The Oscars just concluded – an event that celebrated the very best of motion pictures. And in football, we're only a few months away from our very own version of the ceremony. Teams have played admirably so far in all of the major European football leagues and we now have a clearer image of how things could pan out come the end of the season.
In England, one major cup competition has already ended with Jose Mourinho's Manchester United winning the English Football League Cup. They beat Southampton to claim the prize and overtake Liverpool as the most successful English footballing side.
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Individually, players have been excellent, too, contributing to their team's success. Some have worked harder than the others and some just enjoy being in the spotlight, showing the world just how good they are at what they do.
Here's celebrating those chosen ones. Europe's ideal XI for the 2016/17 season so far is as follows: (As calculated by WhoScored.com)
Goalkeeper
The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) may have named Germany and Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer as the best keeper in the world for the year 2016 but so far, in all of Europe's top domestic leagues, the goalkeeper of the season has been Saint Etienne's Stephane Ruffier.
The 30-year-old Frenchman isn't someone who makes headlines but he's gone about his work quietly and has been rewarded for his efforts. In the 29 matches he's played in all competitions this year, Ruffier has kept 12 clean sheets and has helped his side rise to 6th in the Ligue 1 table with the hopes of potentially getting into Europe for the upcoming season.
Ruffier makes an average of 7.1 saves per game and his quick reflexes and ability to read attacks well mean he makes an average of 3.4 key saves inside the penalty box: on-par with the best goalkeeper in the world, Neuer.
Defenders
Right back: Ricardo Pereira
At right-back, we have OGC Nice's Portuguese defender Ricardo Pereira. The 23-year-old has been one of the team's brightest stars with his consistent performances at the back. Nice are currently third in the Ligue 1, level on points with Paris Saint-Germain, and are only that high because of Pereira's important contributions every game.
He averages an incredible 3.6 clean tackles per game, 2 key interceptions per game and 2.9 clearances per game. Up top, he has a successful pass percentage of 85.4% and has routinely averaged 52 passes per game – one of the highest for any defender in any of Europe's top leagues. He also has 3 assists and 1 goal to his name.
Centre Back: Federico Fazio
At right-centre-back, we have AS Roma's Federico Fazio. The 29-year-old might not have been a success in the English Premier League but he's kicking up quite the storm in the Serie A.
The Argentine is a rock at the back and makes a staggering 7.4 clearances per game – a high in Europe. Combine that with his 2.5 key interceptions per game and his 2 goals and you know why he's on the team.
Centre Back: Loic Perrin
Fazio's partner on the left-hand side of the central defence is another Saint Etienne star, Loic Perrin. The 31-year-old stalwart is the oldest player on this team and thoroughly deserves his inclusion. Perrin is quick to cut out danger, with 2.5 key interceptions per game. He's also really strong in the air and makes 5.5 clearances per game.
Left Back: Alex Sandro
At left-back, we have Juventus’ ever-reliable defender, Alex Sandro. The Brazilian is amongst the most valuable full-backs in the world and that's only because of his equally impressive contributions to both attack and defence.
Sandro has 5 assists and 2 goals to his name; he also makes 2.1 interceptions per game, 2.1 tackles per game and averages 1.9 key passes per game making him one of the most complete defenders in all of the world.
Midfielders
Central Midfield: Paul Pogba
Essentially the heart of the team and the ones who can turn a game on its head. And while Europe boasts of some of the world's most talented midfielders, the ones – two, in fact, – who make it to this list are only 23 and 25 years of age.
On the right-hand side of the centre of the field, we have Manchester United's Paul Pogba. The world's most expensive player may be subject to a lot of stick over the past few months for his performances but his stats tell a whole different story and that's all we're worried about.
With 8 goals and 4 assists in all competitions, Pogba is not short of terrifying defences. He also takes an average of 3.2 shots per game – with most of them coming from distance. Pogba averages 72.9 passes per game with a successful completion rate of 85.4%.
Central Midfield: Thiago Alcantara
Pogba’s partner in the middle of the park is the only Bundesliga player to make this team, Bayern Munich's Thiago Alcantara. The 25-year-old has 5 goals and 5 assists in all competitions, and averages 3.4 key interceptions and 2.5 tackles per game.
For someone who came through the ranks of FC Barcelona, Thiago's defensive contributions outshine his natural ability to look and pass forward. With an average of 87.2 passes per game and a successful pass completion rate of 91.2%, he's amongst the best passers in the game currently.
Wingers
Right wing: Lionel Messi
Starting from the right, we have the ever-mercurial little Argentine, Lionel Messi. The 29-year-old, often aptly described as the god of football, has taken to his new role under Luis Enrique like a duck to water.
Playing on the right to supplement Luis Suarez's centre-forward-ing talent, Messi has been sensational as usual. With 37 goals and 6 assists in all competitions, it's no wonder people travel halfway across the globe just to witness him play. He is a god.
4.7 shots, 3.2 dribbles and 2.2 key passes per game mean he's in top form this season constantly tormenting defences and making every other footballer look bang average.
Left wing: Neymar
On the opposite of the field is his close partner-in-crime, Neymar. The Brazilian has been – according to the stats – the most effective player in all of Europe. With 10 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, Neymar is constantly improving as a player for the Catalans.
His passing is improving, too. The Brazilian makes 46.2 passes per game out of which 2.9 of those are clear goal-scoring chances for his teammates to tuck away. Neymar also loves dribbling and averages an incredible 5.2 key dribbles per game which is amongst the highest in all of Europe.
Forwards
Striker: Eden Dzeko
The battle to become Serie A’s top scorer is a closely fought one this year. With Gonzalo Higuain an obvious candidate, there’s one name challenging him at the very top and very few people expected it – it’s AS Roma’s Edin Dzeko.
The 30-year-old has been sensational in the Serie A this season where he’s scored 19 goals. In all competitions, he’s scored 30 goals and has 3 assists to his name. Dzeko’s timing has been brilliant for AS Roma this season; they’re second in the league largely thanks to the former Manchester City man’s goals and attributes.
Striker: Alexis Sanchez
To partner Dzeko in this team is the English Premier League’s leading attacking player, Alexis Sanchez. The Arsenal man has scored 21 goals in all competitions and has contributed 11 assists, too. Sanchez is a complete player and averages 2.5 key passes and 2.8 dribbles per game.
He also averages 41.9 passes for the Gunners which are mostly in the final third of the pitch. His link-up play with Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud has paid dividends in his side’s pursuit of silverware this season.
