10. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
The Spanish defender provided one of the notable moments of the season, displaying immense character in a high-pressure situation when he chipped his penalty for Spain in the Euro Championship semi-final. However, his performances throughout the season are what earns his place on the list. With his central defensive partner Pepe, the two are often prone to getting dismissed from the field, he contributed to Real Madrid's La Liga triumph with the most balls recovered in the competition. Ramos competed in 51 games across that particular season, alongside his international commitments, and this clearly illustrates his importance as a player and the consistency he shows whenever called upon for club and country.
FIFA 13 Rating - 87
9. Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund)
A well-fancied striker in Europe, Lewandowski was leading Borussia Dortmund's charge to the Bundesliga title, scoring 30 goals in 47 games across all competitions in the 2011/12 season, and his prowess in the box has recently caught the eye of Man Utd (though why they'd want another striker is beyond me). A tall and powerful player, his quality finishing was best demonstrated in the final of the DFB-Pokal, where he scored a hattrick against the force of Bayern Munich. He has continued his goalscoring feats in the current season, with another 17 to add to his collection, and with the growing popularity of the Bundesliga and its showcasing of fantastic players, it is no wonder Lewandowski is one of the players capturing the wandering eye of Europe's top clubs.
FIFA 13 Rating - 83
8. Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
If a team goes an entire league season without being bested, it can be assured that they have a sturdy defence. Giorgio Chiellini is a case in point. With the club's successful transition to a three-man defence, Juventus were immensely determined at the back to ensure that the goals were not lost. The current vice-captain of the champions, he is immensely popular amongst the fans for his consistently impressive performances, and will put his body on the line to defend his goalkeeper from having to work. Also winning a medal in the Coppa Italia, his performances continued to show quality in his international performances. The tight Italian defence propelled them into the Euro Championship Final, with Chiellini receiving rave reviews for his rugged defending within the competition.
FIFA 13 Rating - 84
7. David Silva (Manchester City)
It is difficult to imagine a more naturally talented player than David Silva. A player that was once considered to small and fragile to compete in the harsh Premier League, his short stature is no weakness when one considers the frenzy he can cause the opposition defenders. Not only winning the Premier League title with Manchester City in a season in which he played 49 games, his major contributions were in Spain's run to the Euro Championship. Silva featured in all six of the Spaniards' games, displaying the best efficiency of any player at the tournament with his combined goals and assists. Aptly named as part of its Team of the Tournament, he has a trophy cabinet that would make any player jealous, and will certainly continue to revel in that success in the future.
FIFA 13 Rating - 88
6. Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona)
A player consistently found at the top end of these lists throughout most of his career, Xavi is an integral component of the imperious Barcelona side that leave the rest of the teams in La Liga and most of Europe in the dust. Since the 2006/07 season, he has featured in over 50 games a season for the club, and continues to show immense consistency in his passing, precision, composure and goalscoring. Xavi scored the most goals he has ever contributed in a Barcelona shirt in 2012, as well as his usual fair share of assists. Barcelona fans can always rest assure that if the ball is at Xavi's feet, then there is zero chance of it soon being in the possession of the opposition. While his club status is certainly immense, his international form was also spectacular, as with Spain's victory at Euro 2012 he became the most decorated Spanish footballer in history, and he celebrated being the first player to provide assists in two Euro Championship finals. For non-Barcelona fans, the sooner he hangs up his boots, the better. http://youtu.be/m_WqHnnwcbo
FIFA 13 Rating - 90