20. Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
If you are a German footballer with the surname Muller, there will always be a degree of expectation leering over you. Thomas Muller though has continued to thrive with both Bayern Munich and the German national team. Even in his attacking midfield role, he has this season averaged a goal every two games in all competitions, and has supplemented the striking options with great aplomb. Despite his tender years, he has made himself an everpresent for the biggest team in Germany, and will almost certainly be a regular for years to come.
FIFA 13 Rating - 84
19. Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
The predominant force in the City midfield, the better half of the Toure double act has been one of the greatest acquisitions in the club's rise to the top. Toure has the uncanny ability to stretch his legs and get from one side of the pitch to the other in a matter of seconds, and can then get back to retrieve the ball if the attack breaks down. His power at pace means he is immensely difficult to shake from the ball, and with the African Cup of Nations currently happening, Man City fans will be desperately hoping for the Ivory Coast's swift exit from the competition.
FIFA 13 Rating - 86
18. Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
A passing masterclass is the experience you get when you seen Xabi Alonso play. An undisputed selection choice in the Real Madrid side, Alonso was able to aid the team in breaking the Barcelona stranglehold over the title. His range and accuracy are immense, and requires constant defensive attention or he will split a team wide open or unleash a rocket of a shot into the top corner of the net. Hardly does one get to view a more reliable player in the centre of the pitch.
FIFA 13 Rating - 87
17. Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)
Often the unsung hero in the centre of the Barcelona and Spanish midfield, Sergio Busquets provides a service for the team perhaps more vital than most. Busquet's height and quick pressurising of the midfield means that teams cannot get at Barcelona and immediately are placed back on the defensive. His consistency allows the attacking waves of Barcelona to have free rule over the game, all safe in the knowledge that they will have plenty of opportunity to score with Busquets sitting just in front of the defence.
FIFA 13 Rating - 85
16. Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)
He may have the face of the Missing Link, but he has the fleeting feet of a graceful dancer. Gareth Bale has a well-established reputation for ghosting around full-backs as if they aren't even there, and still developing as a player he is already attracting the attention of some of Europe's most famous clubs. If there is one player who is vital to the future success of Tottenham Hotspur, it is Bale. His 2012 definitely has not been as imperious as his 2011, but he continues to lead Tottenham's hopeful drive towards the Champions League, and displayed his evident goalscoring prowess by scoring his first Premier League hattrick against Aston Villa.
FIFA 13 Rating - 86