Top 5 Goalkeepers:
1. Iker Casillas (Spain, Real Madrid): The best goalkeeper in the world. He has proven himself time and time again for Spain and was the reason they won the World Cup. In each Knockout Round game he maintained a shutout, having a stellar game against Paraguay stopping a PK and also a great game in the finals against Netherlands, stopping two Arjen Robben breakaways. However, his reign as the top goalkeeper may be challenged by the number 2 man.
2. Manuel Neuer (Germany, Bayern Munich): He (along with Wosjiach Szczesny) is the up and coming goalkeeper. He's 23 years old and already has made a name for himself. In the Euro 2012 Qualifying tournament, he only gave up 7 goals in 10 games. His recent transfer from FC Schalke to Bayern Munich will also help him grow into the best goalkeeper in the world.
3. Joe Hart (England, Manchester City): England was stupid not to pick him as the goalkeeper for the 2010 World Cup. Because of him, Manchester City had the most clean sheets in the 2010-2011 Premier League season. He also proved himself in the recent English win over Spain on Saturday. He is the competent goalie that England need in order to challenge for the title in 2014.
4. Victor Valdes (Spain, FC Barcelona): Number 4 in the world and he's the backup goalie for Spain. Victor Valdes provides security for the defense on an offensive, possessive Barcelona team. Maybe he's number 4 because of all the titles Barcelona have won but no matter. There isn't any reason why Valdes shouldn't be up here.
5. Petr Cech (Czech Republic, Chelsea): Despite his recent poor form, Petr Cech deserves to be considered as one of the top goalkeepers in the world mainly because only 5 or so years ago he was the best in the world. His lack of quality I believe is coming from his age. He is showing a lack of awareness and has not proven that he can guard his near post. If his form doesn't improve, he will be ousted from this list.
Honorable Mention: Marten Stekelenburg, Tim Howard, Pepe Reina, Brad Friedel, David de Gea, Wosjiach Szczesny, Shay Given, Julio Cesar
Top 5 Defenders:
1. Nemanja Vidic (Serbia, Manchester United): He recently came back from an injury but is still the best defender in the world. He provides strength in a young (other than Rio Ferdinand) Manchester United back line. He is a great marker and rarely lets any big through balls come through the center.
2. Gerard Pique (Spain, FC Barcelona): He's a big strong defender that trucks through every striker that comes toward goal. He is great in the air and doesn't allow shots to come in. He is a true, all around defender.
3. Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid): He's fast on the wing and shows great vision. He also is a great crosser. It was he who crossed the ball to Carlos Puyol in the World Cup semifinal against Germany. As great a defender as he is though, he needs improvement on his hairstyle.
4. Carlos Puyol (Spain, FC Barcelona): He may be getting old but he's great in the air and can still play for the best club and international team in the world. Carlos Puyol doesn't make mistakes but is at number 4 because of his age. He won't be playing in the next World Cup so Spain will need to find a replacement that can fill his great boots.
5. John Terry (England, Chelsea): Despite recent setbacks (Slipping to allow a goal against Arsenal, racial slurs against Anton Ferdinand) John Terry can still play excellent defense. He can also score goals and has done so this season. His man marking needs improvement but his overall skill is fantastic.
Honorable Mention: Phillip Lahm, Thomas Vermaelen, Pepe, Thiago Silva, Vincent Kompany, Ashley Cole, Leighton Baines
Top 5 Midfielders:
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona): He's the best player in the world and is only 23 years old. He's won almost any title you could think of, all he needs is a World Cup title to show that he truly is the best ever and that his name can be considered with Pele, Diego Maradona, Beckenbauer, Zidane... etc. He's strong on the ball, he's fast and is a great dribbler. He can score a goal from anywhere.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid): He's the second best player in the world. He scored more goals than Messi last year yet he can't seem to get a title with Real Madrid. He wants that Champions League title yet Barcelona won't give in. Cristiano Ronaldo is fast and has great skill. Other than he, no one can challenge Messi as the greatest in the world.
3. Mesut Ozil (Germany, Real Madrid): He's going to be a superstar. He has shown tremendous vision and skill on the ball. Many people who follow soccer in the USA know enough about European soccer yet when I ask them about Mesut Ozil they don't know who I'm talking about. He isn't recognized as much as he should be. He is one of the best midfielders in the world.
4. Cesc Fabregas (Spain, FC Barcelona): He provides depth in the Central Midfield position for Barcelona. He has great vision and can push himself into the race for one of the greatest in the world after his recent transfer from Arsenal to Barcelona. He's young and talented and will keep Barcelona strong when Xavi retires.
5. David Silva (Spain, Manchester City): Best midfielder in the Premier League. He's strong on the ball, he can shoot, and he has great vision. Without him, Manchester City would not be atop the Premier League.
Honorable Mention: Nani, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Samir Nasri, Frank Lampard, Juan Mata, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Wesley Sneijder, Thomas Muller, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lukas Pudolski, Rafael Van der Vaart
Top 5 Strikers:
1. Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United): He has been good this year but has undergone a little bit of a dry-spell. He hasn't scored in a couple of games but he still shows that he controls the tempo of the game for Manchester United. Recently he's also switched from a striker position to a Central Midfield player. He's strong and great in the air as well. Don't expect him to stay at number 1 too long though, the race for the top striker is wide open amongst the top 3.
2. David Villa (Spain, FC Barcelona): Tied for top scorer in the World Cup he has shown to be a pest for defenders. He causes defensive mistakes and capitalizes on his chances. He has proven to be extremely useful along side Messi.
3. Robin Van Persie (Netherlands, Arsenal): 11 goals already in the Premier League this season. He didn't have a particularly strong start but now he's in spectacular form. He could be number 1 on this list very shortly.
4. Luis Suarez (Uruguay, Liverpool): Great striker. As much of a cheater he is (hand ball save against Ghana in extra time in World Cup quarterfinal) he can score goals an set up goals. He's fast and has great awareness of what's going on in the game.
5. Antonio Di Natale (Italy, Udinese): He's fast and can score. His experience brings success to Udinese and is the reason why they are in 2nd place in Serie A.
Honorable Mention: Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Kareem Benzema, Mario Gomez, Guiseppe Rossi, Chicharito, Samuel Eto'o
