Top5 - Number 2: Robin van Persie (Manchester United)

We all know of the talent this man has in front of goal, and those who doubted his move from north London to Manchester in the summer have been firmly shut up. The argument that injuries would get the better of him at the Red Devils has been quashed with 19 goals in his 29 Premier League appearances this term.

Despite the major competition for a starting slot in Fergie's forward positions, the Dutchman has made himself the first man on the weekly team sheet, and has ultimately been the difference what looks to be a championship winning season for the Reds.

Games played: 29

Goals scored: 19

Assists: 8

Chances created: 42

Shot accuracy: 59%

Pass accuracy: 80%

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Top5 - Number 3: Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

Since the turn of the new year, there has been one man making all the headlines. That man, of course, is Tottenham winger Gareth Bale. With performances so accomplished he has been compared to Real Madrid and Portugal sensation Cristiano Ronaldo, and although he has not quite touched the heights that the former Manchester United man has climbed to, he is well on course.

Bale is a constant threat on the field, whether he is in his natural wide positions or in his new-found central role under Andre Villas-Boas. His sheer speed and power make him a nightmare to defend against and his fierce shooting abilities put the icing on the top of the Welshman's cake.

Games played: 26

Goals scored: 16

Assists: 2

Chances created: 62

Shot accuracy: 56%

Pass accuracy: 78%

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Top5 - Number 4: Juan Mata (Chelsea)

The little Spaniard has really stepped up to the mark this season with Chelsea, and any previous opinions on the midfield wizard have been multiplied tenfold. Whether he is sitting just behind the centre-forward, drifting out to the wings to whip crosses into the box, or carrying the ball through midfield and scoring the goals himself, Mata has been a pivotal figure in the Blues' push for a top three finish.

The 24-year-old seems to be one of the few flourishing under the under-pressure interim boss Rafa Benitez, and he has become a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge because of his consistency.

Games played: 27

Goals scored: 10

Assists: 10

Chances created: 62

Shot accuracy: 58%

Pass accuracy: 85%

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Top5 - Number 5: Michu (Swansea)

The phrase 'bargain of the season' has been thrown at the Swansea new-boy all too often this season, and although it may well be true, the Spaniard is attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs on the European stage. Michu took the league by storm when he arrived from Rayo Vallecano, scoring four goals in the opening three games of the season.

He continued his fine form and at the time of writing has bagged himself 15 league goals and talk of a call up to the Spanish senior side. And let's face it, if you're even being touted for a place beside the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and David Villa then you must have something about you.

Games played: 28

Goals scored: 15

Assists: 2

Chances created: 26

Shot accuracy: 46%

Pass accuracy: 77%

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Top10 - Number 1: Boca Juniors vs River Plate - Superclasico

In this immense battle between Argentina's, and more specifically Buenos Aires', two largest clubs, the passion of the South Americans is what sets this apart from most other rivalries in football. It is often seen as a matter of life and death by both sets of supporters, and the fans put on a show like no others. When the clubs face up to each other, there is a flooding of streaming banners, fireworks, bouncing Argentines, flags and singing, creating the ultimate atmosphere.

Boca, who are seen as the city's working class club as opposed to River Plate, nicknamed the Millionaires, have been the more successful when it comes to wins against each other.

There is not a meeting that passes without major controversy, and the importance of every  single one is magnified by the tens of thousands who attend the games.

Have a watch of this video and tell me that football isn't a magic sport.

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Top10 - Number 2: Barcelona vs Madrid - El Clasico

It is safe to say that the history behind these two sides make this one of the greatest rivalries in world football. The clubs stem from the two largest cities in Spain, and are also seen as having split political views. Madrid are believed to be majorly in favour of Spanish nationalism, whereas Barcelona are well-documented to be a Catalan club.

This fixture has conjured up some of the most historic battles in the history of the game, and without the ill-mannered meetings between the two colossal football would be left with a gaping hole.

The hatred between the two is fierce, and any player brave enough to cross the divide should be expecting a hellish time when they return. Just ask Luis Figo.

These days it is seen by the neutral as the stage for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to pit their wits against eachother, but look past that and you find a fixture steeped with history and meaning.

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Top10 - Number 3: Lazio vs Roma - Derby della Capitale

The meetings between these two clubs have never been dull. Considered one of the most dangerous derbies in Europe, The two Rome clubs have a history of not playing by the rules when it comes to getting one over their most hated.

Italians are known to be fiery people, but throw sport, politics and social classes into the mix and you have got something so resentful that it seen as an excuse for a scrap. There has been death as a result of the sharing of blows, when a Lazio fan was hit by a flare thrown by a Roma fan and killed.

This one is not for the faint hearted, but great to watch for those who enjoy the spices of life.

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Celtic vs Rangers - The Old Firm

Possibly the most potent derby in Britain, as the hatred for one another goes far beyond the field and has lead to a number of deaths on both sides.

It all comes from the beliefs of both sets of fans, Rangers fans are historically of Protestant beliefs, whereas Celtic are of Roman Catholic heritage. There is also a lot of tension because of Celtic fans adopting an Irish background, with Rangers being typically British.

Rangers are struggling off the field at the moment and find themselves in deep money problems, but prior to this season when the teams were meeting frequently, with the bitterness towards each other clear for all to see.

Watch this video for a history behind the rivalry.

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Top10 - Number 5: Fenerbahce vs Galatasaray - Kitilar Arasi Derbi

Turkish people are naturally passionate, and when the two sides from the country's capital go head-to-head, expect fireworks. The split between the two is based on heritage, with Fenerbahce hailing from the Asain side of Istanbul, whereas Galatasary come from the European side.

This fixture has seen it all. There have been riots, players fighting, games abandoned, deaths, and even Graeme Souness planting a giant Galatasaray flag in the middle of the rival's stadium after a victory when he was in charge.

This is one game you would not want to get caught up in if you were unaware of your history, but is a truly magical event to watch.

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Top10 - Number 6: AC Milan vs Inter - Derby della Madonnina

When there are numerous clubs sharing a city, obviously there is going to be hatred between the sets of fans. Not only to these two European giants share Milan, but they also share one of the finest football stadiums on the planet - San Siro.

Throughout history these two have gone toe-to-toe at the very top of European football. It would be naive to say that the supporters were often well behaved when the pair come up against one another, but as most are probably close neighbours or even family members, these games are always treated with extreme measures.

The two clubs have also shared a wealth of extraordinary talents over the years. Players such as Edgar Davids, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, and Ronaldo have all swapped between AC and Inter.

Red and black or blue and black, you decide.

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