Thursday 02 August 2018, 12:38

The candidates in their coaches' words

  • Coaches discuss the The Best FIFA Men's Player contenders

  • Help decide the winner by casting your vote now

  • Voting closes on Monday 10 August

They are ten of the most talented and best-known players on the planet. But what is it that makes the ten shortlisted candidates for The Best FIFA Men's Player award so special?

To find out, FIFA.com looked for words of wisdom from the men who know these stars' attributes best: their coaches.

Kevin De Bruyne

“I don’t have words to express my gratitude to him. Kevin is one of the best players we have, no doubt about that, and is also the guy who runs the most and fights the most. He is an incredible example for the rest of the players and for the kids in our academy. He is one of the most talented players I have ever seen in my life, and without the ball he provides the kind of intensity that we need every three days. He has achieved an extraordinary level." Pep Guardiola, Manchester City coach

Antoine Griezmann

"He is different class. He gives us fight. He reaches dangerous areas, he has vision... I hope he keeps growing even more than he has until now - he has no limits." Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid coach

Eden Hazard

“He’s one of the most complete footballers in the modern game. He brings that understanding of how to break defensive systems down... What I love about his temperament is that whatever the score, opponent, moment, he’s always available to get the ball and be decisive. When you see Hazard enjoying his football, he makes it a beautiful sport - he puts a smile on your face.” Roberto Martinez, Belgium coach

Harry Kane

"We wouldn't swap him for anyone in terms of No9s. You know that when he gets opportunities he's going to bury them. You sit there very confident in his ability to take chances. But as important in that is the way he sacrifices himself for the team in the way he presses, holds the ball up, contributes to the overall game. He's not just a player that stands up front and waits for chances." Gareth Southgate, England manager

Kylian Mbappe

"To be so crucial and effective [at the World Cup] at just 19, that is extraordinary. Kylian is also very intelligent. One of the best things he said was, 'I cannot be the spokesman for this team'. Despite his immense quality on the pitch, he knew that he did not have the experience to deal with the situation that others do." Didier Deschamps, France coach

Lionel Messi

"Leo makes things appear easy, which aren't easy. There are no words to describe him. He’s an incredibly talented player, extraordinary... You always think when he gets the ball that only good things can happen for the team." Ernesto Valverde, Barcelona coach

Luka Modric

"Modric showed [at the World Cup] that he is one of the best midfielders in the world. He is playing the best football of his life... He is our best player - he's the engine that makes us go. He's also a captain who leads by example. He always gives his maximum, he sets high standards with his attitude, aggression and energy on the pitch, and with his behaviour off it." Zlatko Dalic, Croatia coach

Cristiano Ronaldo

"Cristiano is crazy, he's amazing. He has only one focus: win, win, win. And for this he works a lot. He is the best player in the world, but more importantly, he’s my friend. He’s a genius. To be a genius you need a talent, but you need to work. Because if you have one without the other it is impossible to be a genius — and Cristiano is a genius.” Fernando Santos, Portugal coach

Mohamed Salah

"I think Mo is on the way [to being the best in the world]... He's a fantastic player. He’s outstanding; pretty much you can’t defend [against him]." Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager

Raphael Varane

"Raphael belongs to a generation, like Paul Pogba, who are not afraid to fail. They keep on trying, look forward and never lose their composure." Guy Stephan, France assistant coach