es Ronaldo ranks an astonishing 29th according to statistics . es Messi ranks first out of the top forwards in scoring . Eden Hazard and Mesut ##ka are the joint - top attacking midfielders . Manchester City 's defender Clichy has been crowned Europe 's best full back . CIES Football analysts compile the rankings by focusing on shooting , chances created , take - ons , distribution , recovery and rigour .
Cristiano Ronaldo ranks an astonishing 29th according to statistics . Lionel Messi ranks first out of the top forwards in Europe . Eden Hazard and Mesut Ozil are the joint-top attacking midfielders . Manchester City 's Gael Clichy has been crowned Europe 's best full back . CIES Football Observatory compile the rankings by focussing on shooting , chances created , take-ons , distribution , recovery and rigour .