Cristiano Ronaldo ranks an astonishing first according to statistics . Lionel Messi ranks 29th 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 .
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 .