Top 10 active footballers apart from Ronaldo and Messi
Every generation in the beautiful game has seen a bunch of world-class footballers battle it out for the crown of the best player of the era in which they play. However, for the past decade, the story has been starkly different compared to the glorious past of football.
Talking about the current age, two names have eclipsed every player as the greatest of their generation. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's combined exploits have left the world in awe for almost a decade. They are considered to be on a level above all others, thanks to the countless records and trophies under their belt.
But, their spectacular displays on the pitch have overshadowed many footballers in the last decade.
So, who can make it as the best player if Ronaldo and Messi are exempted from the competition? Let's have a look.
NOTE: To mention a few things, retired players don't make this list because they haven't been active for all the ten years mentioned above.
Disclaimer: This piece strictly reflects only the writer's opinion and not necessarily the website's.
#10 Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Sergio Aguero could have joined any of the bigshots when he decided to walk out of Atletico Madrid as a striker who continued their tradition of producing world-class marksmen. However, the Argentinian will certainly be pleased with his choice, when he became Manchester City's all-time leading goalscorer in November this year.
Remember that super important goal against Queens Park Rangers in the dying minutes of the title-decider? Aguero just showed the way to inflict hell upon their bitter-rivals as City clinched their first-ever Premier League title. And no doubt, that memory will remain the most cherished one in the hearts of the City supporters.
Needless to say, the clinical forward has a lion's share in Manchester City's race to be counted amongst the big clubs in world football. After all, it does take a worthy striker to do justice when players like David Silva and Yaya Toure feed you the passes for goals. And the Citizens have chosen the right man as their spearhead.
The clever no.10 boasts silky dribbling skills, strength, technique, pace, positioning and above all, world-class finishing abilities. He might not have a chunk of trophies to boast about, but Sergio Aguero has everything on an individual level to be counted amongst the best strikers of the decade.
However, on the international stage, it remains quite a mystery how Argentina have failed to win major trophies with the likes of Aguero, Messi and Di Maria in their lineup. El Kun will be one of the players to watch in Argentina's endeavours to win the most coveted title next year.