Ballon d'Or Power Rankings: February 2022

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski

#7 Erling Haaland (Norway/Borussia Dortmund)

TSG Hoffenheim v Borussia Dortmund - Bundesliga
TSG Hoffenheim v Borussia Dortmund - Bundesliga

Erling Haaland has been prolific in front of goal for Borussia Dortmund once again this season. The 21-year-old is currently the most sought-after striker in the world and several European giants are interested in securing his services this summer.

Haaland has scored 23 goals and provided six assists in 20 appearances across all competitions so far this term for the Bundesliga outfit. However, he has had multiple injury problems to deal with this season.

He has already missed 15 matches due to injury in the ongoing campaign and is currently sidelined as he recovers from a muscle injury. But once he's back, there is no doubt that Haaland will stack up incredible numbers as he has been nearly unstoppable in the final third this term.

Haaland is considered a future Ballon d'Or winner but it remains to be seen whether he will have enough trophies this season to make a strong case for himself.

#6 Thomas Muller (Germany/Bayern Munich)

FC Bayern München v SpVgg Greuther Fürth - Bundesliga
FC Bayern München v SpVgg Greuther Fürth - Bundesliga

Thomas Muller, Bayern Munich's very own Raumdeuter (space interpretor), is the king of assists in Europe. Muller is one of the most intelligent footballers in the world and his awareness, maturity and decision-making in the final third are exemplary.

The German international's presence has gone a long way towards making Robert Lewandowski the best striker in the world. Not all centre-forwards have the luxury of playing alongside a player of Muller's ability and tactical acumen.

Bayern Munich have looked utterly dominant at times this season. They are tipped to have a long run in the Champions League and win the Bundesliga for a 10th consecutive season.

In 33 appearances across all competitions this term, Muller has scored 10 goals and provided a whopping 22 assists.

#5 Vinicius Jr. (Brazil/Real Madrid)

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander
FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander

Vinicius Jr. is one of the most improved players in the world this season. The Brazilian winger has doubled down on his strengths this term. It is nearly impossible to shake him off the ball as he loves flitting past defenders with his dancing feet.

Vinicius Jr. has combined with Karim Benzema to great effect in the ongoing season. The duo's form has been pivotal to Real Madrid sitting at the top of the La Liga table. His development will certainly have pleased his national team coach Tite, who is now spoiled for choice in attack heading into the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

In 34 appearances across all competitions for Los Blancos so far this season, Vinicius Jr. has scored 16 goals and provided 10 assists.

#4 Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid)

Real Madrid CF v Valencia CF - La Liga Santander
Real Madrid CF v Valencia CF - La Liga Santander

It would have been perfectly excusable for Karim Benzema to have started fading this season. He has turned 34 and has spent more than a decade performing at the highest level. But the Frenchman has only taken his game up a notch this season.

He scored crucial goals in the semi-finals and final of the UEFA Nations League. The Frenchman has been a class apart and has been Real Madrid's best player this term as they look poised to go on and win the league.

Benzema has scored 25 goals and provided 11 assists in 30 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid so far this season. He will be France's first-choice striker at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well. Benzema finished fourth in the 2021 Ballon d'Or race and looks determined to do even better this time around.

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Edited by Shambhu Ajith
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