One game summed up his season: Not only did Ocampos score in Sevilla's 1-0 win over Eibar in July but he also went in goal when keeper Tomas Vaclik got injured, even making a crucial save in the ninth minute of added time. He is arguably the frontman for this band of unfashionable players who have turned into European powerhouses under Gian Piero Gasperini. At his best, he's a peerless deep-lying playmaker, perfect for unlocking packed defenses -- something Liverpool face often -- with a clever pass or swivel of the hips. Rated as one of the world's best young centre-backs, Kounde's brilliant season led to a "magnificent" transfer offer from Manchester City, according to Monchi, the club's sporting director. The latest team to chase the 6-foot-5 Senegal international was PSG in the summer, but Napoli were resolute in rejecting any offers that fell short of their €75m asking price. Or more of a headache to face? High point of 2020: A scorer of three hat tricks last Bundesliga season, Werner's most impressive match came in an 8-0 win against Mainz in which he provided three goals and three assists. Cruised past 150 goals for Tottenham in 2020 as well, prompting Mourinho -- never one for effusive praise -- to say that Kane is "fantastic and he very much represents the spirit of the team.". Last winter, he opted to join Borussia Dortmund from FC Salzburg to gain more experience at a higher level and for a club with a reputation of developing players for the European super clubs. Though Real have had a shaky start to the 2020-21 campaign, Zidane is still, as Sergio Ramos puts it, the "captain of the ship.". As Neymar has struggled with injuries, Mbappe has picked up the slack and made PSG his own. He was indispensable in Real's watertight rear guard en route to the league title, with Los Blancos conceding just six in 11 games after the restart, and Varane's friends and teammates, like France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, aren't concerned. High point of 2020: Scoring four goals against Valencia in the Champions League round of 16. There's every chance he'll take another step up next summer and move to one of the European giants. High point of 2020: Notched three assists in the spectacular 4-3 Champions League win over RB Salzburg, albeit overshadowed by Erling Haaland's exploits on a memorable night at Anfield. Even so, he still managed to score six goals and record seven assists as Man City finished second in the Premier League in 2019-20. In Bundesliga, he has been on target in 30 of the 37 matches since then. 9 (a bit of a dying breed) will score against anyone, at any time, from anywhere. It was ultimately a disappointing season for City -- second in the league and beaten by Lyon in the Champions League quarterfinals -- but Sterling's reputation as a player continues to grow, as does his knack of timing runs into the box to finish City's typically flowing attacking moves. Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund), Achraf Hakimi (Inter Milan) and Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) all pop up after transcendent seasons, as do Leon Goretzka (Bayern), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa) and Houssem Aouar (Lyon). At the mini tournament in Lisbon, Lewandowski worked hard for his team, tracking back deep into midfield and floating to the wings to make space in the box. "Every team in the world would miss Virgil van Dijk," Klopp said soon after his injury. Not only was it his only game with goals in 2019-20 but it put the tiny Serie A side into the Champions League's last eight in Lisbon. The future remains uncertain for Koulibaly with a number of teams forever linked with him -- Liverpool could go back in for him amid their defensive injury crisis -- but for now, he is indispensable to Napoli. Gab Marcotti explains how Jurgen Klopp beat Hansi Flick to the FC 100 best manager award. High point of 2020: That fifth-minute FA Cup final goal. Hansel & Grettel, a tale by the Brothers Grimm, in which we learn how the young brother and sister venture into the woods and despite their fathers warning, they get lost and caught up in the woods by the evil witch who lures them into her house. Chilwell was an important part of Leicester City's impressive 2019-20 campaign, and his August move to Chelsea -- after a drawn-out transfer saga that saw Leicester demand a world-record fee for a defender before accepting "only" £50m -- cemented his status as one of English football's best young players. Luckily for Gunners fans, he signed a new three-year deal in September. It's how he casually guided Croatia to the World Cup final in 2018 and picked up the Ballon d'Or -- the first player not named Messi or Ronaldo to win it since 2007 -- in the same year. Gab Marcotti reacts to Kevin De Bruyne being named the best attacking midfielder in ESPN's FC 100. When Klopp stood with his Liverpool team in the empty Kop and lifted the Premier League trophy into the firework-lit sky, it marked an end to their 30-year wait for a top-flight title. High point of 2020: Masterminding that Champions League last-16 win over Real Madrid. Now in his 11th season in Germany and his seventh at Bayern Munich, Lewandowski was finally able to lift the Champions League trophy this summer. Already looks at home in the Premier League, too, with four goals and three assists in nine appearances. Most of his goals (and ensuing celebrations) are worth a meme, especially those where he bulldozes past an entire team as he sprints from his own box to the other end to neatly finish off a counterattack, usually set up by Jadon Sancho. Messi still isn't happy and Barcelona are still wobbling, but anyone who thinks the 33-year-old is in decline should watch his recent performance against Real Betis. High point of 2020: Had