THE LIST: The best players in European football – Nos 10-1

Just how good is Wayne Rooney?

• The Manchester United forward is in flying form as the World Cup approaches on the horizon.
• Red-hot Rooney is striking fear into the minds of opponents as the planet’s top sides prepare for battle in South Africa this summer.
• The England star has rightly won plaudits for his phenomenal season at Old Trafford after smashing through the 30-goal barrier.
• But where does he rank among the Continent’s top players?
• In the latest edition of the List, Sportsmail has picked the best 50 stars playing in European football – on current form.
• And, as always, let us know whether you think we’ve got it right or wrong by leaving your comments at the bottom of the article.
• The Holland forward, 26, has been in wonderful touch since his summer move from Real Madrid. During a season which has been troubled by injury, he has still managed 13 goals from his 24 appearances.
• The highlight of his season so far has to be the 30 yard screamer against Fiorentina to put Bayern through to the Champions League quarter-finals.
• A devastating recent run of form sees Higuain move into our top ten. The France-born Argentine striker has netted six in his last four appearances and has broken the 20 league goal barrier for the second season running. Form which will surely see him competing at this summer’s World Cup.
• Drogba has been Mr Reliable over at Stamford Bridge for the sixth season running. The workhorse front man has battled his way to 24 league goals already, his best return since moving to west London.
• Aside from anything else, his performance against Chelsea in the Champions League is worthy of earning him a place in our top ten. A constant threat as playmaker and with set-pieces, Sneijder was the difference between the two sides.
• With a swing of his right boot, Iniesta dumped Chelsea out of last season’s Champions League and stepped firmly out of team-mate Xavi’s shadow.
• The Ballon D’Or nominee is a wonderful technician and one of the finest passers even to have graced the Nou Camp.
• Arsenal’s captain started the season very well as two goals and two assists in the opening match of the season against Everton set the tone which continues to this day.
• Despite a succession of injuries to key players, the Gunners have managed to stay in the race for domestic and European honours – with Fabregas right at the heart of everything good they do.
• The heartbeat of the current stars gracing the Nou Camp, Xavi has been running the Catalans’ show for almost a decade now.
• Player of the tournament at Euro 2008, treble winner last season with Barca and still on for a domestic and European double this year – Xavi is at the peak of his powers.
• His departure from Old Trafford was met with dismay by many in Manchester but this boy has always been one for a challenge and they don’t come bigger than Real Madrid.
• Ronaldo started well at the Bernabeu, he scored in his first four appearances for the club, and has gone on to rattle in 22 goals in 24 appearances.
• Where to start with the superlatives to describe just how good Rooney has been this season?
• A player whose goals have propelled Manchester United into contention for a fourth successive season played second fiddle to United team-mate Ronaldo last term, this season he is the main man.
• Well on his way to breaking the 40-goal barrier in all competitions, the England forward has grown this year into not just one of the finest players of his generation, but ever.
• And his goals this season have given England belief that they have a talisman in their midst who can take them all the way at this summer’s World Cup, if he can stay fit.
• Voted European and World Footballer of the Year, Messi won everything on offer with the Catalans last year.
• The heir apparent to the throne left vacant by Maradona, the Argentina striker is still only 22. So there’s plenty of time yet for him to become the greatest Number 10 ever.
• His league form this season at the Nou Camp has been nothing short of sensational – he has 25 goals in 25 appearances and nine assists credited to his name.