Who is the World's Best? Candidate 3

Wesley Sneijder: Similar style to fellow Dutch player, Van der Vaart, Sneijder is yet another player who does not possess the athleticism and physical attributes that most players have, but again, like Xavi, Van der Vaart, and Iniesta, he is a highly intelligent technical player, who can also strike the ball solidly from any position. Real Madrid’s designated freekick taker, Sneijder is deadly anywhere inside or around the box no matter how far he is from the target. To come into Spain’s La Liga and win the player of the year during his first year is nothing short of spectacular, especially coming from an ‘inferior league’ like the Erdivisie. Sneijder is also a great team player that sacrifices himself defensively, making him a complete player. Sneijder’s diligent work rate with his national team and club combined with his innate talent has transformed him into the star he is today.

A preseason injury has kept one of the best players in the world sidelined this season so far. Much is expected of the Dutch maestro when he returns to the Real line-up alongside fellow Holland teammate, Van der Vaart. Sneijder is another of those players who lacks a real weakness worth noting, though his injury could prove to be costly for his great progress.