The Senegal international striker scored a combined figure of 22 goals in the Bundesliga and Premier League last season. Cisse’s goals ensured that the Magpies secured a fifth place finish in the English top flight and a Europa League spot for next season. Cisse has been described as one of the best signings of the Premier League season. He is now attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
9: Eden Hazard (Lille/Chelsea) The Belgian starlet managed to scored 20 goals in Ligue One last season, despite playing in midfield. Hazard is highly-rated and was being chased by many of the top clubs in Europe. He has recently agreed to move to European Champions Chelsea for a fee of £35million. His stock was so high at the end of the season that he was also being tracked by Manchester City and Manchester United. Hazard is expected to be a superstar of the future and he will be showcasing his skills in the English op flight next season.
8: Andrea Pirlo (Juventus) Eyebrows were raised last summer when the veteran midfielder moved to Juventus on a free transfer from AC Milan. The 33 year-old was regarded as a has-been and over-the-hill by many Italian football observers. However, this season he has been the fulcrum of a Juventus team which has gone on to lift the Serie A title. The Old Lady managed to make history by going throughout the league season undefeated and Pirlo was one of their key players.
7: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) The little Argentinian striker was an instant hit in Manchester. Aguero not only netted 23 times in the English top flight last season but also scored the goal that won his club the Premier League title with a last-gasp winner against Queens Park Rangers.
6: Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich) Bayern Munich were the nearly men of European football this season. The Bavarians finished as runners-up in the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League. If it wasn’t for Gomez the club would have fared far worse. Gomez scored an impressive 28 Bundesliga goals last season. The striker of Spanish-descent has now even found his form for the German national side and the striker is regarded as one of the favourites for the golden boot at this summers European Championships.
5: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) The French international was another key player in Real Madrid’s La Liga title victory. He combined well with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain to form a formidable attacking force for Jose Mourinho’s side. Benzema contributed 21 league goals and numerous assists to his teams cause. Could be an outsider for the golden boot at Euro 2012.
4: Yaya Toure (Manchester City) The giant Ivory Coast international was a key player as Manchester City won their first top flight English title in over 30 years. The former-Barcelona star played as both defensive and attacking midfielder with great effect. The big midfielder was one of the most influential players in City’s success last season and has now been linked with a move back to Barcelona.
3: Robin Van Persie (Arsenal) The Dutch striker carried his club side for most of the Premier League season. The 28 year-old found the net 30 times in the English top flight to win the golden boot and help the Gunners claim a Champions League spot. Just like Messi and Ronaldo Van Persie has flattered to deceive at international level but has a chance to prove himself with his national side at the European Championships.
2: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) Although the Portuguese star has had to take a backseat to Lionel Messi of Barcelona in recent seasons he has proven a vital figure for Los Blancos this season. The 27 year-old found the net 46 times in La Liga, as the side from the capital claimed the Spanish league title. Ronaldo has been superb for Real this season and he is now a more complete player than in previous seasons. Ronaldo will be hoping to show case his skills for Portugal at Euro 2012.
1: Lionel Messi (Barcelona) The Argentinian superstar claimed the Ballon d’Or for the third consecutive year and fully deserved the accolade. Messi scored an incredible 73 goals in all competitions last season, including 50 goals in La Liga and a record 17 in the European Champions. Messi is now being described by some as the best ever player to grace a football field. His stats are incredible but he still has a lot to prove at international level, he has secured his top position as a best soccer player in 2012 again.
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