Ronaldo in fine fettle... cool customer Costa

Top three players

Who’s started the season on fire in Europe? There are some usual suspects hitting the headlines, while others have emerged to play more central roles. It’s early days but here’s three of the best so far.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi has been outstanding but Ronaldo looks leaner and meaner than ever. A goal machine — eight plus two assists — there’s a good argument that on current form he’s the best player in the world right now. And with Gareth Bale, Angel di Maria and Karim Benzema able accomplices, things look good for Real.

Diego Costa

Currently the subject of a possible country switch from Brazil to Spain, it’s clear why Costa is wanted by the nation where he plays his club football. Rademel Falcao has not been missed at all as Costa has assumed the mantle of main striker. Instrumental.

Arjen Robben

It was a close call between him and Franck Ribery, with  the two causing chaos going forward for Bayern. Robben just edges it, though, for his role in the increasingly-slick machine that is Munich, with two goals and three assists. Pep Guardiola is slowly putting his mark on the team but let’s be honest, they weren’t bad last season were they?”