With 2020 approaching, Goal has decided to pick out the best players to have graced the game over the past 10 years
As the 2010s come towards their end, Goal has picked the best XI of players to have starred over the past decade.
Goal journalists Peter Staunton, Stefan Coerts and Sam Brown formed the selection panel as some of the game's biggest names battled it out for places in the team.
Taking achievements at both club and international level into account, here is what they come up with.
And check out how and why the selections were made right here!
GettyGK: Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer has had his injury issues in recent seasons but there has been no more influential goalkeeper over the past decade, as underlined by the fact that he was named the world's best shot-stopper by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) four years in a row between 2013 and 2016.
Indeed, the German helped redefine the role, ushering in the era of the 'sweeper-keeper' by essentially becoming an extra outfield player in defence thanks to his intuitive reading of the play, excellent ball control and wide range of passing.
After helping Bayern Munich pull off a historic treble triumph in 2013, Neuer even made the Ballon d'Or podium the following year thanks to the part he played in his nation's World Cup success in Brazil.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Dani Alves
Dani Alves is one of the greatest full-backs the game has ever seen – and he has the medals to prove it.
In this decade alone, he has won league titles in Spain, Italy and France, as well as two Champions Leagues with Barcelona.
He may no longer be the force of nature he was in Catalunya, a tenacious right-back with the technique of a world-class winger, but he was still the best player on show at this year's Copa America.
Indeed, the 36-year-old walked away with the tournament's Golden Ball after leading Brazil to an emotional victory on home soil that means he has now won a combined 40 titles at club and international level.
Getty ImagesCB: Raphael Varane
Raphael Varane is still only 26. And yet he has been playing for Real Madrid for the past eight years. During that time, he has won two Liga titles and a frankly ridiculous four Champions Leagues.
At international level, meanwhile, he lifted the World Cup in Russia last year, even popping up with the crucial opening goal in France's quarter-final win over Uruguay.
What really makes Varane stand out, though, is not his trophy collection but the elegance and composure with which he goes about his business, consistently nullifying the best attackers in the world with the minimum of fuss or without having to resort to cynical fouls.
A class act, in every sense.
GettyCB: Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is certainly a polarising figure within the world of football but his status as one of the game's great defenders is beyond dispute.
Some may question his methods on account of his dreadful disciplinary record, but the Real Madrid and Spain centre-half is as effective as they come, a colossus at the back for club and country for almost 15 years.
As well as being a master in organising and motivating all those around him, Ramos has proven himself not only a great goalscorer but also a man for the big occasion, having twice netted in Champions League finals.
He was won four European Cups with Real in this decade, while he also helped Spain win the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championship two years later, only further strengthening his case for inclusion in our all-star selection.