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The 2021-22 season started with the greatest ever buzz in the modern-era history of the sport. With the biggest transfer season ever witnessed, fans saw various stars parting ways with their clubs to join another European giant. More importantly, who could’ve expected Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to be part of the same transfer window. After which, fans knew that the drama in the 2021-22 campaign domestically and on the European stage is going to be elite.
As the Ballon d’Or 2021 ceremony is within touching distance away, which players have impressed the most in the initial stages of the 2021-22 campaign? And why are they listed in this elite list? If that is your query as well, then this article seems to have all the answers to satisfy your footballing knowledge.
Top 5 most impressive players in the 2021-22 season so far
5. Ciro Immobile
Napoli and AC Milan (31 points) have made a blistering start in the 2021-22 season and seem to have been able to put daylight between other clubs. However, talking about individual brilliance, it has been Lazio’s Ciro Immobile who has been mighty impressive in front of the goal. In just 11 games, the 31-year-old Italian striker has managed to score 9 goals, which also includes some clutch goals for Lazio.
Lazio are currently 6th in the Serie A table with 18 points in 11 games. Many believe that if it wasn’t for Ciro Immobile’s brilliance, Lazio would have not been able to secure a place in the top 10 this season.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
Although Manchester United are struggling to secure victories of late and have been demolished by the hands of Jurgen Klopp’s men earlier in October, yet Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be the only positive sight for the Red Devils. With defensive concerns increasing for Ole Solskjaer game after game, the Portuguese talisman has been the source of inspiration for a depleted Manchester United.
In 7 games in the Premier League so far, Ronaldo has scored 4 goals. Whereas, his major contribution has come in the Champions League this season with his nail-biting winners. Given his 5 goals in 4 matches, Cristiano Ronaldo has helped United secure at least a point after their slip against Young Boys on Matchday 1.
3. Karim Benzema
The French striker has been surrounded by the woes of his sex-tape scandal involving teammate Valbuena lately. Yet with Lionel Messi going away from La Liga, Karim Benzema is regarded as the next poster boy for the Spanish top footballing tier. Having played 10 games in the La Liga 2021-22 season, Karim Benzema has scored 9 goals and registered 7 assists to his name. Moreover, the 33-year-old Real Madrid striker is the reason why Los Blancos have been among the top 3 teams since the beginning of the 2021-22 season.
Furthermore, Benzema can now be witnessed as a mature player for Real Madrid as he now tends to support his wingers more than simply scoring goals, which indeed had brought up the claim for him to be amongst the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or this year.
2. Mohamed Salah
This Egyptian striker is undoubtedly at his peak and is rightly derived as the best player in Europe’s top 5 leagues in the past two months. The ace-man of Jurgen Klopp has been pivotal in Liverpool’s success in the 2021-22 season. As the club is currently second in the Premier League, Salah has managed to score 10 goals in 10 games. Furthermore, he has also scored 5 goals in 3 games in the Champions League as well.
Not only has Salah managed to help Liverpool increase their scoring prowess, but his ability to come down the field and run the play for Liverpool has helped Sadio Mane and Roberto Firminho to score goals in the 2021-22 Premier League season as well.
1. Robert Lewandowski
After being deprived of the Ballon d’Or last year, Robert Lewandowski is leaving no stone unturned in putting forward his claim to fetch the prestigious award this season. The primary reason for Bayern Munich’s success and domination, Lewandowski has scored 12 goals in the Bundesliga and 7 goals in the Champions League already in the 2021-22 campaign.
Not only has this 33-year-old striker helped Bayern Munich is securing a decent place so in all competitions, but his stint with Poland has also been impressive as the country rigorously fights for a place in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.