5 best Spanish players in the world right now (2021)

#3 Gerard Moreno (Villarreal)

Villarreal CF v Atalanta: Group F - UEFA Champions League

Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno had the best season of his life in 2020-21. Moreno was the standout performer for Villarreal as they won the UEFA Europa League for the first time in their history. In fact, he scored a goal in the final against Manchester United as well.

The tall, lanky striker scored 23 goals and provided six assists in 32 appearances in La Liga last season. He was the second-highest goalscorer in La Liga (tied with Karim Benzema) after Lionel Messi in the 2020-21 season.

The 29-year-old scored 30 goals and provided 11 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions for the Yellow Submarine last term. He had a bit of an underwhelming outing at Euro 2020. Both him andAlvaro Morata were guilty of missing several gilt-edged chances during Spain's run to the semi-finals.

He did manage to muster two assists in five appearances in the continental competition though none of his 15 attempts resulted in a goal.

#2 Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League

Cesar Azpilicueta is one of the most consistent players in the Premier League over the last 10 years. He has been a mainstay in Chelsea's backline and always gives it his all. After starting out as a right-back, Azpilicueta has now made the transition to a right-sided centre-back and has been doing a stellar job for the Blues.

Azpilicueta did excellently in Chelsea's triumphant run in the Champions League last term. He has played a crucial role in Thomas Tuchel transforming this Chelsea side into one of the most formidable defensive units in Europe.

They have conceded just one goal from open play after six matches in the new Premier League season. Azpilicueta is 32-years-old but it looks like he has quite a few more years left in the tank.

#1 Pedri (Barcelona)

FC Barcelona v Bayern München: Group E - UEFA Champions League

Euro 2020 Young Player of the Tournament Pedri has been sensational over the past year. The diminutive central midfielder has already been likened to Barcelona greats like Xavi and Andres Iniesta and he has justified those comparisons to a great extent.

Pedri has all the qualities you'd expect of a central midfielder who regularly starts for the Catalans. He can wriggle his way out of cul-de-sacs as he is excellent with the ball at his feet. His low centre of gravity enables him to execute quick turns and makes him an extremely agile midfielder.

His composure and vision belie his age. Pedri also possesses incredible technique and is a hard worker who is ready to run himself to the ground for the benefit of his side. The 18-year-old made a whopping 52 appearances for Barcelona in 2020-21, scoring four goals and providing six assists from central midfield.