Andres Iniesta - Barcelona

There are those who know that the best player in the world over the past year is neither Portuguese nor Argentinian, but the schoolboyish Spaniard from Albacete - Andres Iniesta. Wayne Rooney who saw Iniesta's virtuoso performance in the Champions League final in 2009, is one of them.

Iniesta gives the term "attacking midfielder" a whole new meaning. A player who uses his feet with the dexterity of a hockey stick, seems to always have time and space in the middle of the football pitch. Known as El Illusionista (the illusionist), he does his work quietly but of late, his work has been noticed across the world.

He came into the first team in the 04-05 season but really established himself in the League and Champions League winning team of 05-06 under Rijkaard. Alongside Xavi, Iniesta has formed the most formidable midfield partnership for both club and country and their telepathic understanding is as key a part of both their games.

Iniesta stole the limelight in the Champions League, 2009, as deep into injury time, seconds from possible elimination, he scored the goal that took Barcelona into the final, where he proved to be unplayable.

When Iniesta was making his initial bow for the Barca youth team, Pep Guardiola, a senior player is reported to have told Xavi, then a youngstar, "you will retire me, but this kid will retire us all!"

Inista is a key part of the National team, where again Spain have an embarrassment of riches. Iniesta forms the brightest of the Spanish jewels in midfield and his style brings to life the famous Spanish tiki-take style of short passing play. Though he has just 6 goals to his name, he was key to Spains Euro 2008 triumph. Look out for his impact on the 2010 world cup.