plenty of eye-catching performances last season, but was singularly magnificent in their quarterfinal win over Wolves in the Europa League. His Real teammate Toni Kroos calls him the "absolute captain" and the "best you can have." Being a great central defender requires more than size, assertiveness and strength. Having joined from relegated VfB Stuttgart in 2019, he provided the stability at right-back that allowed Joshua Kimmich to move into a permanent defensive midfield role. Vincent eventually left his coven, as he no longer was interested in being apart of the supernatural community, wishing instead to live his own life. Despite questions over his form -- he still ranks fourth in Europe's big five leagues for aerial defensive duels won this season -- he always fronts up, takes responsibility and seeks improvement. The €35 million transfer fee for the France defender looks to be a bargain even though his unspectacular style of play gets him few plaudits. A consistent scorer, he thrived last term with 28 goals in the league and four in the Champions League. In the biggest games, against Barcelona in La Liga or Manchester City in the Champions League, Mendy -- not Marcelo -- gets the nod. The young Frenchman has been linked with just about every European giant after another strong season, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich reportedly at the front of the queue. "I love to be there for his training sessions. Kimmich is a coach's dream. Bielsa is arguably the most fascinating coach in world football: nicknamed "El Loco," Pep Guardiola says of Bielsa, "nobody can imitate him and that makes him special," and that watching Bielsa during a game is entertainment enough. Flick is now being mentioned as a successor to Joachim Low as Germany manager, while his players say he brought the fun back to Bayern Munich. Football can be chaos, but top managers are able to see the bigger picture and won't panic when Plan A doesn't work. Add to that nine goals in eight matches for Belgium since September 2019 as proof the Lukaku revival is in full swing. Versatile Actor John Michael Higgins Shows Retirement Is Something Worth Singing About . At 36, his reflexes remain sharp, his presence imposing, and he's super adept at the full-stretch highlight save. Hernandez excelled on loan at Alaves in 2016-17, looked out of his depth at Real Madrid in 2017-18 and was decidedly average at Real Sociedad in 2018-19. Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez got much of the praise, but credit should also go to Handanovic's rock-solid performances between the posts. De Gea has been a constant through United's many ups and downs since he joined the club in 2011. Eden Hazard once said that Kante is so good that he plays like two men in midfield, and who can argue? He has excelled for Jurgen Klopp's side at the base of the midfield as an imposing figure who also offers a touch of class on the ball. There are more glamorous players at Liverpool, but England international Henderson took the plaudits for his side's Premier League triumph last season. At Milan, though, he's been a revelation. But I'm also more than just a 'Raumdeuter.' He also breathed new life into the careers of Thomas Muller and Jerome Boateng, who looked as though they were on the way out of Bayern having fallen out of favour and form. Liverpool's long injury list this season, especially in central defense, means Alisson is more crucial to their hopes of retaining the title than ever. Sandro isn't quite as dangerous going forward as you might expect, though there aren't any real weaknesses to his game. At 26, he's approaching his peak, and chose to sign a new deal in October 2019 despite reported interest from Barcelona and PSG. "Imagine the best teams in the world lose their best central defender. High point of 2020: Superb in PSG's Champions League campaign, scoring two key goals against Atalanta and RB Leipzig to help the side into the final. In June, after he heard the British government had decided not to provide free school meals for low-income kids over the summer, the 23-year-old wrote an open letter to Parliament urging them to change course. It hasn't gone unnoticed by his contemporaries: "It would be difficult to write more history in eight months!" He offers much more to Madrid than just protection to the back four, and you could even argue he's become their most important player. The efficient, reserved Slovenian is the perfect keeper for Diego Simeone's hardworking, disciplined side. The German doesn't get as much attention in a team full of attacking superstars, but he plays a pivotal role in Ronald Koeman's plans as he looks to take Barcelona back to the top of La Liga. The Brazilian won the Champions League in his first season with Liverpool and the Premier League title in his second. Without Pereira, Leicester dropped out of the Champions League spots at the end of the 2019-20 season, proof of his importance to Brendan Rodgers' plans. The best central defenders combine timing and power with elegance and poise under pressure. Indeed, he seemingly has gotten better with age since leaving Manchester City for his boyhood club in 2017. It was Lopetegui's first major honour of a tumultuous career that saw him manage Spain into the 2018 World Cup, only to then lose his job before it started after agreeing to become Real Madrid manager. Pavard is still far from being a household name, though the young defender was arguably Bayern Munich's unsung hero of a Treble-winning season. We're nearly at the end of 2020, which means it's time for ESPN's annual ranking of the best men's players and coaches in world soccer! Following on from just 15 goals for United in the 2018-19 season, he struck 34 in 51 games in his debut season in Italy. Vinicius still feels