From Dennis Bergkamp to Zinedine Zidane and Lionel Messi - the greatest first touches ranked

For some players, they have made their first touch a work of art - using poise and grace to control a football that often leaves fans purring.

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The Bergkamps, the Ronaldinhos, the Berbatovs, the… Lee Trundles. All of them have a special place in our hearts while many Premier League fans consider Riyad Mahrez as the player with the best first touch at the moment.

However, the Manchester City star does not get in our list of players with the best first touch ever - though he is not the only glaring absentee with 10 top nominations making the cut but only one can be the best of all time.

10. Diego Maradona

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A huge name straight off the bat in the form of one of the best players to ever kick a ball - and he kicked it very well indeed.

Just watch any video of the Argentine juggling the ball to be swept away with his nonchalant talent that engulfed a nation and led to an iconic following.

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9. Lee Trundle

The Swansea legend is still rattling in goals, albeit in the lower divisions of Welsh football, but there is no doubting the striker's unreal touch.

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A recent appearance on Soccer AM proved that Trundle still has it after being barraged by a football cannon with ferocious pace but was it a problem? No chance, in fact, the ball stuck to his chest like it was made out of Velcro.

8. Mesut Ozil

From his first game at Arsenal, it became apparent that this footballing wizard was about to treat us all to some magic, and he did not disappoint… largely.

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Ozil at his silky best at the Emirates was a sight to behold but only when he really could be bothered before being booted out to Turkey under Mikel Arteta's watch.

7. Neymar

The box of tricks that is Neymar often irks fans for his play-acting and petulance but in his pomp, there is no doubting his ability to woo.

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At Barcelona, the Brazilian appeared to have the most fun, pulling off some outrageous touches and leaving defenders in his wake as he combined with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

6. Ronaldo

The original Ronaldo encapsulated everything joyous about football, rattling in goals for the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

But what was truly wonderful was his ability to pluck the ball out of any situation and cause chaos while for many, he remains the true Fenomeno.

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5. Dimitar Berbatov

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There are not many players who could roll a cigarette and control a ball from 50 yards on a penny at the same time - but you can bet your house on Berbatov being able to.

The way the languid Bulgarian wafted across the pitch might have left some managers fuming but the purists of the game could appreciate his touch like a fine glass of Pinot Noir.

4. Lionel Messi

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The little Argentine has it all, mesmeric dribbling, clinical finishing, eagle-eyed vision and a touch that cannot be taught - all in all you have Messi, possibly the greatest footballer ever.

And he has the trophy cabinet to back it up, finally completing the set in December when he lifted the World Cup in Qatar.

3. Zinedine Zidane

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One of the best players to ever walk onto a pitch and oozed class with his ability to manipulate the ball to do whatever he pleased - usually resulting in something spectacular.

It is no surprise that when people talk about the most graceful players, Zidane's name is always one of the first to be said - largely down to his jaw-dropping touch that could not be explained.

2. Dennis Bergkamp

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A true icon of the Premier League that epitomised Arsene Wenger's perfect Arsenal player, pulling off some of the most dizzying touches ever seen on these shores that many defenders simply could not defend.

So many legendary moments, the goal against Newcastle, his strike against Argentina, that one against Leicester - all incredible, all immortalising the Dutchman forever as one of the true greats of the game.

1. Ronaldinho

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Ultimately, there can be only one winner for the best touch in football and there can be no real debate over who that is - Ronaldinho.

The Brazilian is the reason why so many love football and it is easy to see why, spending his career defying physics with his ability on the ball and skills that could only be admired by his opponents.

While there will always be goalscorers, playmakers and tricksters, there is only one Ronaldinho - and that speaks volumes.

Honourable mentions: Andrea Pirlo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Andres Iniesta, Roberto Baggio, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Mahrez, Juan Roman Riquelme.

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