The year is about to end, and many leagues have already started their winter break. It calls for the much-awaited ranking of the calendar year.
10. Cole Palmer
2024 was Cole Palmer’s breakout year, with his move to Chelsea proving crucial to his development. The Blues struggled to find a system fitting all the stars purchased by Todd Boehly and eventually switched coaches to Enzo Maresca’s profit.
Cole Palmer has created the most chances in the Premier League this season – 47 and counting 📈 pic.twitter.com/S6ygxwYbb4
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 23, 2024
It’s challenging to navigate a mess with so much instability around the club, but Palmer’s year warrants him a spot in our top ten. He’s been the team’s best chance creator since his arrival while frequently switching partners due to injuries or rotations. He also reached the EURO 2024 Final as a substitute in the last 20 minutes.
9. Lamine Yamal
When Lamine Yamal started featuring with the first team under Xavi, he was already hyped as one of the best talents in La Masia. Few understood how good he is until this year when he was awarded the Kopa Trophy. He was key to Spain’s EURO 2024 victory but is, at 17 years old, one of the best wingers in the world.
— Lamine Yamal 🇪🇸 (@Lamineeyamal__) December 14, 2024
The difference between Barcelona’s performance with and without him is noticeable, as he has become the team’s most important creator in the final third. Unfortunately, he suffered a few minor injuries due to the club’s carelessness regarding his playing time. This explains why he isn’t higher on the list.
8. Virgil Van Dijk
Virgil Van Dijk often makes the Top Ten of our rankings because of how crucial he is to Liverpool’s defence. The Dutchman has kept his composure throughout the year and is one of the most consistent defenders. He shows no signs of weakness and has adapted well to Arne Slot’s new demands.
Virgil van Dijk responds to whether Liverpool can win the quadruple 🏆 pic.twitter.com/xMZzjB0Ctt
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 23, 2024
For many defenders, the system matters the most; a coaching change often signals the end of their Golden Era. This doesn’t seem to be the case for Van Dijk, who delays his opponents until his team can regroup
7. Nicoló Barella
Unlike Cole Palmer, 2024 wasn’t Barella’s breakout year. However, he must be mentioned as a key factor in Inter’s rise under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi. His club remains one of the most complete this season, and a big part is thanks to Nicoló Barella. The midfielder helps his teammates in the build-up and is flexible enough to initiate it through slow build-ups or quicker transitions.
6. Jamal Musiala
He’s a top talent in Germany and has lived up to expectations this year. Jamal’s development has been smooth despite a chaotic year. During the sacking of Thomas Tuchel, he established himself as one of the best forwards, excelling in scoring and dribbling while improving his physical game. It’s rare for forwards his age to dominate in duels, a rarity that makes him stand out.
5. Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Jr. finished second in the Ballon d’Or rankings but was unhappy with the result. This was one of the controversies of the year, highlighting the high standards of his camp. He was Real Madrid’s key attacking player, excluding Jude Bellingham, developing his skills as a goalscorer.
Despite being better than some other players on the list, his injuries and lack of notable performances explain why he isn’t ranked higher.
4. Harry Kane
The Englishman successfully transferred to Bayern Munich after refusing to renew his contract with Tottenham Hotspur. He found a welcoming environment, enjoying excellent services from talented teammates like Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané.
Means a lot to be able to thank some of the fans who have made me feel so welcome at the club. And to all the Bayern fans whose support is always unreal home and away. #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/0yGYpiE5ed
— Harry Kane (@HKane) December 15, 2024
He eventually became the most prolific goalscorer in Europe’s top five leagues, warranting him a place in this ranking. It’s also noticeable that he has adapted well to the local culture, a challenge that many English players face.
3. Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann might not be the youngest anymore, but Atlético de Madrid still depend on his offensive output to score goals. He stepped down from the French national team in September to focus on his club instead.
Antoine Griezmann is such an underrated baller 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ud9PoUzmbC
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) December 21, 2024
It hasn’t been his best year, but his contribution to Diego Simeone’s team cannot be overstated. The Argentine head coach still relies on the Frenchman’s omnipresence to unlock defences in the final third. At the age of 33, that’s more than impressive, given the physical demands of Simeone.
2. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah’s brilliance isn’t news to Liverpool fans, but he’s maintained his level even as many doubted him due to his age. He’s the team’s number one creative outlet and goalscorer, and he’s kept this for the 24/25 season.
He has scored 15 goals and 11 assists in 16 games, making him the most productive player in the Premier League this season. This is even more impressive, considering Salah is still awaiting a contract renewal.
Not just a great goalscorer 😉
Mohamed Salah enters the top 10 for all-time assists, tied with David Beckham in 10th! pic.twitter.com/K8VYGvGJgi
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 23, 2024
The club, however, is hesitant to grant it due to his high wages. He’s already 32, which is why Liverpool have thought twice about it.
Salah hasn’t been affected by Arne Slot’s arrival, as he continues to embrace his role as the team’s attacking leader.
1. Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham makes a strong case for one of the best adaptations by a youngster at Real Madrid, arguably the most demanding club on the planet. The Englishman has been the team’s top goalscorer and creator in the Champions League and La Liga. This is even more impressive, considering he isn’t a pure forward.
Stop that Jude Bellingham. pic.twitter.com/ehJHRBro7E
— Stop That Football (@stopthatfooty) December 23, 2024
He’s been deployed deeper this season to replace Toni Kroos, which hasn’t affected his performances this season. It took him a while to get used to it, but he eventually came back to his former self in December. His omnipresence is key in a team that struggles out of possession, but his leadership helps compensate for these shortcomings.
