Ballon d'Or 2017: 5 players who deserved to be ranked higher

The Ballon d'Or 2017 ceremony finally came to an end amid much hype and fanfare and predictably Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo claimed his 5th prize equalling his arch-rival Lionel Messi.

While there were not many arguments about Ronaldo winning the top prize, there were some extremely surprising ranks in the 30 man ranking list released by French Football. We take a look at 5 players in the 30 man shortlist who deserved to get better rankings in Ballon d'Or 2017:

#5 Edin Dzeko (Rank 28)

Edin Dzeko was on fire for Roma last season

Winner of the Serie A golden boot for the 2016/17 season, Edin Dzeko certainly deserved to be ranked higher than 28. The Bosnian diamond was in fine form for Roma last season and was one of the main reasons for their impressive second-place finish.

With 29 goals in Serie A and 8 goals in the Europa League, the Bosnian striker showed his considerable qualities and was arguably among the top 3 forwards last season. This season as well, the Roma star has been in good form grabbing 11 goals in 20 games.

An excellent header of the ball and capable of producing a powerful shot, Dzeko will be slightly disappointed by the fact that an out of form Benzema (rank 25) was ranked higher than him by France Football and L'Equipe.

Sit back and enjoy some excellent 'number 9' play by the Bosnian diamond.

#4 Philippe Coutinho (Rank 29)

Coutinho is definitely among the world's best playmakers at the moment

When clubs like Barcelona and PSG are ready to break the bank for a player, you know that he is pretty special. Liverpool’s magician Philippe Coutinho has mesmerised the Premier League with his stunning performances in the last few seasons. Capable of the spectacular and a perfect fit under Jurgen Klopp, the little Brazilian has steadily enhanced his reputation as Liverpool’s standout performer.

Known for his agility and dribbling skills, Coutinho has largely improved on his passing and vision in the last few years and is now a regular provider of assists for his team-mates. A typical Brazilain number 10, Coutinho is most comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder though he has also played on the left-flank on a number of occasions.

Last season, Coutinho was Liverpool's top scorer and was certainly one of the best players in the Premier League. Ranked joint lowest along with Dries Mertens, the little Brazilian will be feeling slightly hard done by the Ballon d'Or voting and ranking list.

#3 Eden Hazard (Rank 19)

Eden Hazard was arguably the best player in Premier League last season

Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard has once again shown this season why he is so highly rated. Touted to be a future Ballon d’Or winner, Hazard has shown his class and has been the standout attacking player for Antonio Conte’s Chelsea this season.

Capable of beating opposition defenders with ease and setting up chances for team-mates, Hazard was arguably the best player in the Premier League last season and was an integral part of Conte's Premier League winning side.

Real Madrid are said to be desperate to sign the 26-year-old and with the Belgian at the peak of his powers, the move could come to fruition in the summer transfer window. In fact, Madrid manager Zidane himself is a huge fan of Hazard. In an earlier interview, the French manager had said:

"Eden is technically gifted and very fast. He will be a major star in the future. I would take him to Real Madrid with my eyes closed."

Hazard definitely deserved to be in the top 10 for his wonderful performance in 2017.

#2 Gianluigi Buffon (Rank 4)

Buffon had a stellar 2017 for Juventus

It is not often that a goalkeeper gets recognised for his efforts, but Buffon still managed to finish above many fancied players and secure the 4th position in the Ballon d'Or rankings. However, even this high position does not do justice to the great man as he undoubtedly deserved to finish in the top 3.

He was even tipped as an outside contender to win the Ballon d'Or award although the loss to Ronaldo's Real Madrid severely dented the Italian's chances. Although 39, the Juve veteran was in fine form and pulled off a number of stunning saves both in Serie A and Champions League.

The legendary shot-stopper was at his finest in the match against Barcelona in the Champions League with even Pique admitting that Buffon deserved the Ballon d'Or for his consistently astonishing displays in the 2016/17 season.

However, it was not to be and Buffon finished 4th behind Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo.

#1 Toni Kroos (Rank 17)

Toni Kroos is arguably the best midfielder in world football at the moment

Probably Real Madrid’ s most consistent player, Toni Kroos has taken his game to new heights ever since he made the switch to Madrid from Bayern Munich. Calm, composed and always assured on the ball, Kroos is the conductor in the midfield who pulls the strings for the Spanish giants.

It is almost criminal that the German midfielder was ranked as low as 17 in the Ballon d'Or rankings. Capable of picking out passes and spraying the ball across the field, Kroos had an incredible 12 assists in the League alone last season. The Madrid man is also an excellent proponent of the dead ball and it was often his classy set-piece deliveries which helped Real Madrid break down organised defences.

A complete midfield player capable of scoring spectacular goals and doing the dirty work, Kroos certainly deserved to be in the top 10, if not the top 5 for his wonderful performances this year.