Top 10 contenders for 2009 FIFA World Player
Cristiano Ronaldo walked away with yet another piece of individual silverware on Monday night, when he won the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
Ronaldo's outstanding year made him a worthy winner, but there will be a hungry pack of players chasing his crown over the next 12 months.
Below is my list of the 10 players I believe to have the best chance of winning in a year's time.
Why no defenders on the list? It's simple: The nature of this award leans toward attacking players. The only defender to win was Fabio Cannavaro thanks to his incredible efforts in helping Italy win the 2006 World Cup.
With no major tournament in 2009, it is hard to see anyone other than a midfielder or attacker being successful.
1. Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina
Ronaldo was a worthy winner this time around, but even Real Madrid-biased newspaper AS admitted that if the votes were to be cast again, Messi would be the victor. The little maestro's magical skills make him the man to watch in 2009.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United and Portugal
The United superstar will always have his fair share of critics who claim he dives too much and goes missing in big games. However, he is still on course to go down as an all-time great as the cornerstone of the world's best club team.
3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Inter Milan and Sweden
Finally, Ibrahimovic's performances on the field are starting to match his massive ego. He is not exactly a likeable character – but do you think Jose Mourinho cares just now?
4. Kaka, AC Milan and Brazil
It was an ordinary year by Kaka's own ludicrously high standards, yet there is no doubting his pure class. Milan's likely return to the Champions League will give him extra chances to shine later in the year.
5. Sergio Aguero, Atletico Madrid and Argentina
Atletico is determined to hang on to its most prized asset, but the vultures are circling already. Don't be surprised to see Aguero at one of Europe's elite clubs by the end of the year – and further boosting his rapidly rising stock.
6. Fernando Torres, Liverpool and Spain
Torres is a goal machine and few players have adapted so quickly and effortlessly to the English Premier League. His hopes of winning the award may rest with Liverpool's title dream and progress in the Champions League.
7. Andrei Arshavin, Zenit St. Petersburg and Russia
Europe got a proper glimpse of Arshavin's brilliance during Euro 2008. Finally, he is poised to move to a top league, with Arsenal and Manchester City fighting for his signature. If the Gunners turn out to be the successful bidders, then he will have the opportunity to prove himself both domestically and in Europe.
8. Xavi, Barcelona and Spain
If you want to build an outstanding midfield, what better place to start? Unfortunately for potential suitors, Xavi is signed up with Barca until 2014 and looks set to spend his whole career at the same club. His style may be unspectacular, but he is ruthlessly effective and provides the backbone for both club and country.
9. Marek Hamsik, Napoli and Slovakia
Hamsik is an all-action midfielder who is blossoming into one of the real stars of Serie A. Napoli is on the comeback trail after bankruptcy and seven years out of the top flight, and its side relies on the 21-year-old as its heartbeat. His profile is growing – and quickly.
10. Franck Ribery, Bayern Munich and France
Ribery suffers in many ways. In France, the tag of "the new Zidane" was a heavy burden to carry. So too were the unrealistic expectations that he could lift an aging French team to Euro 2008 glory. His efforts for Bayern in the highly technical German Bundesliga garner less attention than if he was playing in England, Spain or Italy.
Share your thoughts on the list below – gaze into your crystal ball and give us your prediction for the 2009 FIFA World Player.
