Male Football’s Elite: Ranking Players 80-61 in 2021

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Top 100 Footballers of 2021: Ranked 80-61

The annual Top 100 Footballers list is back, spotlighting the standout players of 2021 based on interactive fan voting and expert analysis. With hundreds of votes tallied across each category and position, this installment unveils those placed 80th to 61st, showcasing their performances, contributions, and pivotal statistics from the past year.

80. Ben Chilwell: Dynamic Left-Back Influence

Throughout 2021, Ben Chilwell adapted seamlessly to a Chelsea setup emphasizing wide play under Thomas Tuchel. Despite injury setbacks, Chilwell played a key role during Chelsea’s impressive start to the 2021-22 campaign and earned a spot in the UEFA Champions League final starting lineup. His effectiveness up and down the left flank has made him a constant threat on both ends of the pitch.

Highest +/- rating in the Premier League for 2021-22: 2.67

79. Federico Chiesa: Breakthrough at Club and Country

Federico Chiesa enjoyed a standout year at Juventus, asserting himself as one of the club’s leading lights during a season of transition. After fueling Italy’s successful run at the Euros, Chiesa continued to impress with relentless energy and defensive work for both club and country, even though goals have been more elusive this season.

Completed 2.1 tackles per 90, outperforming 90% of his positional peers

78. Paulo Dybala: Rediscovering Form in Turin

Once tipped for superstardom, Paulo Dybala has used 2021 to recapture his status as Juventus’ focal point. Now a central figure since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, Dybala has posted strong performances in Serie A and the Champions League, contributing consistently despite the club’s struggles to reach top gear.

Leads Serie A with 2.01 shots on target per 90 minutes

77. Patrik Schick: From Euro Hero to Bundesliga Star

Patrik Schick rose to international prominence as a joint top-scorer at Euro 2020 and carried that momentum into the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. After earlier stints at major European clubs, Schick found his best form in 2021, amassing a prolific goal tally and emerging as a leading striker on the continent.

Bundesliga’s highest Expected Goals (XG) in 2021-22: 5.8

76. Vinicius Junior: Real Madrid’s Breakout Attacker

Vinicius Junior began to realize his immense potential in the 2021-22 season, forming a productive partnership with Karim Benzema at Real Madrid. The Brazilian winger’s improved consistency has resulted in a surge of goals and assists, reflecting his emergence as a leading offensive force in Spain.

Tops La Liga in multiple attacking categories: goal-creating actions, progressive carries, and shots on target

75. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: Premier League Midfield Engine

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has established himself as one of the most well-rounded midfielders in England, excelling both defensively and in progressive play. After a commanding Euros campaign with Denmark, he remains a central figure under Antonio Conte at Tottenham, noted for his work rate and versatility.

Led the Premier League in tackles and applied pressure in 2020-21
Third most passes into the final third: 235 last season

74. Youri Tielemans: Leicester City’s Midfield Maestro

Youri Tielemans has been instrumental in Leicester City’s successes, highlighted by his match-winning goal in the FA Cup final. Known for dictating tempo and advancing play, the Belgian international’s consistently high level may soon spark a move to a larger club.

Sixth in the Premier League for progressive passes: 84 completed

73. Angel Di Maria: Veteran Playmaker Shines Internationally

Angel Di Maria’s year was defined by helping Argentina claim Copa America glory, capturing a career-defining international title. While his Ligue 1 role at PSG has evolved, Di Maria remains a creative leader and maintained exceptional form in the 2020-21 season.

164 progressive passes in Ligue 1 during 2020-21, leading the league

72. Gabriel Jesus: Reinvented on Manchester City’s Flank

Gabriel Jesus flourished after moving to the right wing for Manchester City, leveraging his speed and delivery to create numerous chances. His versatility and efficiency have seen him rise to a prominent attacking role under Pep Guardiola in both domestic and European competitions.

Pass completion rate of 86%, within the 99th percentile for his position

71. Lucas Hernandez: Defensive Mainstay at Bayern Munich

After a gradual adaptation, Lucas Hernandez has now become a fixture in Bayern Munich’s defense, excelling under manager Julian Nagelsmann. Comfortable in multiple roles, his commitment and versatility have been recognized at both club and international level.

Highest dribble tackle success rate in the Bundesliga: 71.5%

70. Cesar Azpilicueta: Chelsea’s Versatile Leader

Cesar Azpilicueta’s tactical intelligence and consistency remain invaluable for Chelsea, contributing to their Champions League triumph and key moments for Spain at Euro 2020. His adaptability allows him to excel in various defensive roles.

Second-highest number of goal-creating actions among Premier League defenders this season: 8

69. Luka Modric: Timeless Midfield Class

Luka Modric continues to orchestrate Real Madrid’s midfield with poise and vision, even at 36. His impact is felt both domestically and for Croatia, with creative output and leadership remaining at elite levels.

Third-most progressive passes in La Liga 2020-21: 219

68. Toni Kroos: Precision and Composure in Midfield

Toni Kroos remains a cornerstone for Real Madrid and Germany, consistently leading in key passing metrics. His reliability and game management are crucial for club and national team stability.

Second in La Liga for passes into the final third: 129 this season

67. Kalidou Koulibaly: Napoli’s Defensive Anchor

Kalidou Koulibaly has led Napoli’s resurgence in Serie A with dominant defensive displays and composure in possession. Long renowned for his abilities, Koulibaly’s performances have helped Napoli establish themselves among Italy’s elite.

Serie A’s highest dribble tackle success rate this season: 71.5%

66. Memphis Depay: Key Contributor for Club and Country

Memphis Depay excelled for both the Netherlands and his new club Barcelona this year. His extraordinary productivity in international competitions has often been a lifeline for his national team, while he adapts to changing expectations at club level.

Drawn 46 fouls in La Liga, fifth highest this campaign

65. Dayot Upamecano: Rising Star in Bayern’s Defence

Dayot Upamecano has strengthened Bayern Munich’s defense since arriving from RB Leipzig, building strong partnerships and becoming a regular threat on set pieces. His agility and passing have also earned recognition on the international stage with France.

Completed nearly 89% of dribbles, leading all Bundesliga players

64. Mateo Kovacic: Understated Engine for Chelsea

Often flying under the radar, Mateo Kovacic’s influence in Chelsea’s midfield has been vital to their success. His progression carrying the ball forward and breaking opponent lines has added a new dynamic to the Blues’ play under Thomas Tuchel.

Ranks in the 99th percentile with 10.3 progressive carries per 90 minutes for Chelsea

63. Phil Foden: The Next English Superstar

Phil Foden’s technical skills and creative flair have already marked him as one of Manchester City’s most promising talents. Though he’s yet to cement a guaranteed starting spot, his rate of contribution for goals and assists signals a bright future.

Third in the Premier League for expected assists per 90: 0.39

62. Jadon Sancho: Transitioning Talent in England

Jadon Sancho’s move to Manchester United followed a prolific spell at Borussia Dortmund, where he excelled in ball progression and creativity. Although his Premier League journey started slowly, his underlying metrics suggest major potential remains untapped.

Led the Bundesliga last season in carries into the final third (81) and penalty area (51)

61. Jack Grealish: Creative Spark with Room to Grow

Jack Grealish shone with Aston Villa and became a fan favorite for his creativity and dribbling, even making an impact in England’s Euro 2020 campaign. Since joining Manchester City, he’s shown flashes of brilliance but is still adapting to the demands of his new environment.