5 most influential players across Europe's top 5 leagues this season

1. Lionel Messi

FC Barcelona v Juventus - UEFA Champions League

Love him, hate him, ignore him, but Lionel Messi continues to prove why he is arguably considered one of the greatest footballers ever to have graced the pitch. Frustrated to see arch-rivals Real Madrid winning the Champions League three times in a row, he seems to have pledged to win it this time around.

The fifth best player in the world (according to France Football) has scored a jaw-dropping 21 goals and provided 10 assists in just 18 starts in the season. He leads the race to the European Golden Boot once again, and has largely inspired Barcelona to a sensational start to the season across all competitions.

The fact that his statistics are so good despite him being out for three weeks with a fractured arm is just ridiculous. He also has 3.9 dribbles per game, and a whopping 3 key passes per game.

Messi also has 4.9 shots per game and has won 10 Man of the Match awards in his 18 starts.