As the days get shorter and colder and the group stage concludes, the continent’s best No10s distract us from the wintery gloom with their precious skills. This issue celebrates the playmakers, past and present, who have delighted us with their creativity, vision and joyous mastery of the ball. Displaying an artist’s sensitivity among workhorses and hatchet men, they sway in and out of tactical fashion, often infuriate their coaches and frustrate fans, but truly possess something special. Let’s marvel at the playmakers who have lit up the European Cup and UEFA Champions League with their rare sorcery. Is your favourite in our top 50?
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We also pay tribute to some of the game’s other free spirits, including Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis ‘Lucho’ Enrique and his love of extreme sports, Milan flyer and budding music artist Rafael Leão, plus fashionista and eco-warrior Héctor Bellerín. And our very own dynamic duo Sam and Swaz take a trip out of their comfort zone to Antwerp. You could say this issue is a 10/10.