Making player rankings is one of the best ways to have fun as a sports fan. There are so many superstar players, but that mere fact is never enough – we need to know who’s the best.

They’re controversial, too, which is part of the fun. Unlike team standings, player rankings come with a fair degree of subjectivity, no matter what the stats say. And in any case, the best part about rankings is arguing over your favourite players.

Sometimes it’s easy. Few will dispute that Manchester United‘s David de Gea has been the best goalkeeper in Europe this season, or Kevin de Bruyne the best midfielder.

Then, of course, you have debates like Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi, and, sometimes, a third player who’s inserted himself into that conversation with a stunning season. This year, the competition comes via a truly special season from Mohamed Salah.

Current Ballon d’Or odds have Ronaldo and Salah as joint-favourites ahead of Messi. Handily enough, the two are set to play each other in the Champions League final next Saturday – although in a World Cup year, that may not be decisive.

We don’t have to worry about the World Cup, at least not yet. With the European season drawing to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the best performers of the year.

Without further ado, here are our rankings of the top ten players across six positions in Europe’s top five leagues – with all the usual obvious names, surprise picks, talking points, and plenty of scope for debate.

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Rankings

Goalkeepers
Centre-backs
Full-backs
Central midfielders
Attacking midfielders
Forwards