more like a bundle of raw attributes -- pace, trickery -- than a fully formed player. Klopp's legacy at Liverpool is grand enough, but a pair of his glasses have been buried in a time capsule at the club's new training ground to further anchor him on Merseyside. With 17 and counting this season, the sky's the limit. High point of 2020: Helping Liverpool end their 30-year wait for a Premier League title. High point of 2020: A glorious 90th-minute goal vs. Watford in Leicester's first game back in June, which was somewhat spoiled by Watford equalising three minutes later. He's now his national team's captain and was rated by ex-Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina as the best centre-back he's played behind. He has fended off the threat of losing his place in Madrid's first XI with another outstanding season, looking so good that his presumed replacement, Achraf Hakimi, returned from a loan at Borussia Dortmund only to be sold to Inter Milan. Laporte is one half of a formidable partnership at the back for City alongside new signing Ruben Dias, and they will form the foundations for another push for trophies. Brazilian great Roberto Carlos said in 2015 that Sandro was his true "successor," and few can argue with his assessment. Wherever he plays, the Brazilian is influential. Messi still isn't happy and Barcelona are still wobbling, but anyone who thinks the 33-year-old is in decline should watch his recent performance against Real Betis. And that's a development I'm pleased with." Despite his age, Ramos would still walk into most sides and will be a top free agent if he opts against extending his stay at Real Madrid after this season. He's an absolute nightmare for any defender -- just ask Barcelona, after their backline was torn apart in an infamous 8-2 humiliation in Lisbon in August. Some have since been rediscovered (indoor … High point of 2020: Notched a goal and an assist against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup semifinals, putting City on course to win their only trophy of the 2019-20 season. Aggressive without being reckless and assertive without racking up yellow and red cards, Goretzka is, as former RB Leipzig coach Ralf Rangnick puts it, "the best box-to-box player in the world.". He netted 20 in the Premier League alone, more than teammates Sergio Aguero or Gabriel Jesus. He came on in the second half, the scoreline level at 1-1, and changed everything. Gnabry is the complete package -- speedy, skilful, smart, strong -- and the ideal wide man for Hansi Flick's ferocious Bayern team. Their pace and persistence on the flanks give their teams another angle of attack; their ability to cut infield and shoot adds a dimension too. He finished the most recent campaign with a record-breaking 21 assists in the Bundesliga and helped Bayern deliver a remarkable Treble -- aided by his two goals in their 8-2 dismantling of Barcelona. Maybe also imposing myself a bit more as I've got physically stronger. Henderson is not a highlight-reel player at the base of the Reds' midfield, but his hard work, unfussy style of play and passionate captaincy remain essential to the Reds' success. It's been an incredible year for the young defender. In terms of European success, few can usurp him: He has played in four of the past five Champions League finals -- and won three of them. High point of 2020: Scored Juventus' third goal in a 3-3 roller-coaster draw with Sassuolo, then cleared a potential winner off the line. After all, they've got Plans B, C and D. Top coaches can ease their big-ego, big-talent squads through the emotional ups and downs while keeping everyone happy, harmonious and fully committed to the cause. Disagree? Laporte is still waiting to make his debut for the French national team, such are Didier Deschamps' embarrassment of riches for France, but it's a matter of when, not if. 1 let a back pass roll straight past him into goal. High point of 2020: Finishing his final season at Bayern in style, with a domestic/European Treble and, most notably, his first Champions League winners' medal since he got one with Barcelona in 2010-11. Jan-Michael Vincent (now 73) has not acted since 2002 and has experienced health challenges in recent years. Playing at right-back at the club level, he's versatile enough to play a more advanced role for England, featuring as a wing-back in Gareth Southgate's 3-4-2-1 formation. Hennepin County Courthouse will become the focus of national attention when Judge Peter Cahill gavels to order the trial of former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin. In January, he even notched an assist when he played a long upfield pass to Mohamed Salah, who made it 2-0 against Manchester United. Nagelsmann has a glowing reputation in the sport: he's loved by his players, has an incredible ability of making a team greater than the sum of its parts and is tactically brilliant. High point of 2020: Playing 32 league games as Real clinched their first La Liga crown since 2016-17. Positional awareness, pinpoint crossing and breakneck pace separate the best from the rest. He is fast, strong in the air." Navas doesn't get as much attention as many of his colleagues on this list, but that doesn't make him less deserving. Dest cracked the Top 10 at right-back after a superb campaign with Ajax, a summer transfer saga with Bayern Munich and Barcelona, and an eventual move to the Spanish giants, where he became the first U.S. player to start in a Clasico, as well as the first American to score a goal for the storied club. High point of 2020: Tough to say in a year when Barcelona lost La Liga to Real Madrid and were humiliated 8-2 by Bayern Munich, so perhaps it was finally venting his rage at Barcelona and making journalists around the globe look up what exactly a "burofax" is. He's