The question: "who is the best footballer in the world" is one that is often reserved for pub conversation and usually conjures up many answers - some of them surprising. Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to the matter, and though some footballing pundits and so-called 'experts' tend to go against the grain, the usual consensus is that Barcelona's majestic maestro Lionel Messi deserves the honour. The Argentinian, who has won the prestigious Ballon d'Or every year since 2009, helped Barcelona to the La Liga crown last season with 36 league goals in 32 appearances, cementing his place as one of the true modern day greats. However, the diminutive star has been out of action for the past two months with a hamstring injury and is no longer the favourite to retain the Ballon d'Or, with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo the bookmaker's choice. Has the Portuguese superstar usurped Messi as the greatest player on the planet? How does Luis Suarez fare, and what about 'world's most expensive player' Gareth Bale? From the Premier League to the continent, here, we answer those questions and bring to you our list of the 10 Best Footballers On The Planet Right Now...
10. Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie created controversy in the summer of 2012 when he sealed a sensational £24 million move from Arsenal to their Premier League rivals Manchester United. Much was said and written about the price tag considering the Dutchman was 29 when the transfer went through, but van Persie answered his critics by firing United to their 20th topflight title with 26 league goals to win the Golden Boot and Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards for 2012/13. But the Red Devils have struggled this season following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement and van Persie has missed all but one of his side's last nine league games with various injuries, which is a concern given his track record for spending time on the sidelines during his stint with the Gunners. Undoubtedly a world class player, these days inconsistency and lack of fitness bumps him down on lists such as these.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
