5 best midfielders according to the Ballon d'Or rankings

#3 - Isco (Real Madrid, 12th):

Isco was Real Madrid's X-factor last season

Gareth Bale has achieved enormous success in his first season at Real Madrid, after completing a mega-money swap from English Premier League side, Tottenham.

However, with the Welshman's frequent injury issues getting the best out of him, Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane was under a delicate situation last season, as the club approached the decisive stages of the campaign. With Bale injured, the French manager decided to put his faith in Spanish sensation Isco. The 25-year old took matters into hands, as he occupied a more central position than his injured teammate, in what seemed to be a 4-4-2 diamond formation.

As the big games arrived, Isco was well worth his manager's faith and proved his doubters wrong, as he stood out, namely in the Champions League against FC Bayern, Atlético Madrid and Juventus.

This season, the Spain international has managed to maintain a high level of performances, having already scored 4 goals and mustered 4 assists. In the crucial World Cup qualifier against Italy, Isco pulled one of his best performances to date. The magical display earned the respect of, at that time, Italy manager Gian Piero Ventura and key player Marco Verratti, who both stated their admiration for the midfielder.