Spertsyan and Mkhitaryan Among the Most Influential Footballers in the World, According to CIES

The CIES Football Observatory has published its list of the top 300 most influential footballers of the 2024/25 season, based on data from 60 leagues worldwide. The ranking includes the 50 best players in each position — and among them are two Armenian footballers: Eduard Spertsyan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

How Was the Ranking Compiled?

The study is based on an index calculated using six key components of football effectiveness:

• AER (aerial play) – aerial duels

• DFS (ground defence) – ground defending

• DIS (distribution) – passing game

• TAK (take on) – dribbling

• CCR (chance creation) – chance creation

• FIN (finishing) – shot conversion

Additional factors included minutes played and team performance in the domestic league.

Eduard Spertsyan Among the World's Best Attacking Midfielders

FC Krasnodar captain Eduard Spertsyan became a Russian Premier League champion this season and ranked 27th among the most influential attacking midfielders with an index score of 80.1 — the highest in the Russian league. Other RPL players in the top 50 include Alexey Batrakov (77.8) and Bitello (77.8).

Spertsyan outranked players like Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), and Dani Olmo (Barcelona), and was just behind stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, and Adrien Rabiot.

In the 2024/25 season, the 24-year-old Armenian played 28 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing 6 assists. He excelled in CCR (chance creation), FIN (finishing), and TAK (dribbling).

This marks yet another international recognition for Spertsyan, confirming his steady development and growing reputation. A long-time key figure for Krasnodar, he continues to make his presence felt on the international stage — even outside the top five European leagues.

Top 3 Attacking Midfielders According to CIES:

1. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen) – 93.6

2. Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – 92.4

3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – 90.0

Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the Elite of Central Midfielders

Armenian football legend and Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan ranked 11th among central midfielders with an index of 88.0 — identical to his teammate Nicolò Barella. Another Inter midfielder, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, came in 21st (83.5). Mkhitaryan is the second-oldest player in the list, behind 39-year-old Luka Modrić, who ranked 16th.

Mkhitaryan played 32 Serie A matches this season, scoring once and providing 5 assists. His strengths in DIS (distribution) and DFS (ground defence) continue to provide Inter with crucial control in midfield.

Despite his age, the 36-year-old remains a vital part of the squad and consistently performs at a high level. In just three days, Mkhitaryan will play in his second UEFA Champions League final with Inter.

Top 3 Central Midfielders According to CIES:

1. Pedri (Barcelona) – 98.7

2. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich) – 96.2

3. Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen) – 94.1

Other Top Players of the 2024/25 Season by Position:

Centre-Backs:

• Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – 89.4

• Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid) – 87.6

• William Saliba (Arsenal) – 86.9

Full-Backs:

• Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) – 92.6

• Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City) – 90.2

• Álex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen) – 88.4

Wingers:

• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – 100.0

• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – 99.6

• Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) – 98.1

Strikers:

• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – 92.3

• Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP) – 89.2

• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – 89.0

Mohamed Salah had his best season according to CIES, scoring the maximum 100 points. The 32-year-old Egyptian had the most productive season of his career - 29 goals and 18 assists.