Pierre AUBAMEYANG
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is undoubtedly one of the strongest and
quickest attacking players in the world right now. Capable of playing
across the front line, the 28-year-old consistently troubles opposition
defences regardless of whether he is playing out on the wing or at
centre-forward. The Gabon international proved that marksmanship is
another of his greatest assets by scoring 31 goals in 32 appearances for
Borussia Dortmund during the 2016/17 season. This achievement made him
the first Bundesliga player in 40 years to find the target more than 30
times in a single campaign, and only the fourth ever to do so after
Lothar Emmerich, Gerd Muller and Dieter Muller. Although BVB’s efforts
were only enough for them to end last season in third place, the striker
and his team-mates lifted the DFB Cup. Aubameyang is also Gabon’s
captain and all-time leading goalscorer.
Leonardo BONUCCI
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Thought of as one of the most imposing and technically-gifted central
defenders in world football, Leonardo Bonucci has been winning trophies
consistently throughout his career. 2017 was no different as his
leadership abilities went a long way in helping Juventus win an
astonishing sixth consecutive Serie A league title, a third consecutive
Coppa Italia trophy and earn a return to the UEFA Champions League
final. Bonucci forms an integral part of Italy’s efforts to qualify for
the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, and Gli Azzurri are on track
to qualify for a 13th straight world finals. Now wearing the black and
red stripes of AC Milan, Bonucci brings a high tactical awareness mixed
with a tenacious hunger to win every challenge each time he steps on to
the pitch.
Gianluigi BUFFON
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- Italy
- Italy’s most capped player in their history, Gianluigi Buffon is still at the top of his craft, leading from the back for Gli Azzurri and Juventus. His latest efforts saw him guide Juve to a record sixth consecutive Serie A title – his eighth with I Bianconeri
– which saw him equal the all-time record as the player with the most
Italian league title victories. He may be nearing the 40-year-old mark,
but that has not stopped the FIFA World Cup™ winner from stepping up his
game and setting new personal records, as his 600 minutes without
conceding in the UEFA Champions League last season would indicate.
Buffon leads both Italy and Juventus as captain, doing so with a
contagious passion and desire that has left him as one of the greatest
goalkeepers the game has seen.
Daniel CARVAJAL
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In his element anywhere along the right flank, Dani Carvajal is a
dogged defender who transforms into a speedy winger when the opportunity
to get forward arises. Still just 25, he has been a key figure in Real
Madrid's recent success and won his second FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA
Champions League last season, not to mention a first La Liga title. A
regular for Spain at every youth level, Carvajal is now a mainstay of
the La Roja squad who are battling to reach the 2018 FIFA World
Cup Russia™. This would be the talented right-back's first experience
of the global extravaganza.
CRISTIANO RONALDO
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The recipient of the inaugural The Best FIFA Men's Player Award in
January 2017 has undoubtedly done enough to be firmly in the running to
retain his title in London. In addition to winning the Spanish league –
in which he was third in the scoring charts – and the FIFA Club World
Cup last term, the Portuguese added another UEFA Champions League crown
to his CV and remarkably finished as the competition's leading marksman
for the fifth-straight season. By increasingly adjusting his position,
pacing himself and recognising the need to conserve resources, Ronaldo
is reinventing himself and ensuring that his goalscoring instincts stay
at the fore in spite of his advancing age. Yet, despite another stellar
year, Portugal's semi-final loss in the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia
2017 will surely continue to rankle with this fiercest of competitors.
Paulo DYBALA
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Having spent 2015/16 adjusting to life at the top with Juventus and
Argentina, Paulo Dybala enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season,
proving he is no longer just an exciting future prospect for both
titantic teams. He initially refused the No10 shirt at Juve
after Paul Pogba's departure, but crucially embraced the
responsibilities that go with the role and helped drive the club to
success thanks to his goalscoring acumen, reading of the game and
set-piece delivery. Those qualities proved vital as La Vecchia Signora
clinched another Serie A title as well as runners-up spot in the UEFA
Champions League, Dybala having delivered a masterclass in the
quarter-final defeat of Barcelona. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder
was similarly prominent for Argentina, emerging as a first-team fixture
alongside Lionel Messi. He now looks a leading candidate to replace his
friend and idol in the coming years.
