker has a wonderful left foot and has caused havoc for opposing defences in his breakout year. Ozil leads the charts with 16 assists for the year whilst contributing a tidy 6 goals to date. Mourinho has been extremely impressed but sometimes the Portuguese tactician favours others when it comes to the big matches.

Verdict: Great season at Madrid 4%

Andres Iniesta - Barcelona

Barcelona’s number 8 has scored some important goals in his career including the extra-time winner in the World Cup Final, and seems to continue the trend year in year out. The Spanish midfielder has earned his trade displaying silky smooth skills, keen eye for a pass as we saw against Madrid 2nd leg, and knowing when to be in the right place at the right time. Always a thorn in the side, Iniesta puts on classy performances for the newly crowned Primera Champions and deserves every credit he receives.

Verdict: World Class Player suffered from injury this season 6%

Xavi Hernandez - Barcelona

The magician has earned his status among the footballing Gods considered now a Barcelona legend racking up over 550 appearances for the Blaugrana. Considered one of the best midfielders ever to grace the game, every young player dreams of playing the position just like him. Orchestrating attack after attack rarely ever giving the ball away, Xavi consistently makes more attempts than anyone this year, he averages over 80 passes per match, completing over 88% regularly. Truly a genius on the field due to his head being on a rotating swivel.

Verdict: Wonderful in possession. dark horse 14%

Cristiano Ronaldo - Real Madrid

The portuguese talisman broke his own records with a handful of matches left this year leading the Spanish League with36 and close to reaching the magic number of 50 overall. Ronaldo has it all - power, speed, dribbling abilities, finishing but has struggled more recently with Mourinho’s change in tactics. Still, he proves why his capabilities shouldn’t be doubted more recently scoring four goals and a hattrick in the last few matches. His claim to player of the year will have strengthened now it looks as though he is set to win the Pichichi award for top scorer in the Primera.

Verdict: Exceptional year yet again and is absolutely a favourite 28%

Lionel Messi - Barcelona

Argentina have found a new God in Leo. The ‘Messiah’ hit the 50 goal mark with ease a few games ago and hasn’t looked back. He continues to score leading his side past rivals Madrid into the ultimate Champions League final with Manchester United. Dropping into deeper pockets, Messi picks up the ball and rarely is touched particularly when his side play intricate passing opening up defences like black holes. He can be counted on to get his sides important goals and doesn’t miss matches regardless of importance showing his influence on the pitch. Coming out on top of the battle - Messi vs. Ronaldo, he could be in one of the greatest sides of all time playing the best football ever. His composure on the ball can only be matched by his teammate Xavi, but in front of goal there isn’t anyone better. With only one player really competing for Player of the year, it seems like at the tender age of just 23, this really could be Messi’s year to mark himself as one of the greatest ever.

Verdict: Favourite, greatest player ever already? 38%

REVIEW

It appears as though it is Little Leo’s year again, having won the League all thats left for a marvellous season is the Champions League double. Ronaldo has outperformed himself also, but being on the receiving end of a 5-0 drubbing to his arch rival, and coming out on top of the Champions League Semi-Final it appears a 2nd place finish is on the cards for the Portuguese forward.