The man many thought was just another flighty wide player when City signed him became a relentless midfield presser under Guardiola, while crucially losing none of his skill and creativity. The modern goalkeeper isn't just there to stop shots. His record of seven goals and 16 assists in the Italian top flight belies his true influence: He is the conduit for his team's attack (a team that scored the most goals in the Italian top flight last season) and his form saw him named Serie A midfielder of the year. Neuer is one of the original "sweeper-keepers" and is not totally averse to rushes of blood; there have been lapses in form but they rarely last long, and the key theme in his career has been persistent excellence. He frustrates as often as he thrills, a view shared by his own Real Madrid teammates at times, as evidenced by Karim Benzema blasting Vinicius to another player while the Brazilian watched back in October. ESPN+ will be the new U.S. home for Germany’s Bundesliga as the result of a new multi-year agreement that will begin in August 2020. Hernandez scored six goals in Serie A last season, with Opta rating him as the best left-back in Italy. However, it's over only the past 12 months that he has really kicked on. Silva was not able to live up to his excellent 2018-19 campaign last season, but when on form, he remains one of Europe's most creative midfielders. PSG are a different side with pass-master Verratti in their midfield, and he's also playing a big role in the rejuvenation of the Italian national team under Roberto Mancini. Alba has been one of Barcelona's unsung heroes ever since moving from Valencia for €14 million in 2012. "I believe he could do Real Madrid," ex-Leipzig manager Ralf Rangnick said. The dynamic defender started all but one of Leicester's 29 Premier League matches before the pandemic, but we're still waiting to see him back in action. Alba has set up three goals this season under new coach Ronald Koeman. ESPN is a Sports Channel in West Indies and Caribbean countries, that live telecast sports programs such as Cricket, football, soccer, tennis, NFL, NBL and Golf. High point of 2020: A Premier League title, anyone? In three years at Anfield, he's gone from Premier League prospect to, quite simply, the best left-back in the world. While all great strikers have that ruthless determination to seize every scoring opportunity, the truly great are as adept at linking play as they are finishing it. The young Frenchman has been linked with just about every European giant after another strong season, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich reportedly at the front of the queue. Rashford has continued his campaign, working with Britain's biggest food companies to reduce poverty and starting a book club for kids, and is still in superlative form as the focal point of Manchester United's attack. Test your knowledge on this sports quiz and compare your score to others. The past year has not been a complete bed of roses for Messi -- Champions League heartbreak at Anfield, yet more Copa America misery with Argentina -- but he has been characteristically magisterial in Spain, winning a (club-record) 10th La Liga title, scoring a 600th Barcelona goal (and counting) and earning a (record-equalling) sixth Pichichi Trophy given to Spain's top scorer and a (record) sixth European Golden Shoe. His physical stature, speed, close control and style of play make the Lionel Messi comparisons inevitable, but with Salah, they don't feel out of place. Is. He might not share his Arsenal strike partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's blistering pace, but Lacazette possesses plenty of his own qualities, including remarkable physical strength, wonderfully soft feet, a strong work ethic and a vicious shot. Atletico Madrid found this out to their cost in last season's Champions League quarterfinals, when Leipzig quashed Diego Simeone's team's hopes of progressing. United's always reliable last line of defence would probably like to be called upon rather less often, and might often wonder whether it is high time he was back in the Champions League. My skills on the ball are also very good. His social media account is wonderfully personable, and his impression of the Road Runner in describing Alphonso Davies' pace was brilliant. Virtually every top side in Europe would love to sign Koulibaly, a colossus of a centre-back who was named Serie A's best defender last season. His absence due to an ACL injury has been a major challenge for the Foxes, who have missed Pereira's pace and poise on the flank. He also has established himself as one of the key men in the Argentine national team. ... ESPN FC 100. High point of 2020: Has played every minute for Barcelona in La Liga this season. Club/country: Juventus/Bosnia & Herzegovina. The former Argentina playmaker has led the Buenos Aires giants to two Copa Libertadores triumphs, and he can further cement his legacy when Los Millonarios defend their title against Flamengo in the 2019 final on Saturday. But when he has made it onto the pitch, he has repeatedly demonstrated that he remains an all-world talent in the game. Marcelo's reputation and history -- and Real