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Now into his 30s, Xavi’s greatest attribute is his passing. Capable of being both economic or expansive in possession, Xavi can dictate a game’s rhythm. He has become invaluable for Barcelona as the years have gone on, and although not a prolific scorer from midfield (he has only got into double figures once in his career), his runs into the box and ability to take free-kicks are invaluable for club and country. One of the very best central midfielders of the last 10 years.

Iniesta enjoys what appears to be an almost telepathic understanding with teammate Xavi. Scorer of Spain’s World Cup winning goal against Holland in the 2010 World Cup final, the midfield star is one of the country’s most loved players and is even spared the usual hostile reception that Barcelona players receive when they visit Real Madrid. An excellent dribbler, who is superb at linking midfield and attack.

Fabregas was desperate to join former club Barcelona in the summer of 2010, but Arsenal rejected two bids from the Catalans and refused to even entertain the idea of selling their captain. One year on, Barca got their way and Fabregas got the move he so desired after many hours at the negotiating table. The Spaniard was the heartbeat of the Gunners midfield, his passing and creativity making him the first name on the team sheet.

The tough confines of the Premier League do not appear ideally suited to the Spanish midfielder’s subtle skills. But after a slow start following his move from Valencia to Manchester City in 2010, the playmaker has emerged as one of the best players in the league. If Silva had not made it as a player, he would have wanted to become a surgeon, which comes as little surprise given the way he slices through Premier League defenses with those deft through balls and incisive dribbles.

His move from Real Madrid to Inter Milan in 2009 re-ignited Sniejder’s career. The Dutchman pulls the strings for club and country, his penetrating runs and passes causing no end of problems for opposition defenses. He also has a deadly free-kick, with Inter reaping the reward of this talent soon after his arrival at San Siro.

Tottenham stood firm during the summer of 2011, rejecting two mega-money bids from Chelsea for their Croatian playmaker. Spurs were rewarded for their refreshing stance with more inspired displays from the midfielder, who may not score as many goals as he should, but compensates for that with the sort of tempo-setting displays that make him such a precious commodity in world soccer. Resembling Xavi in style, there are those that believe the former Dinamo Zagreb youngster would fit in perfectly at Camp Nou.

Watching the Manchester City star slip through the gears as he carries the ball through midfield is reminiscent of a Roy Keane or Patrick Vieira in his pomp. Yaya felt undervalued at Barcelona but has emerged as one of the key players in City’s ambitious project. The 2011 African Footballer of the Year has deceptive pace, is tigerish in the tackle and scores his fair share of goals in a more attacking role than he was previously accustomed to.

The Bayern Munich star is one of the best all round players in world soccer. Capable of setting the tempo of a game with his impressive passing repertoire, he can also shoot from distance and is considered one of the leaders in the Bayern dressing room. It is not a coincidence that this youth product has survived many managerial sackings and regular squad clear outs to establish himself as a key man at the Allianz Arena.

Robben has that deadly combination of pace and skill that frightens defenses. He also has end product, with an impressive goalscoring record over the years. Injuries have undermined him, but when on song, there are few better wide players in the world game.

A World Cup winner in 2006, Buffon is considered by many observers as the best goalkeeper of the last decade alongside Casillas. The Juventus custodian has few weaknesses and remains the most expensive goalkeeper in the world following his 2001 move from Parma to Juve. Now well into his 30s, injuries may be taking their toll on Buffon, but he remains an important presence for club and country.

There is a case for arguing that if the Barcelona custodian was any other nationality, he would be his country’s number one. But Valdes has had the misfortune of being in his prime at the same time as Iker Casillas, who has held the Spain jersey for over a decade. Valdes is Barca’s most successful goalkeeper, having won five La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues with the club. The former Tenerife youth player is terrific in one-on-one situations. He only earned his first cap for the national team in 2010.

