‘A year is a long time in football’ is one of those over-used footballing clichés that we seem to hear quite a lot at the start of a new season – but it’s true.
A year ago, Manchester United believed they’d bagged themselves a 40-goal-a-season striker in Radamel Falcao and Barcelona’s dominance was apparently fading, overtaken by Real Madrid.
Just short of a year ago, EA Sports also announced their top 10 players for FIFA 15. With their FIFA 16 announcement due in the coming days, it’s interesting to see which names from last year might not make the list and who will be in line to replace them.
Here’s a recap of last year’s list
10. Eden Hazard – Chelsea
Crowned PFA player of the year in England, Hazard has surely done enough to secure his place in this year’s top 10. If anything, the Belgian can expect to be moving upwards in this list.
9. Franck Ribéry – Bayern Munich
Following a sting of injuries, Ribery has not always held down his place in the Bayern team. A possible candidate to drop out of the top 10.
8. Bastian Schweinsteiger – Bayern Munich
Fresh from leading Germany to World Cup victory, Schweinsteiger merited his place in the top 10. Since then, playing time at Bayern Munich was limited due to injuries. Now with Manchester United, the German may well slide down the rankings.
7. Luis Suárez – FC Barcelona
Following his suspension, Suarez enjoyed a phenomenal first season at the Nou Camp for all conquering Barcelona. His crucial goals and eye-catching performances should ensure that the Uruguayan is ranked higher than seventh on this year’s game.
6. Andrés Iniesta – FC Barcelona
By no means a bad year for Iniesta, but perhaps not as influential as in some of Barca’s earlier triumphs. Iniesta should just about be in the top 10, but it’s unlikely he’ll be any higher than sixth.
5. Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich
More domestic success with Bayern and widely regarded as the best goalkeeper on the planet, Neuer should be a safe bet to stay put in the top 10. He’s certainly unlikely to be overtaken by any other goalkeepers.
4. Zlatan Ibrahimović – Paris Saint-Germain
Zlatan continues to lead the line for Paris Saint Germain, despite being in the twilight of his career. The Swede is unlikely to be as highly ranked as fourth but should still be included.
3. Arjen Robben – Bayern Munich
When playing, still very effective. But as is the case with Franck Ribery, Robben has missed plenty of football since this time last year. Ranked third last year, Robben is potentially this year’s biggest fall guy.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid
If he’s not in the top 2, EA Sports need to have a word with themselves.
1. Lionei Messi – FC Barcelona
Barely worth a comment. Of course he’ll be in the top two.
5 potential new entries in the top 10
Sergio Aguero – Manchester City
It’s hard to deny him. Plenty of goals in the Premier League last year and a solid start to this year’s campaign. How was he only ranked 24th last year?
Neymar – Barcelona
Ranked 30th last year, Neymar was an integral part of Barcelona’s treble winning side last season, scoring the final goal in the Champions League final.
Paul Pogba – Juventus
The young Frenchman’s stock continues to rise. He caught the eye on Juve’s run to the Champions League final but wasn’t even in the previous game’s top 50.
David de Gea – Manchester United
The unlikeliest of the five to break into the top 10, and virtually no chance of finishing ahead of Manuel Neuer, but the Spaniard’s performances in the Premier League last year guarantee him a significant rise up the rankings.
Diego Costa – Chelsea
He hasn’t started the current season particularly well, but his performances with Chelsea last year should bring him pretty close.
It’s not long to go now before we find out. In the mean time, here’s a reminder of what we can all look forward to.
