Ranking the 10 best players in the Bundesliga

Weighing both current form and pedigree, here's a list of the Bundesliga's top 10 players this season.

The sample size is small, but considering his impact during an injury-shortened start to the season, Franck Ribery has apparently regained his form and overcome ailments that derailed his previous two seasons. With five assists and a goal in six appearances, an already terrifying Bayern Munich squad should be an even bigger force if Ribery manages to stay fit.

If he continues defying age and playing at his usual high level, fans will have to remind themselves this might be the final season we get to watch Philipp Lahm grace a football pitch. The 33-year-old already hinted at retirement, yet his play this season certainly doesn't suggest the end is near, as Lahm continues to quietly go about leading one of the continent's best defensive units.

It's a thing of beauty when David Alaba gets his foot around the ball, but it's his versatility and work away from it that's helped him become one of the best footballers in the world. Whether Alaba's helping out the attack or shutting down an opponent's surge, there's seemingly endless possibilities all over the pitch for him to contribute in hopes of another title at Allianz Arena.

Although Vedad Ibisevic didn't contribute much to Hertha Berlin's unbeaten run to start the season, he's certainly been a major reason the club has sustained its spot in the top half of the table. The Bosnia and Herzegovina striker started his season in style with five goals in a four-game stretch, and his competence as a provider - with three assists - could further support Hertha's chances of retaining a spot in Europe.

Mats Hummels hasn't disappointed since making the controversial switch from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich. Unlike Mario Gotze's failed venture to Bavaria before rejoining the BVB, the big central defender has made a smooth transition, becoming a rock in the heart of Bayren's defence. While the cast of elite defenders on either side of him helps, Hummels has been a major factor in producing one of the best defensive records in Europe, as Bayern has conceded just six goals in 10 contests.

Bavarian supporters are finally witnessing exactly why Thiago was the only player Pep Guardiola insisted join him at Bayern Munich from Barcelona. Although Thiago's contributions rarely show on the score sheet, he's been vital to Bayern's dominance as he masterfully executes his duties at both ends of the park. Thiago provides a relentless hunger to dispossess opponents, before generating attacks with his wisdom amid the chaos in the middle of the pitch.

Emil Forsberg’s vision and influence are majors factor behind RB Leipzig’s stunning start to the season. The relatively unknown Swedish international has been instrumental in almost all aspects of the game, especially with the ball at his feet as he skillfully weaves through defenders in tight spaces before having the wherewithal to find open teammates. While Forsberg's ability to pick out the right player has been a trademark, he's also a threat in front of goal after scoring four times to go with his four helpers.

It's just a matter of time before Robert Lewandowski's early-season run of bad luck comes to an end. His scoring output is low relative to previous seasons, but it's difficult to name a forward with more chances in front of goal that have either resulted gut-wrenching clangers off the post or other-worldly saves. With a wealth of talent all around him, the Polish striker is more than capable of doubling his six goals within just a couple of matches.

The goals have been flying in for Anthony Modeste. Arguably the Bundesliga's most valuable player early this season, Modeste has put FC Koln on his back and led the club to a strong start, scoring more than half its goals during a 10-game run unlike any other he's experienced in Germany.

The Bundesliga scoring race could be in danger of losing its excitement after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang snapped out of his slow start by banging in six goals across his last four league games. The scoring blitz moved him into a tie for the league lead, and its most exciting player could be on the verge of pulling away following the return of a world-class playmaker in Marco Reus.