Top 10 players in Europe with the most successful dribbles since 2009 revealed, Cristiano Ronaldo is only sixth

The top 10 best dribblers in Europe have been revealed, with Cristiano Ronaldo having to settle for sixth place.

@ThePopFoot have crunched all the relevant numbers to compile the list, which includes a whole host of household names but a few surprises thrown in.

The data is from 2009 onwards and would appear to back up the popular view that Lionel Messi is the best dribbler of all time.

The Barcelona legend, with his innate low sense of gravity, mesmeric footwork and ability to change direction, has attempted a staggering 4474 dribbles and completed 2730 - giving him a success rate of 64%.

However, that is not the best percentage on the list. Fulham winger Adama Traore is the clear winner in that department, accruing 73% after completing 1088 dribbles.

Eden Hazard, who is said to be nearing retirement after a dismal spell at Real Madrid, is just ahead of Saudi side Al Hilal's marquee signing Neymar with 1656 dribbles to 1417 to complete the top three.

Ronaldo was a devastating dribbler at Manchester United, regularly destroying opponents with pace, power and a level of trickery that had never been seen before.

However, he adapted his game at Real Madrid to become more of a goalscorer and a player who would come alive in the key moments.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's dribbling exploits have greatly reduced in recent times and his tally stands at just over 1000.

An interesting inclusion in the list is Wilfried Zaha, who left defenders aplenty on the floor with his slick dribbling ability. The Crystal Palace legend, now plying his trade at Turkish giants Galatasaray, has completed 993 dribbles and occupies seventh spot.

Raheem Sterling and Luka Modric follow behind in eighth and ninth after 985 and 888 respectively but the very final member is former Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin.

One of the most entertaining players to watch in the Premier League in recent history, the now Al Ahli star has 877 dribbles to his name.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Eden Hazard, Franck Ribery, Adama Traore, Raheem Sterling, Wilfried Zaha

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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