1. Robin van Persie
His reward was to finish as the Premier League's highest active representative in the Fifa Ballon d'Or rankings, finishing ninth. After the year of his life, he may be wondering what he can possibly do to get closer.
Continuing to score goals at a frightening rate for United would be a good way to start. Van Persie has already notched 20 goals for his club this season from just 26 appearances.
If he can do the damage required for Sir Alex Ferguson's men to regain the Premier League title from Manchester City and lead them deep into the Champions League, greater Ballon d'Or recognition is not out of the question.
Tuesday, 8 January 2013 08:00
The Premier League stars who could be Ballon d'Or 2013 contenders
By Liam Twomey
Lionel Messi won his fourth Ballon d'Or on Monday night, easily beating Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta to the honour.
With La Liga dominating the shortlist for the prize and the Fifpro team of the year, the Premier League appears to have fallen from grace in the eyes of those making the decisions.
Michael Owen remains the last man from the English top-flight to have won the gong, in 2001, but Goal.com takes a look at some who could break that run next year.
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