They are two different players, Neymar is a winger/striker and Xavi is a central midfielder so obviously Neymar is better at dribbling, tricks, speed and scoring goals, but xavi is better at passing and a playmaker
In my personal view/preference I would say (in no particular order after the top spot): Messi Cristiano Iniesta Ozil Xavi
Sorry for taking too long to respond Exactly! When I said that you were too lazy to watch South American football it was actually general not only addressing you. Is it the players fault that Europeans somehow dominated the media and somehow brainwashed people into thinking that they only provide fans with top class football?! Which is clear in your responses below "How are people supposed to value individual performances in SA when the best players of the modern game play in Europe?" "No, I didn't watch that game. The difference in hype is because most of the World's eyes are on Europe and top European competitions. That is a fact, whether you like it or not, regardless if it is fair or not." Not really surprised with that, So you basically list the Brasileiro below the 2nd rate European leagues. So the country that lives and breathes football has a lower quality league than France! Right now I dont think so but before yes. For instance Riquelme in 2007 is imo was THE best player in THE world but wasn't even nominated in the top 5 for WPOY! Also Francescoli could have a claim in the mid 90's.
Messi CR Iniesta Xavi Robben Rooney Sneijder Ribery Eto Oezil Alonso Fabregas Schweinsteiger Mueller Guiseppe Rossi ...
1. Messi 2. Neymar 3. C.Ronaldo 4. Xavi 5. Iniesta And Neymar does belong is the TOP 5 today, people should stop saying he is ovverated, and he isnt another Robinho either. Neymar has surpassed Robinho's goal mark with 40 games less Robinho: 94 goals / 213 matches Neymar: 95 goals / 173 matches Look at the goal Neymar scored against Internacional a few weeks ago, no one in this world can score a goal like this except maybe Messi. This Neymar goal will probaly win the FIFA Puskas Award again [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isb5odk0I_Q"]NEYMAR another amazing goal (Santos 3x1 Internacional) LIBERTADORES DA AMÉRICA 2012 [14 - 031] - YouTube[/ame]
At this moment end of season: 1- Messi >= CR7 2- Ribery = Robben 3- Ibra = Van Persie Other deserve a mention: Gomez, Cavani, Rooney, Xavi, Pirlo, Yaya Toure, Aguero, Ozil, Benzama ...
WHat has Iniesta done so far this year to be on TOP5 ? He was playing as FW (sometimes false 9 and sometimes left FW) and had very poor stats in Liga and UCL - at least last half season
As I can see, many members of this forum are from United States, where many championships are not transmited by the national tv channels. One of the championships that i believe it's not transmited in the US is the Portuguese one, in which play's one of the best players of today's soccer: Hulk. The brazilian striker is, indeed, one of the best in the world, combining strength, kills, speed, agility, stamina and a powerful kick.
Basically agree with this - Iniesta was not so good as last season but I expect him to still be mentioned this time next year. Robben is still a massive figure on the pitch but seems to cut a frustrated figure right now. But I'm not sure who else deserves the 5th spot. I'd like to see the likes of Neymar and Hulk in a first class league for a season.
Top 10 Soccer players in the world toady 1. Lionel Messi 2. Cristiano Ronaldo 3. Xavi Hernandez 4. Andres Iniesta 5. Wayne Rooney 6. Robin Van Persie 7. Didier Drogba 8. Wesley Sneijder 9. David Villa 10. Maicon
1- Messi 2-Cristiano Ronaldo 3-Iniesta 4-Xavi 5-Van Persie 6-Rooney 7-Sneijder 8-Robben 9-Ribery 10-Ibrahimovic
1. Iniesta (if he scored more goals he would be much more rated by many many people) 2. Messi (there is no use in comments) 3. Cristiano Ronaldo (it is pity that he as player is much better than he as person) 4. Pirlo (I do not like italian football but he... he's something!) 5. Ibragimovich
In no particular order: Messi CR7 Iniesta Xavi Buffon (imo, he's the best GK) Others that I considered: Ibrahimovic, Pirlo, Rooney, and Van Persie.