Since arriving at Chelsea from Rennes in 2004, Cech has been a model of consistency, rarely making errors and helping the club to three Premier League titles. He recovered from a fractured skull sustained in a controversial challenge by Reading’s Stephen Hunt in 2006. Cech instils confidence in what is a solid Chelsea defense, and although he may have fewer saves to make than many goalkeepers, it is a sign of his class and extreme concentration that he is rarely found wanting when called upon. A busier figure on the international stage.

The least experienced goalkeeper on the list, but Hart has made very few mistakes in his time at Birmingham City and Manchester City. His excellent form on loan at St Andrews in the 2009-10 season led to Shay Given losing his place in the Man City side, and Hart is now England’s number one goalkeeper. A superb shot-stopper possessed with calmness and authority.

Emerged as Brazil’s first-choice goalkeeper for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers and the Inter Milan stalwart did not let his country down. Has come back strongly from several high-profile mistakes that blighted him earlier in his career. Together with Buffon, Cesar is considered the best goalkeeper in Serie A.

Like Valdes, Reina has been a victim of Casillas’ phenomenal performances at international level. But Liverpool know his worth and persuaded the Spaniard to sign a new contract with the club in 2010. Reina has hinted at his frustrations about a lack of silverware in recent seasons and the Reds may have to break the winless cycle if they are to keep the Barcelona youth product. Prone to the odd clanger like most goalkeepers, but still one of the most consistent in the premier League.

An excellent 2010/11 season for Schalke prompted Bayern Munich to splurge a reported US$26 million on the player, with another $10 million dependant on performances. Many Bayern supporters felt that the club had overspent on a player whose contract was due to expire in 2012, when he would have been available for free. Neuer, though, is Germany’s number one and a dominant presence between the posts.

 

Many at Barcelona believe this product of the club’s La Masia youth system will go on to captain the club. He was a key protagonist as Spain won the World Cup in South Africa. A composed defender who is strong in the air and the tackle, Pique is also adept at launching his team’s attacks. And he even claims to know all of Cristiano Ronaldo‘s tricks from their time together at Manchester United.

The Brazilian has almost everything. Strong in the tackle and commanding in the air, the AC Milan center back was outstanding in the 2010-11 season as the Rossoneri won their first Italian title since 2004. Silva is so comfortable on the ball, that he was even deployed in midfield by coach Massimiliano Allegri when injuries hit the squad. His performances prompted Milan to extend his contract until June 2016.

Considered by many as the best right-back in the world. Not for a long time has there been a defender capable of having so much influence on a game. The Inter Milan defender’s forceful runs down the right provide a great avenue of attack, not only for him to cross the ball, but for his teammates who can occupy the space vacated by opposition players trying to arrest Maicon’s attacking sorties. He has pace to burn and is a also a solid defender. Keeps the outstanding Barcelona right-back Dani Alves out of the Brazil team.

Alves can consider himself unlucky that he has a player of Maicon’s caliber ahead of him in the Brazil team. In any other national team in the world, Alves would be an undisputed first-choice at right-back. Supporters at Camp Nou see Alves dominate the right-side on a regular basis, his pace, crossing ability and free-kick taking prowess helping him score at least four or five goals a season. Sevilla signed him for less than $1 million from Bahia in 2002 and sold him at a huge profit in 2008. A double Champions League winner with Barca.

The Belgium defender was heralded as one of the most exciting defensive prospects in the game in his early years at Anderlecht. He has duly delivered on that promise, and is now regarded as one of the best in the world. The unflappable Manchester City defender is quick, strong and dominant in the air. In a team chock full of egos, he grabs few headlines but goes about his business with the professionalism that some of his teammates lack.

Cole is one of the few players over the years to have got to grips with Cristiano Ronaldo. At Euro 2004 he had one of his best games in an England shirt, matching the Portuguese star in a captivating battle. Since then, Cole has developed into arguably the best left-back in the world. He can get forward, score goals, cross the ball, and is Mr Reliable when on the back foot.

Fabio Cannavaro was famous for being an exponent of the classic style of rugged Italian defending, and in Chiellini Italy have a player to carry the baton forwards now that the great man has retired. The Juventus defender takes few prisoners, is strong in the air and firm in the tackle.