I just realized my award for player of the year goes to Zlatan. Despite my undying man-love for the big guy I am not irrational about it, so this is the first time as far as I know. In later years when he has made a case for it Messi has been undoubtably better than anyone, so it was always a race for second best.
Messi had a tough half of the season, so lets forget him for a while. Ribery is always incredible, but I dont think he is in this either.
If we would boil this down to Zlatan vs Ronaldo, my subjective opinion is that Zlatan has been the better player for some time now, and he has been kind of consistent about it. Ronaldos ability to be at the right place at the right time, create opportunities with his speed and exlosiveness and general ability to score a sh!tload of goals no matter how many he misses, is incredible. Maybe even unique. But he hasnt had it in him to change game dynamics or dominate fields not handed to him, challenges has rather had the opposite effect, and ultimately for me that settles it. For Zlatan its the opposite, he has started to step up his game just when you need him the most. Holding up play when the team cant catch a breath, kick starting the attacking line when the offensive is not working, sometimes taking care of business himself.
As icing on that cake they also had a show down over two games this year, and Ibra was superior in those.
Of course, neither Ibra nor anyone else will hear about The Trillske Award, but Im happy for him. In the end its all about performance.