#2 Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Phillip Lahm is a big name in football, especially for Bayern Munich. Thankfully for Bayern, they had a perfect ready-made replacement in the form of Joshua Kimmich for Lahm. Over the years, the 24-year-old star has been successful in entrenching himself as a pivotal part of both, for club and country.
So far this season, he made 34 league appearances and assisted 13, while scoring twice and enjoying a pass success percentage of more than 90%. In a season where Niko Kovač's side wasn't as dominating as they are expected to be, Kimmich continued to be a rare brightening star.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Without a doubt. What Alexander-Arnold has achieved this year is nothing but a dream for many players. Especially considering the fact he still is only 19 makes us eulogise even further. One of the most pivotal assets for Jurgen Klopp this past season, he created 12 assists in the Premier League - breaking the record for most by a defender in a single league campaign.
With the stamina to run all day long down the right-hand side, he supplies width and delivers pinpoint crosses with attackers can only hope for in dangerous positions. Startlingly, he is blessed with a wonderful right foot which helped him score a sumptuous free-kick goal against Watford too.
When it comes to intelligence and awareness, who can forget how smartly he took the corner against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, which proved pivotal in helping his team qualify for this month's final. Just brilliant.