Ultimately, the game of football is all about the joy that comes attached to it. The exaltation that comes with beating a defender or lobbing a keeper is the kind of thing that keeps us wanting to come back for more.
Although football is a team game and the importance of passing is stressed quite often, fans will always cheer for a show of skill. Some of the most skilled players in the history of the sport are also some of its most popular ones.
Players like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, and Zinedine Zidane are a few great examples of it. Without further ado, let's take a look at the five most skilled players in football right now.
#5 Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Vinicius Junior is one of the most exciting forwards in the game right now. He possesses oodles of that 'samba' flair we've come to associate with Brazilian attackers and is a nightmare to defend against.
At first, Vinicius seemed to just be a flashy player who had a lot of tricks up his sleeve. But once he polished the technical aspects of his game, he became a force to be reckoned with down the left wing.
Vinicius has become a crucial player for both club and country and it is likely to stay that way. He invites defenders to make challenges before bursting past them with his deft and exquisite touches. The 23-year-old is also incredibly quick and is very hard to keep pace with.
#4 Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle United)
Allan Saint-Maximin is an absolute maverick of a forward. If the quality of his final product was at par with that of his inventiveness with the ball at his feet, the Frenchman would be among the best in the world.
Saint-Maximin's trickery has often proven to be a handful to deal with for defenders. The 25-year-old tormenting defenders with his stepovers, roulette, and chops is a common sight in the Premier League.
His involvement has been limited due to injuries this season but Saint-Maximin is expected to take his game to the next level under Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.
#3 Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)
It's not very common for a footballer to be absolutely world-class at dribbling with either foot. Ousmane Dembele is an ambipedal attacker who is simply as unconventionally effective a forward as any we've seen in recent times.
Dembele is extremely agile and quick, and his directness and technical proficiency make him a dangerous player in the final third. He always keeps the defenders guessing as it's nearly impossible to predict which way he is going to go as he is comfortable with both feet.
Dembele is among the best dribblers we've seen in recent times and ball progression is in fact one of the most crucial aspects of his game.
#2 Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Lionel Messi doesn't need to rely on elaborate and flashy tricks to leave an entire unit of defenders in his wake. It's almost as though Messi does not understand showboating.
All he needs to do to get the better of defenders is drop a shoulder or take a few quick and deft touches on the ball just to swipe it away from the opponent in the nick of time. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is one of the best dribblers in the history of the sport.
It's rare to see Messi do a stepover. But he is an expert at pulling off 'La Croqueta', a move popularized by his former teammate and legendary midfielder Andres Iniesta. He simply shifts the ball from one foot to the other to evade a tackle and beat a defender.
#1 Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
Messi's club teammate Neymar has got to be the most skilled footballer on the planet. Watching him take defenders on and ghost them is an absolute treat. He is always up to something when he gets on the ball and seems to share an unmatched relationship with it.
Neymar's skillset is replete with roulettes, stepovers, rainbows, flip-flaps, chops, and even rainbows. He is one of the most effective dribblers we've seen in the 21st century and is also one of the best forwards in the game.
Neymar has got fans all over the globe thanks to his exquisite skills and ability to do incredible things with the ball at his feet.
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As a football enthusiast with a deep understanding of the game and its players, I can confidently attest to the expertise required to evaluate and appreciate the skills mentioned in the article. My extensive knowledge spans the history of football, including the players, their techniques, and the evolution of the sport.
The article highlights the joy and exaltation associated with football, emphasizing the individual skills of players in a team-oriented game. The mention of players like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, and Zinedine Zidane as historical examples of skillful players aligns with the recognition of individual brilliance within the broader team context.
Now, let's delve into the information related to the five most skilled players mentioned in the article:
5. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Vinicius Junior is praised for his exciting style of play, often characterized by 'samba' flair associated with Brazilian attackers. The article acknowledges his evolution from a flashy player with tricks to a technically polished force on the left wing. Vinicius is described as inviting defenders to make challenges before using his deft touches and speed to burst past them.
4. Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle United)
Allan Saint-Maximin is portrayed as a maverick forward with exceptional inventiveness. While his final product quality is noted to be a potential area for improvement, his trickery with stepovers, roulette, and chops is highlighted. Despite injuries limiting his involvement in the current season, Saint-Maximin is expected to elevate his game under the management of Eddie Howe.
3. Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)
Ousmane Dembele is recognized for his ambipedal attacking style, excelling at dribbling with either foot. Described as extremely agile and quick, Dembele's directness and technical proficiency make him a formidable player in the final third. His ability to keep defenders guessing due to his comfort with both feet is emphasized.
2. Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Lionel Messi, a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, is portrayed as a player who doesn't rely on elaborate tricks but possesses unmatched dribbling skills. His signature move, 'La Croqueta,' popularized by former teammate Andres Iniesta, is highlighted. Messi's ability to navigate past defenders with subtle touches and shoulder drops is acknowledged.
1. Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
Neymar is hailed as the most skilled footballer on the planet. His skillset is described as rich with a variety of moves, including roulettes, stepovers, rainbows, flip-flaps, chops, and even rainbows. Neymar's effectiveness as a dribbler and forward is emphasized, earning him global admiration for his exquisite skills and ability to perform incredible feats with the ball.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the current top five skilled football players, highlighting their unique styles, strengths, and contributions to the game.
