50 Great Footballers Who Ruled 2012

By Callum Wiggins /

35. Pepe (Real Madrid)

The Portuguese hardman was a prime component in Real Madrid's backline, and whilst they were scoring goals for fun up front, he was ensuring that very little was being conceded at the other end. Though he is always a fair bet for a red card in most games, he is a strong tackler and well-built presence that can often strike fear into the strikers of the opposition. And if he doesn't he'll give them a reason to feel intimidated. FIFA 13 Rating - 85

34. Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid)

Another member of the Real Madrid team, the creative influence of the German-Turk Ozil was an everpresent influence in Madrid's 2012 La Liga winning side, providing 17 assists across the whole of the season. His eye for a pass is a talent not matched by many, and his consistency has helped make Luka Modric the most overvalued player of 2012. http://youtu.be/I9MP0Lt9l24 FIFA 13 Rating - 87

33. Jordi Alba (Valencia/Barcelona)

Jordi Alba was basically built for this list, as an attacking wing-back, playing for Barcelona and representing Spain at national level. It doesn't get much better as a player. A team that is currently charging towards the La Liga title at break-neck speed, Alba will at 23-years old will have won both the Euro Championships and the premier title in Spain, with maybe a Champions League on the horizon in 2013. Not a bad start for the career. FIFA 13 Rating - 81

32. Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)

The importance of Schweinsteiger to Bayern Munich cannot be overstated, as his constant influence in the centre of midfield has a commanding presence on any game he features. His calm under pressure penalty against Real Madrid sealed Bayern Munich's place in the Champions League Final, and his regular perfomances are pushing the team towards the title. Maybe he can help make up for last years disappointment in Europe also. FIFA 13 Rating - 86

31. Lukasz Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund)

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Another member of the Borussia Dortmund side that stormed to the title, Piszczek was effective in providing a sturdy defence to allow the strikers to take all the headlines. With a defender, you just want somebody that gets the ball away from the goal, and Piszczek fits that bill perfectly, as a sturdy centre-back for both his club and at international level for Poland. FIFA 13 Rating - 82