INFTH Top 100: Numbers 40 and 39

40. Xabi Alonso- As ever, Xabi Alonso was a model of consistency for Real Madrid last season; spraying the passes around with ease, and defending solidly.

Since his move from Liverpool, Xabi Alonso has been highly impressive for both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, winning the World Cup with Spain, and continually putting in high class performances for the Merengues. Though not the greatest goalscorer, Alonso's superb range of passing contributes much to the attack; the midfielder has become extremely adept at bringing others into play.

Despite the presence of holding midfield players like Lassana Diarra and Sami Khedira, last season Alonso still managed to hold onto the starting spot in that position; testament to his quality as a player.

Unfortunately for Alonso, Real Madrid were once again trumped in the two major competitions by Barcelona, however, Alonso was part of the side which earned a hard fought 1-0 win over the Catalans in the final of the Copa Del Rey, a victory which brought Alonso his first piece of silverware since moving to the Bernabeau.

39. Wesley Sneijder- For me, during the 09/10 season Wesley Sneijder was the top performing player in world football, making it an absolute travesty that he didn't with the Fifa World Player of the Year award. However, last season Sneijder found it somewhat tougher, perhaps tired after an extended World Cup run, the Dutchman struggled for form during the campaign's opening months.

After the departure of Rafael Benitez though, Sneijder's form began to improve, as the playmaker's hallmark passing and shooting began to manifest themselves more clearly. Sneijder is not renowned for his goalscoring ability, but nevertheless, the midfielder is always a threat, his ability to score from set pieces his particularly impressive.

Much like last summer, Sneijder name has been bandied around in gossip columns around the World since the transfer window opened this summer. Manchester United are rumored to be highly interested in the creator, with Sir Alex Ferguson seeing him as the solution to United's midfield woes. Chelsea and Manchester City are both also said to be on the watch for a potential deal, and with that financial clout that those two wield perhaps they are more likely destinations.

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