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The football world is in transition and at this moment no club would like to leave their top players. However, if the club chooses to let the footballing talents go, they would like to make some money from them by selling those world class players in the transfer market. However, some of the best players are at the end of their contract and will be in the transfer market next summer! While some may be past their prime, others are definitely still red hot! Like Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Surely, clubs would go hammer and tongs to get hold of any one of them. Interestingly, now that soccer in China and India is turning top draw, interest may well come from these regions too. Lets have a look at the top 10 players who would be up for grabs.
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1- Frank Ribery: The ‘Jewel of France’ as the legendary Zinedine Zidane call him, Ribery since joining Bayern has been recognised on the world stage as one of the best French players of his generation. His form for Bayern in the club's treble winning season saw him nominated alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on the three-man shortlist for the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or. Ribery who is 34-years-old now might find it hard to get another contract from the German giants, however with his recent performance against PSG in champions league and with return of Jupp Heynckes, the Frenchman may get an year's extension at the club. (Reuters)
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2- Arjen Robben: The Dutch professional footballer, Robben also plays for Bayern Munich. He is regarded as one of the best wingers in the world, as he is able to take on and beat defenders at the drop of a hat and his ability to get to the bylines and deliver accurate crosses instils fear into defences. Usually deployed on the right wing, Robben often cuts inside on his left foot to move to a more central attacking position, and uses his speed and dribbling skills to take on defenders until he finds the space to make an attempt on goal which is a nightmare for the opposition goalkeepers. However, recently Robben confessed that his move from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich in 2009 was a step back in his career. This means that the ‘Flying Dutchman’ would not be looking for another year with the Bavarians. (Reuters)
3- Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Ibrahimovic has been described as being good in the air, quick, tall, strong and agile as he plays well with his back to goal and boasts some of the best finishing, vision, passing and ball control around. A versatile and well-rounded footballer, from a tactical standpoint, Ibrahimovic is capable of playing anywhere along the front line, due to his ability to both create and score goals for his team, although he is most often deployed as a striker due to his composure and eye for goal. The self proclaimed ‘God of Football’ Ibrahimovic although is 36-years-old now, but he still can brings fear into opponents' heart by his sheer presence. As soon as he steps into the market, the big clubs would want his services. At what cost? Remains to be seen. (Reuters) -
4- Mesut Ozil: A quick, creative and technical player,Ozil excels in an advanced playmaking role, as a winger on either flank, or as an attacking midfielder through the centre of the pitch. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he was also deployed in a new role which was later described as a false-10 or central winger, due to his tendency to drift from the centre into a wide position when in possession of the ball. An elegant left-footed player, his main attributes are his vision, his control, movement, passing range, and accurate crossing ability, as well as his delivery from set-pieces, which allows him to get into good attacking position, create chances, and provide many assists for his teammates. Due to his creative ability and offensive prowess as a playmaker, Özil has been called "assist-king.” He is just 29-years-old is currently at his all-time best. He sure is to gather a lot of attention in the market next year. (Reuters)
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5- Alexis Sanchez: Sanchez is a quick, creative and hard-working player with an eye for goal, who is known in particular for his energy, skill and work-rate on the pitch. Although naturally right-footed, due to his ability with either foot, he is capable of playing anywhere along the front line. A talented forward, Sanchez is gifted with excellent technical ability, agility, flair and acceleration, which enables him to dribble past opponents with feints in one on one situations, create space, and either score goals himself or set-up his teammates. Being an accurate striker of the ball, he is also effective from set-pieces. With so many talents in one player, clubs would surely throw the hat in the ring to grab him. (Reuters)
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6- Giorgio Chiellini: Chiellini began his career as a left-back, but made his name as an aggressive, physical, and hard-tackling centre-back, with a penchant for scoring headers from set-pieces, due to his aerial prowess and strength. A versatile, consistent and dependable left-footed defender, with good awareness, positional sense, and an ability to read the game, he is capable of playing both in a three or four-man defence. Due to his tenacious, no-nonsense playing style, Chiellini has been described as an "old-fashioned" centre-back, who primarily serves as a ball-winner, his physicality and aggression as a defender, as well as his goal celebration, which involves him beating his chest, have earned him the nickname "King Kong". (Reuters)
7- Juan Mata: A skillful attacking midfielder, Mata is known for his passing and technique. At 5'7" he has a medium build that further facilitates agile mobility. Mata also possesses great vision that allows him to provide assists to accompanying forwards. He is a great utility forward who can give headaches to the opposition defenders with his sudden burst of energy which helps him accelerate from zero to top speed in fraction of seconds. (Reuters) 8- Fernandinho: Fernandinho is well known for his blistering pace and ability to shoot from long distances. He is described as "a defensive midfielder with a box to box style of play, contributing in large part to the defense and the attack. With a powerful shot and great passing range, Fernandinho has played an important part in breaking up opposition attacks and creating goal scoring opportunities" He will be a perfect link-up between the attack and defence at crucial times. (Reuters) -
9- Joao Moutinho- Mainly a central midfielder he can also operate as a defensive or attacking midfielder, and on either flank. Which means he can play anywhere on the field. A perfect utility player when team is short of men in some position. (Reuters)
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10- Yaya Toure: Formerly a defender, Yaya Toure plays primarily in the centre as a box-to-box midfielder, often switching between offensive and defensive stances throughout matches. Toure is a complete and versatile midfielder, who can play in several midfield positions, is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. His key strengths are his passing range, vision and physical ability. He is gifted with good technique and ball control, although he also excels defensively at breaking down opposing attacking plays and winning back possession through his powerful tackling ability. He is known for his pace, stamina and physical presence, which is often combined with lung bursting runs from midfield, and he has been referred to as a "human train" and a "colossus" by various pundits. (Reuters)

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