Madrid's title win -- see him make this list even though, by his own standards, he had a disappointing year. But there are many reasons the best and wealthiest teams in the world want him. The Real Madrid talisman continues to be a polarising figure, but love him or hate him, he is a truly remarkable player. Around the penalty area, the striker is king. In double figures for both goals and assists in the 2020-21 season, Kane's last term -- his first under Jose Mourinho -- had been more about scoring goals than setting up. Play Fantasy Football for free on ESPN! Visit ESPN to get up-to-the-minute sports news coverage, scores, highlights and commentary for cricket, rugby, football, F1, kabaddi and more. His form early this season has dipped, with some speculation linking that swoon with a failed summer move to Manchester United, but there's no reason to think it's more than a temporary blip. Having won the Champions League and then the Premier League, Klopp's place is assured in the pantheon of Liverpool greats. If you speak to some pundits, they will identify Benfica's Alex Grimaldo as the natural successor to Jordi Alba in Barca's left-back slot. He has quickly become a key figure at the Etihad, purring in possession while putting his body on the line when required, and his absence leaves a gaping hole in the centre-back position. REMOVE ADS. Club/country: Paris Saint-Germain/Argentina. Conference: Bracketology » Hollinger Stats: Become an Insider to access ESPN.com's complete Men's College Basketball coverage, plus exclusive player grades, rankings and expert analysis. "Imagine the best teams in the world lose their best central defender. And his Real Madrid teammate Eden Hazard has also been impressed: "I've come across some fantastic defenders during my career, such as John Terry and Vincent Kompany. While Lionel Messi & Co. get the plaudits, Ter Stegen is as important as anyone in Ernesto Valverde's ranks. He has conquered England but has slipped a little this season given defeats to Norwich City and Liverpool as well as a home draw with Spurs. High point of 2020: Playing 35 games in the coronavirus-impacted La Liga season en route to the league title, his second since joining the club in 2013. FC 100: Liverpool, Bayern dominate, USMNT stars break into our annual ranking of soccer's best players, U.S. men's national team report card: Grading Pulisic, McKennie, Musah & Co. nearing end of season, Dortmund set Haaland fee at €180m; TikTok torment at Barcelona, Henry to quit social media; highlights racism, Premier League launches studies into heading, FIFA could sanction Mexico over anti-gay chant, Dest, Lletget lead USMNT in win over Jamaica, Lazio doctors banned over COVID test violations, Zlatan marks Sweden return with assist in win, Retiring player scores, proposed to in celebration, LIVE Transfer Talk: Juve want Rabiot, Ramsey exits to make room for Pogba, Erling Haaland for just $125,000? This blistering form has earned him contract extension talks, with Spurs expected to offer him around £200,000 a week ($266,000). Play ESPN's English Soccer Pick'em for FREE and make your picks. Having joined from relegated VfB Stuttgart in 2019, he provided the stability at right-back that allowed Joshua Kimmich to move into a permanent defensive midfield role. High point of 2020: His 93rd-minute assist for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in PSG's late comeback against Atalanta in the Champions League quarterfinal. At Milan, though, he's been a revelation. The Dutch centre-back completed his big-money, €75 million move to Juventus ahead of the 2019-20 campaign and, in doing so, followed in the footsteps of his idols, Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Cannavaro. Thiago turned heads this summer when he signed for Liverpool, but it wasn't the transfer that shocked people; rather, it was the fact that other elite teams across Europe didn't put up a fight to sign him instead. This term has proved to be a little rockier, with Liverpool suffering a monumental series of injury setbacks -- including losing the world's best defender, Virgil van Dijk, for the season -- but Klopp will still find a way to ensure Liverpool are in the mix to retain their title later in the season. Club/country: Wolverhampton Wanderers/Mexico. High point of 2020: He was instrumental in Bayern's first Champions League win since 2012-13, Jupp Heynckes' final season with the club. He could be the leading scorer in 2020 across Europe's biggest leagues, he'll soon overtake the all-time men's international goal record (he's seven shy of Ali Daei's 109), and he's averaged nearly a goal game for Portugal since he turned 30. Out of contract next year and resigned to a substitute's role thanks to the recent form of Mauro Icardi, in Paris on a season-long loan, Cavani's days at Parc des Princes might be numbered. High point of 2020: Bringing the league title back to the Bernabeu after several seasons of futility and frustration. Some aren't even left-footed, using their positional awareness to drift infield and be another central defender or midfielder if needed. Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images ; Trinity Rodman set to make her name in soccer "Moving forward, it's going to be nice to distinguish that yes, [Dennis] was a successful NBA player, but I am going to be a successful NWSL player." Expect him to soon replace Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal's leader too. High point of 2020: A Premier League hat trick against Brighton in July that proved he's more than just a winger and provider. He is humble to a fault despite being a key cog in the best club team of 2019, while his speed, recovery and defensive awareness add to what is fast becoming the complete package. Live Soccer TV - Programmes TV de Football, Streaming légal en direct, Résultats de foot en direct, Calendrier, Grilles, Résultats, Actualités, Bars et meilleurs moments des matchs He is an imperious, tough competitor in Godin's mould but perhaps more of an athlete, and quicker along the ground. A force in aerial duels and his side's intricate passing game, he pairs a superhuman work rate with positional intelligence in a demanding position. Instead, he remained at the club, put a release clause in his new deal and refined his game under Julian Nagelsmann before earning a move to Chelsea in the summer. "We have missed him a lot; he's the best left central defender in the world," City boss Pep Guardiola said of Laporte. Popular Quizzes Today. High point of 2020: A stunning long-range goal against Huesca in October 2020 suggested that better things could be just around the corner. ESPN Major League Soccer is a promotion of Major League Soccer on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN2. High point of 2020: Scoring in 11 straight Europa League games -- a new record -- as Inter finished runners-up in the competition. Ask Leicester and Chelsea how they feel: He won the Premier League title in back-to-back seasons with these two teams. His boundless reserves of energy are a perfect fit for Julen Lopetegui's exhausting, all-action brand of football. High point of 2020: A classy hat trick against RB Leipzig in a 5-0 Champions League group-stage win on Oct. 28. Despite questions over his form -- he still ranks fourth in Europe's big five leagues for aerial defensive duels won this season -- he always fronts up, takes responsibility and seeks improvement. His goals and assists, including a diving header against Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16, were instrumental in taking PSG to the Champions League final, the closest they've ever been to reaching their dream of European glory. ESPN Fantasy Soccer promo; ESPN Fantasy Football. It was the bullying, crashing leap and finish of a gnarled veteran, but his defensive work is the main reason the Italians promptly signed him for €75 million in the summer. Arguably the best full-back in La Liga last season, Reguilon was a blur of constant movement on the left flank of Julen Lopetegui's Sevilla team as they cruised to a top-four league finish and won the Europa League. Even in a team full of elite performers that night, Gnabry stood out with a first-half goal and assist. High point of 2020: Some 11 years after first netting against Xerez on 20 September 2009, Benzema reached the landmark 250th goal for Madrid against Levante on Oct. 4. 6 Ole Miss will await the winners in the second round on Sunday, Nov. 17, which will also feature No. They play with the same relentlessness that always has been Klopp's trademark, but they have become tougher, smarter and more multifaceted this season. Fútbol. But that isn't fair to those engaged in the dark arts at the back. It's easy to see why: The 31-year-old finished last season like a runaway train, and he has picked up where he left off this campaign, with the undoubted highlight being his brilliant brace against former club Real Madrid in PSG's Champions League opener. For his performances on the pitch, his influence as the club's captain and his work with the #playerstogether initiative during the coronavirus lockdown, he's finally getting the respect his career has demanded. Tottenham kept pace in the race for the Champions League places, Carlos Vinicius and Harry Kane scoring in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa. It has been a strange 12 months for Walker, who has lost his England spot to Trent Alexander-Arnold and is out of favour with manager Gareth Southgate. Liverpool's long injury list this season, especially in central defense, means Alisson is more crucial to their hopes of retaining the title than ever. 11 Alabama at 7 p.m. High point of 2020: Early on in the season when the Wolves were out to secure their place in the Europa League, Jimenez chipped to the ball to Diogo Jota who converted with a scissor kick. How many can you name? He is an outstanding shot-stopper and gives a significant degree of confidence to a City defence that, badly depleted of late, has struggled to match its past two seasons of invincibility in the Premier League. A well-rounded player, he contributed an impressive eight goals to Dortmund's second-placed Bundesliga finish. ESPN will broadcast 22 games live, including the opening game and Final, in addition to all matches scheduled for 9am ET. High point of 2020: Finishing his final season at Bayern in style, with a domestic/European Treble and, most notably, his first Champions League winners' medal since he got one with Barcelona in 2010-11. Oh, and Pavard is also capable of putting in a shift at centre-back to further enhance Bayern's myriad options. $5.99/mo. ESPN has extended its ownership of the American Athletic Conference's global media rights in a 12-year deal from the 2020-21 season. 