seen as the long-term successor for Thiago Silva, who left for Chelsea in the summer, and is not afraid to speak his mind when asked for his opinion. High point of 2020: Scoring the winner in a Champions League final against his former club. Pulisic's first season in England might have ended on a sour note, with him looking distraught as he limped off with a hamstring injury in Chelsea's FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal, but that shouldn't obscure what had come before it. It's hard to believe Mbappe is still so young. Pulisic did enough that day at Wembley -- and in the 2019-20 season as a whole -- to suggest that all the hype around the U.S. star is absolutely justified. There was a cruel poetry to the manner of Paris Saint-Germain's 2020 Champions League final defeat. Yet another French international on the list, Varane is one-half of Real Madrid's formidable partnership alongside Sergio Ramos, though the 27-year-old has endured a mixed 2020. This has been a year of rediscovery for the young Frenchman as he finally started to resemble the powerful, expansive full-back it was hoped he'd become when he graduated from the Atletico Madrid academy alongside his older brother, Lucas. High point of 2020: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the goals in Milan's 2-1 derby win over Inter, but Donnarumma made a key save against Romelu Lukaku in his first game back after testing positive for the coronavirus to cement their victory. He's started the new season in wonderful form and in October, he became the first player since Steven Gerrard to score 100 goals for the Reds. The Spanish manager helped extend Sevilla's love affair with the Europa League, as they won last season's tournament thanks to a 3-2 victory over Inter Milan in the final. High point of 2020: It's rare for defenders to show up on the scoresheet, but Pereira put together a superb game against West Ham in January, notching a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win. France teammate Antoine Griezmann told ESPN that Pogba is the "most underrated player in the world," but not everyone would agree. No sleep until Qatar 2022: How will football fit in a winter World Cup? After excelling as the deepest midfielder at Ajax, he is playing a more attacking role under first Ernesto Valverde and later Quique Setien in Spain. Barcelona have tried to prepare for life after Alba -- the Spain international will be 32 in March -- but Lucas Digne and Junior Firpo have already failed to supplant him at the Camp Nou. If Belgium, the top-ranked team in the world, are to win the Euros next year, Courtois will need all of his focus. He's also the first step in building attacks; whether with a long, accurate throw or a raking crossfield pass, it's the first major evolution for the position since the "sweeper-keeper" became a thing thanks to Manuel Neuer. "When I heard he was going there I thought, 'Oh, God,'" Jurgen Klopp said of Ancelotti when he got the Everton job. In terms of creating chances, taking set pieces and working tirelessly off the ball, he is a cut above. He never has a bad day." The best players in the game seem to have positions as hard to define as their individual talents. And he has now offered a second word into the football lexicon, with "Lewan-goal-ski" now alongside his very own position, even though he's not sure whether the definition fits his style. He conceded 20 goals in 34 league matches, kept 18 clean sheets and boasted the highest save percentage in La Liga. High point of 2020: Neatly summed up in his performance against Lyon in the final 16 of the Champions League when he battled on despite having his head cut open early in the match. Sevilla transfer guru Monchi rarely gets a deal wrong, but the bargain €15m signing of Ocampos from Marseille must rank among his best acquisitions ever. Consider this: Donnarumma made his Serie A debut five years ago, has played over 200 games for Milan and is firmly established as the legendary Gianluigi Buffon's successor for Italy. He can curl the ball like Arjen Robben, he's cool as ice from the spot, he's strong in the air, can fire in shots from outside the box and is present for the simpler goals around the 6-yard box. He's now got an aging, but still ruthless, Luis Suarez up front -- thanks to personally phoning him to seal the deal -- and despite a vastly inferior budget to Real Madrid and Barcelona, Atletico continue to be annual title challengers, which is a remarkable feat in itself. Neymar and Kylian Mbappe get all the attention, but Di Maria is every bit as important to Paris Saint-Germain's success. High point of 2020: A Premier League hat trick against Brighton in July that proved he's more than just a winger and provider. High point of 2020: Salah scored many stunning goals to end Liverpool's 30-year title drought, including an audacious back-heel finish against Watford in December. Silva was not able to live up to his excellent 2018-19 campaign last season, but when on form, he remains one of Europe's most creative midfielders. In his first season at PSG, he kept five clean sheets -- trailing Bayern's Manuel Neuer by just one despite playing 191 fewer minutes -- to guide his team to the Champions League final. He could be the leading scorer in 2020 across Europe's biggest leagues, he'll soon overtake the all-time men's international goal record (he's seven shy of Ali Daei's 109), and he's averaged nearly a goal game for Portugal since he turned 30. There's not a transfer window that goes by without a handful of the European giants being linked with the Napoli defender. One of the fastest defenders in the game, his sloppy passes have caused headaches for teammates at times, though he is always quick to make up for mistakes with attacking contributions.