Antoine GRIEZMANN
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Antoine Griezmann headed into 2016/17 knowing it would be tough to hit
the same heights he scaled the previous season. One of three candidates
for The Best FIFA Men's Player award after reaching the finals of the
UEFA Champions League and UEFA EURO 2016, the Frenchman had set the bar
high, but he still managed to flourish last term, confirming his
standing – and that of Atletico Madrid – as the third major force in
Spanish football. Griezmann weighed in with 16 goals and eight assists
as Los Colchoneros finished third in La Liga and advanced to
the semi-finals of the Champions League and Copa del Rey, losing out to
Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. Equally influential at
international level, Griezmann underlined his importance as one of
France's key players, providing goals and dynamism in attack as Les Bleus made a strong start in the FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers.
Eden HAZARD
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It now seems a long time since Eden Hazard and Chelsea looked a pale
shadow of themselves in 2015/16, struggling together en route to a
mid-table Premier League finish. The Belgian playmaker surged back to
his best last term, buoyed by leading displays at UEFA EURO 2016 – where
he topped the assists chart – and the arrival of new coach Antonio
Conte at Stamford Bridge. Often decisive in big games, Hazard ended the
campaign with the English title and a personal haul of 16 goals, his
highest since moving to England in 2012. Voted Chelsea's player of the
season for a third time, he was also shortlisted for the Premier League
player of the season award, eventually losing out to team-mate N'Golo
Kante. Now 26, Hazard has likewise developed a maturity that has allowed
him to blossom with his national side. The midfielder helped Belgium
post five wins and a draw from their first six qualifiers for Russia
2018.
Zlatan IBRAHIMOVIC
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Having joined Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain for the
2016/17 English Premier League season, Zlatan Ibrahimovic continued his
long-established tradition of lifting silverware at club level. In his
debut campaign with the Red Devils, the Swedish striker brought his
career trophy tally to 33 after winning the FA Community Shield, the
English League Cup and UEFA Europa League. Strong, skilful and renowned
for his charisma, Ibra became the oldest player to reach 15 Premier
League goals a single season at 35 years and 125 years in February 2017,
and finished the campaign with 17 goals in 28 appearances.
Andres INIESTA
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An extraordinary midfielder who needs little introduction, Barcelona
captain Andres Iniesta remains a colossal figure for both club and
country. Known for his footballing intelligence, remarkable passing and
leadership on and off the pitch, Iniesta - like team-mate Lionel Messi -
brought his staggering trophy count with Barça to 30 after
winning the Copa del Rey during the 2016/17 campaign. This established
him as the joint-most successful player in the club’s history alongside
the Argentinian. Iniesta has also been a key figure for Spain in their
2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ qualifying campaign thus far, helping them
to the top of Group G with the kind of inventive performances that have
become his trademark.
Harry KANE
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2016/17 English Premier League top scorer Harry Kane seems to improve
every aspect of his game each season. His latest campaign saw him reach
the century mark for Tottenham Hotspur and score at least 20 goals for
the third consecutive season; something only Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry
and Ruud van Nistelrooy can say they have done. Kane is the talisman
for Mauricio Pochettino’s energetic and youthful Spurs side, and will be
one of the leading figures for the club as it transitions to a brand
new stadium next season. On the international front, Kane reached a new
milestone when he captained England for the first time during a FIFA
World Cup™ qualifier against Scotland, where he scored a last-minute
equaliser in a 2-2 draw.
N Golo KANTE
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An English Premier League champion with Leicester City in 2016, N’Golo
Kante followed up by helping Chelsea to the title a year later. The
French midfielder had a vital hand in the Foxes’ surprise championship
triumph and played an equally important role on joining the Blues. Most of his fellow professionals were in agreement, voting him the 2016/17 PFA Players’ Player of the Year back in April. His
stamina, strength and intelligence in reading the game at both ends of
the pitch made the former Caen player a key component in the tactical
plans adopted by Chelsea coach Antonio Conte and France boss Didier
Deschamps. “N’Golo Kante is the best player in the world in his
position, and one of the best in his own right,” said an appreciative
Deschamps. “He’s an important player and he might become even more
important in the future.”
Toni KROOS
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Toni Kroos pulls the strings in midfield for Real Madrid and Germany.
