At the beginning of last week, Lionel Messi received his 8th “Golden Ball,” controversially surpassing Erling Haaland.
This immediately sparked discussions about whether the “Manchester City” forward can take his next year. Making predictions about the “Ballon d’Or” 2024 is too early – there is still a long way to go, including the decisive stages of the Champions League. And the Euro 2024, which will fall within the time frame of the award and will, accordingly, have great significance.
However, it’s not too early to compile an interim ranking, determining the best players at the start of the 2023/24 season. The criteria are both objective (e.g., performance) and subjective (impact on the team, outstanding play, leadership qualities, and more). Remember that you can place bets on football matches in all top leagues (and not only) on the Mostbet App.
- James Maddison (“Tottenham”)
Probably, a very unexpected choice for the top 6. An unpopular opinion, but the sensational rise of “Tottenham” to the top of the table is primarily the merit of newcomer Maddison (among the players).
Not Son, who is the top scorer, not defenders who look reliable, not the midfield with Sarr and Bissouma. It is James who drives almost all the attacks and controls the rhythm.
- Kylian Mbappe (“PSG”)
Mbappe has had a somewhat controversial position. In the summer, there was a conflict with the club’s management and suspension due to his unwillingness to renew his contract, and then after a powerful comeback, there was an unsuccessful series – poor performances in key matches against “Marseille” (came on as a substitute) and “Newcastle” (4-1 defeat).
However, Kylian bounced back in October. In 5 matches, he scored 7+2, including a decisive brace for the French national team against the Netherlands, which secured their place in Euro 2024. Plus, a goal for Milan in the Champions League.
In total, he has 12 goals in the 2023/24 campaign, but that’s not the main thing. You might be surprised, but Mbappe has excellent creativity stats. In the leading European leagues, he is in the top 5 for key and deep passes, as well as third for xG+xA.
At the same time, it’s essential not to forget about the low level of competition in the French league for PSG – despite all the controversy of this statement, it leaves an impression on Kylian’s performances.
- Erling Haaland (“Manchester City”)
Yes, only fourth. Perhaps the difference between “expectations” and “reality” plays a role, considering his incredible previous season.
The start of the new campaign hasn’t been as stable for Haaland; he alternates top performances with mediocre ones. However, he still maintains his status as one of the most efficient strikers in the world.
It’s hard to argue with 13+3 in 16 games, considering that 13 (11+2) of those contributions came in 11 league matches against the toughest opposition.
On the other hand, doubts arise about the status of the best player due to Norway’s failure in the Euro 2024 qualification. The team lost the chance for direct qualification, and Haaland disappeared on the field in the crucial match against Spain.
- Harry Kane (“Bayern”)
If Kane’s absence at Tottenham doesn’t seem too noticeable, his presence at Bayern is quite the opposite. Munich finally got a specialized forward who knows how to convert created opportunities after selling Lewandowski.
Kane’s statistics are impressive, but if it weren’t for him, it would be nothing unusual in the Premier League – 15 goals in 10 matches. All this with xG 8.82 and 21 shots on goal.
Kane also plays well for his teammates – he’s 3rd in the league for through passes, 3rd for smart passes, 5th for key passes, and 1st (not alone) for assists (5). In the Champions League – 2+2 in three games.
2. Antoine Griezmann (“Atletico”)
32-year-old Griezmann is experiencing his third youth and the first radical transformation of Atletico. Under the guidance of Diego Simeone, who was on the verge of being fired last year, Madrid has radically changed its playing style, promoting attractive football, and Antoine is the key figure in this transformation.
The Frenchman is a true free artist, and the entire updated model is built around him. Firstly, he scores a lot – 9 goals in 12 matches, 7 of which in La Liga (including one against Real). Secondly, having full freedom, Griezmann still regularly drops deep to control the game. In other words, he does what he did in the French national team during the 2022 World Cup.
- Jude Bellingham (“Real”)
Do I need comments here? The 20-year-old Bellingham breaks records one after another: he scores (13 goals in 14 games), assists (3), and takes the initiative in the final third.
But the most important thing is that he pulls out difficult matches for Real:
- A brace against Barcelona and a comeback from 0-1. The winning goal was scored in stoppage time.
- 1+1 against Girona in the match for the first place in the table.
- 1+1 against Napoli (3:2).
- A winning goal against Union in the 90th minute.
- A winning goal against Getafe in the 90th minute.
- A winning goal against Celta in the 81st minute.