13 Florida vs. No. The Lyon side that reached the Champions League semifinal last season was brimming with talent, but the jewel in the Ligue 1 side's crown was undoubtedly Aouar. Soccer. You have to pinch yourself that the Slovenia international is still just 26. Said Antonio Conte of his striker back in October, "I always said in the past he was a rough diamond that I wanted to work with. Euro 2020 was postponed once due to COVID-19, but with the rescheduled tournament approaching in June, questions remain unanswered. Positional awareness, pinpoint crossing and breakneck pace separate the best from the rest. 100-62-1 (.617) Month Record: 100-62-1 (.617) Longest Winning Streak: 12 » Streak Breaker: Toronto Maple Leafs (Mar 6, 2021) Longest Losing Streak: 5 » Streak Breaker: (Streak in progress) Streak Length 1+ 3+ 5+ 10+ 15+ 20+ Winning Streaks: 19: 11: 4: 1: 0: 0: Losing Streaks: 29: 4: 2: 0: 0: 0: Round Pick History. At his best, Ederson can feel like an extra outfield player who also happens to be fantastic at stopping shots. The "classic" No. He has touched the ball more times than anyone else in the Foxes' side this season, no mean feat for a right-back in such a possession-focused team and a demonstration of how integral he is to all aspects of their approach. "I'm always on the prowl. They might even be favorites this season. Gab Marcotti explains how Jurgen Klopp beat Hansi Flick to the FC 100 best manager award. High point of 2020: Though Napoli finished second to Juventus again in the league, Koulibaly was superb in the Coppa Italia final as his side bested the league champions on penalties. High point of 2020: Scoring twice in the Champions League round of 16, first leg against Paris Saint-Germain. There are many forms too: the tough-tackler, box-to-box machine and the nimble playmaker. He's an integral part of Diego Simeone's first XI and has started and finished every match of the 2020-21 season. Juve's 2-0 win at Bologna in June was the match in which De Ligt really announced himself in Serie A. Not so long ago, he looked like a Manchester City reject, but since his move to Roma in 2017, he has gotten better, arguably the best left-back in Serie A at various points over the past three seasons. And he's 21 years old. Gasperini and Atalanta are the perfect footballing marriage of ideology, tactics and application. Into his sixth season at Juventus and soon to turn 30, he remains one of the most reliable performers in world football in his position. His next steps: helping City finally deliver in Europe and performing for England at Euro 2020. Sign up. With 23 of his 28 Bundesliga goals coming from open play and 21 of them scored in the box, he is not only a counterattacking threat, but also a player who can instinctively arrive in the box to finish moves. By the following August, Flick had guided Bayern Munich to 32 wins in 35 matches and to a remarkable triple of trophies as his team swept all before them to win the Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal. The government reversed its decision within a day. The young defender, who was originally a midfielder in the Liverpool academy, continues to define, and redefine, what full-back play can be in the modern game. In addition to streaming live games the ESPN App covers game scores highlights podcasts and it comes with a direct feed to listen to ESPN Radio. Probably the best and most decisive passer of the ball in the world, as well as a formidable physical presence, De Bruyne is part footballer, part act of God. What you admire most about him, perhaps, is his seemingly infinite self-belief. The German doesn't get as much attention in a team full of attacking superstars, but he plays a pivotal role in Ronald Koeman's plans as he looks to take Barcelona back to the top of La Liga. For now, his quality is evident when spelling Kyle Walker in the team. City eventually went for Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias, but Manchester United are also interested in the man who now has his sights on supplanting Raphael Varane and Dayot Upamecano with the France national team. Off the field, he faced criticism for public appearances with Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and faced a rape case in court that was ultimately dropped. It's hard to believe Mbappe is still so young. Euro 2020 was postponed once due to COVID-19, but with the rescheduled tournament approaching in June, questions remain unanswered. Mendy caught Real Madrid's eye last season, but he is a relatively understated player, a minor anomaly in a world where full-backs are usually most valued for their attacking. High point of 2020: Neatly summed up in his performance against Lyon in the final 16 of the Champions League when he battled on despite having his head cut open early in the match.