Neymar has been officially confirmed as the third best footballer in the world according the FIFA 19 official ratings. But for a man who failed to impress at the World Cup in summer does he deserve to be considered as the third best, behind two of the greats in Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi?
One of the main contenders for his crown is Real Madrid and Croatian playmaker Luka Modric. The magician has had one of his best ever seasons, winning the Champions League with his club and then reaching an amazing World Cup final with Croatia, which nobody saw coming before the tournament.
Modric has certainly asserted himself as the best midfielder in world football in recent years, perhaps only challenged by Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, another player who could consider himself in the top three in world football. The Belgian played a big part in his countries run to the World Cup semi-finals where they lost to eventual champions France and was also the star man in Pep Guardiola’s team as they set a record points total in the Premier League, romping to the title.
Another player who many Premier League fans rate highly is Chelsea forward Eden Hazard. At 27-years-old he is now at his peak but he seems to struggle for consistency at Stamford Bridge despite his obvious talent. He must win some major trophies and put in some big performances against top teams to be considered the third best in the world.
Moving from attack to defence, Sergio Ramos can stake his claim for being up there after another impressive season. He is, without doubt, the best centre-back in the world and his competitiveness and heart, along with his goal scoring ability mean he is a serious contender to be the third best in the world. He captained Real Madrid to yet another Champions League success although they struggled in the league and Spain went out in the Last 16 of the World Cup to hosts Russia.
Liverpool fans will scream Mo Salah’s name after the wonder season he had under Jurgen Klopp and he was simply sensational last season but like Hazard, he must show the consistency to perform for more than one season. If he can repeat his personal success this year then he will be well in the top three.
However, as things stand there is only one person who should be in third to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Luka Modric has been the best midfielder in the world for the last five years and although Ronaldo may have stolen the headlines at Madrid with their three consecutive Champions League wins, those successes would not have been possible without Modric. The Croatian man deserves some credit for his recent performances and is, in our opinion, the third best player in the world.
Do you agree? Let us know @TheSportsman.