He dictates the rhythm of the game and can unlock any defence with his
pinpoint passing. He rarely gives the ball away and usually boasts a
pass completion rate of over 90 per cent per game. Kroos has been a
world-class player for several years and has amassed a huge collection
of trophies, including the FIFA Club World Cup. In May this year he
helped Real Madrid become the first team ever to successfully defend the
UEFA Champions League title. "He's an extraordinary player," said club
coach Zinedine Zidane of the 27-year-old. "He's a player who's
unbelievably composed on the ball and thinks quickly. That's rare. He's
two-footed and an incredibly intelligent player. Obviously it makes
things easier when you have someone like him in the team."
Robert LEWANDOWSKI
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A glance at Robert Lewandowski's statistics reveals just how invaluable
he is. Last season he registered 44 goals in 47 matches for Bayern
Munich to finish as the club's top scorer. The striker is equally
clinical at international level, almost single-handedly firing Poland to
the top of their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ qualifying group, and his
world-class ability fired his country to their best-ever placing of
fifth in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking in August 2017. Despite his
6'0" (1.84m) frame, the forward is extremely agile and has consistently
displayed his outstanding technique.
MARCELO
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Dauntingly hailed as the long-term successor to no less than Roberto
Carlos when he arrived in Madrid, Marcelo is still going strong ten
years on and has arguably far surpassed the man he was brought in to
replace. The left-back's fantastic fitness allows him to maraud forward
effortlessly – not only setting up goals but also chipping in with a few
himself – without neglecting his defensive duties down the flank. The
Brazilian won the FIFA Club World Cup, La Liga and the UEFA Champions
League with Real Madrid last season and is a regular for his country,
who have already booked their ticket to the next FIFA World Cup™.
Lionel MESSI
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- La Pulga
remains as decisive as ever for both club and country. The Argentinian
national team are a completely different beast without Messi, as has
been laid bare once more on the road to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.
Meanwhile, the pint-sized forward's 37 league goals kept Barça
in the title race right down to the wire last season, as well as
earning him his fourth Pichichi Trophy, awarded to the leading
goalscorer in the Spanish top flight. He also finished as the joint-top
marksman in the Copa del Rey, which the Catalans captured again, and as
the second-highest scorer in the UEFA Champions League.
Luka MODRIC
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The Croatian midfielder remains the architect behind much of Real
Madrid’s success after a stellar 12 months with the Spanish giants. The
playmaker was a key figure as Real Madrid won both the Spanish league
and the UEFA Champions League, earning a spot in the team of the season
for Europe’s elite continental competition. He provided the assist for
Cristiano Ronaldo’s second goal in the 4-1 final victory over Juventus,
in a scenario played out numerous times over the course of the season.
That win in Cardiff saw Modric become the first Croatian to win the
Champions League on three occasions. Six months earlier Modric was again
prominent as Real Madrid won the FIFA Club World Cup. Modric was named
as Player of the Match for his stand-out performance in Real’s
semi-final with Mexican side Club America in Yokohama.
Keylor NAVAS
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While the spotlight tends to shine on their star-studded frontline, the
unassuming shot-stopper is a relatively unsung hero at the other end of
the pitch for Real Madrid. Indeed, the 30-year-old – who celebrated his
birthday last December with a clean sheet in the semi-finals of the
FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, which the Merengue went on to win
– exhibited his cat-like reflexes throughout a 2016/17 season that
culminated with glory in the Spanish league and a second consecutive
UEFA Champions League conquest. In contrast to his status for his club,
Navas is a hugely iconic figure back in his homeland and consistently
showcases his talent for the Costa Rican national team, who are
currently well on course to qualify for the next FIFA World Cup™.
Manuel NEUER
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It is not uncommon for normally ruthless attackers to lose their nerve
upon seeing the 6'3" (1.93m) goalkeeper looming between the posts, the
24'0" (7.32m) wide goal frame all of a sudden appearing much smaller.
Neuer is superb on his line, dominates his penalty area and is also
excellent with the ball at his feet, so much so that he often acts as a
'sweeper keeper' outside his box. In September 2016 he succeeded Bastian
Schweinsteiger as Germany captain, a role he also took on at Bayern
Munich this summer and by the end of the 2016/17 season he had helped
the club win a fifth consecutive league title.
NEYMAR
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- Already the linchpin of the Brazilian national team, Neymar bolstered his standing this year by helping A Seleção
become the first side to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.
