Vini Jr with a stunning display at Anfield. Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Five best players in the world right now: Does Messi make the cut?
Is Lionel Messi one of the top five best players in the world right now? Let’s have a look at the contenders.
Vini Jr with a stunning display at Anfield. Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
On current form, would you include Lionel Messi as one of the top five best players in the world right now? We’ve had a look at the contenders.
Here they are in no particular order. Also please remember that this is the opinion of the author and not The South African as a whole.
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Five best players in the world right now: Is Messi there?
🇧🇷 Vinícius Junior
The best players come alive on the big stages, and Vini Jr came to the party at Anfield for Real Madrid last night in a big way. He scored the winner in last season’s UEFA Champions League final and looks determined to take his team deep in the tournament again after his stunning brace against the reds. He’s still only 22 but already one of the most scintillating match-winners on the planet.
🇳🇬 Victor Osimhen
Nigeria’s Super Eagle is flying for Napoli. He’s leading the way in the Serie A scoring charts and scored last night against Eintracht Frankfurt. He has 18 strikes in 19 Italian top-flight appearances this term, and every single club in Europe wants him. Napoli have him, for now.
🇬🇪 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
If you’re struggling with the pronunciation of that surname, just call him Kvaradona. The Napoli fans do. This 22-year-old Georgian has exploded onto the scene this season. Kvaratskhelia is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world right now. Alongside Osimhen, he’s steering Napoli to their first Scudetto triumph since 1990 when Diego Maradona was the star. Kvaradona has 10 goals and 11 assists in Serie A, as well as two goals and 4 assists in the UCL. This guy is a stunning footballer.
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🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé
The PSG superstar directly contributed to 72 goals in 2022 (55 goals and 17 assists in 55 matches) which is seven more contributions than Lionel Messi, who was second in that metric. It’s a matter of time before this guy wins the Ballon d’Or, but will he do so as a Real Madrid player?
🏴 Marcus Rashford
Red-hot Marcus Rashford has 31 direct goal contributions this season. His tally of 24 goals across all competitions will certainly grow, and his form at Old Trafford has been particularly impressive. The 25-year-old has scored in each of his last seven Premier League home games; only two Manchester United players have scored in more consecutive appearances at Old Trafford in the competition – Wayne Rooney (eight between December 2009-March 2010) and Cristiano Ronaldo (10 between March-November 2008).
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So no, Messi doesn’t make the cut right now. He’s still the greatest player that ever lived though, so he’s probably okay with it. Leo, if you’re reading this, I loved your free-kick against Lille the other night. Also, just three more strikes until the great man reaches 800 career goals. Astonishing.
For more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game, hit up James Freemantle.
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