How it works
The formula for this list is based on three main strands:
Ability
This is the effective ‘control’ for the list. Every player is given a mark out of 20 for his current ability. As the pre-eminent player in the world and a forward with unparalleled control of the ball, for example, Leo Messi was awarded the maximum mark. Essentially, he is the bar.
Although such a figure may appear arbitrary, too, we have attempted to judge it based on Opta stats, scouting reports, the opinions of respected coaches and pundits and a host of other figures to provide as accurate an analysis as possible.
What’s more, we have attempted to ensure that every rating is position-relevant. For example, a top defender isn’t overly punished in this sense for not having the dribbling ability that Messu does because he doesn’t require it to the same degree.
Club form
Essentially, how well a player applied his ability over the course of the 2010-11 season. A rating is awarded out of 20 for overall performance.
To give an example, Cristiano Ronaldo’s displays throughout the season were the equal of Leo Messi’s. Except for the fact that they didn’t translate into the top trophies. For all the goals he scored and all of his contributions that made Real Madrid so competitive, the end result that it was all for nought ensure he is denied a perfect mark. But his exceptional performances are still recognised with an 18.
Once again, we have attempted to judge it based on Opta stats, scouting reports, the opinions of respected coaches and pundits and a host of other figures to provide as accurate an analysis as possible.
International form
Almost the exact same as club form. The only difference is that some players clearly had much more extensive international seasons than others. You can’t, for example, compare a Copa America campaign to three European qualification games. As such, the weighting of this list is dependent on how many games a player was actually available for and involved in. The maximum is a Copa America, with 10.
Final mark
These three ratings are then added together and divided by the maximum number possible in order to get a percentage. So, for example, Alexis Sanchez received a final figure of 82 for accumulating 39 out of a possible 50.
Had Messi, by contrast, been instrumental in ensuring Argentina won a Copa America, then it was quite likely he would have received almost 100%. That, after all, would represent an almost perfect season and an absolute maximisation of his ability.
One final caveat: it is highly unlikely you’re going to agree with every part of this list. And we, of course, accept it is far from definitive. As ever, it is only intended to stimulate debate. And we hope you engage in it. Thanks again.