He was similarly instrumental for Barcelona last term, even if his tally
of 20 goals in all competitions dropped from 31 in the previous
campaign and 39 before that. In contrast, his contributions elsewhere
increased, with Neymar delivering 21 assists – a personal best. The
Brazil forward was also one of the heroes of the famous 'Remontada'
against Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions
League, conjuring up two goals and an assist in an unforgettable second
leg. Neymar then signed for the French club in August, opting for a
fresh challenge in the most expensive transfer deal in history.
Sergio RAMOS
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- After leading Real Madrid to FIFA Club World Cup glory in Japan, the Los Blancos captain's
performances did not dip for the remainder of last season.
Demonstrating that he is still one of the world's top defenders, he
ended a five-year wait for another league title and entered the European
football history books as a crucial member of the first team to capture
back-to-back UEFA Champions League trophies. What sets Ramos apart is
his no-nonsense tackling, his versatility and his ability to make his
mark in attack. A strong personality and a winning mentality are the
other hallmarks of this seasoned campaigner, who also skippers the
Spanish national team and has helped La Roja put themselves in a strong position on the road to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.
Alexis SANCHEZ
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Alexis Sanchez continues to be one of world football’s brightest and
most consistent stars after another stellar season for English Premier
League side Arsenal and South American high-flyers Chile. With his
trademark indefatigable contribution, Sanchez played a major role in
helping the Gunners to an FA Cup Final victory over league champions
Chelsea by scoring the opener in a Player of the Match performance. That
saw the Chilean complete a remarkable campaign that included
contributing to 45 Arsenal goals in 51 appearances during the season – a
tally comprised of 30 goals and 15 assists. Sanchez was equally
productive at international level, notably helping Chile to the final of
the FIFA Confederations Cup. Sanchez set up a goal in the win over
Cameroon and his goal in the group-stage draw against eventual champions
Germany saw him overhaul Marcelo Salas as La Roja’s all-time greatest goalscorer.
Luis SUAREZ
Uruguay
Despite his credentials as a prolific penalty-box predator, Suarez is
steadily refining his game to become an ever more accomplished team
player. He has shown as much throughout 2017 – both for Uruguay,
particularly in the latter stages of South American qualifying for the
2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, and for Barcelona, with whom he lifted the
Copa del Rey and fought tooth and nail for the La Liga crown until the
very last day of the 2016/17 campaign. Indeed, besides scoring 29 league
goals – second only to Lionel Messi – he also laid on a further 13 to
top the division's assist charts for the second consecutive season.
Arturo VIDAL
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With his quality, consistency and leadership, Vidal continues to be a
vital figure for Chile and Bayern Munich alike. Influential for La Roja in their endeavour to reach the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, El Rey Arturo (King
Arthur) also shone at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, playing every
minute, chalking up a goal and assist apiece, and eventually coming away
with a runners-up medal. One of the first names on the team sheet at
Bayern, the energetic midfielder contributed four goals to the
Bavarians' latest Bundesliga conquest and also scored three times in
their run to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
WEEKEND PREDICTIONS
Booking Number:5B3RCPR18/08/2017 13:26:26
Code
Date
Event
Live/Prematch
Selection
5623
19/08/2017 14:30
Normale
X2 & Over(2.5)
3973
19/08/2017 15:00
Normale
1
5816
19/08/2017 17:30
Normale
X2 & GG
2442
20/08/2017 21:15
Normale
2 & GG
8750
20/08/2017 19:45
Normale
X2 & GG
8740
19/08/2017 19:45
Normale
X2 & GG
8748
20/08/2017 16:00
Normale
1
5880
19/08/2017 17:00
Normale
Over(2.5)
4379
20/08/2017 17:00
Normale
12 & GG
8638
20/08/2017 15:00
Normale
12 & GG
1847
19/08/2017 20:00
Normale
1 & Under (3.5)
4975
18/08/2017 19:45
Normale
2 & Over(1.5)
1364
20/08/2017 19:45
Normale
1X & GG
1156
19/08/2017 23:00
Normale
1 & Under (3.5)
2202
19/08/2017 12:35
Normale
GG & Over(2.5)
2204
19/08/2017 10:30
Normale
X2 & GG
7879
19/08/2017 15:00
Normale
1X & Over(2.5)
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