Paul Merson, a former player for Arsenal, has ranked playmaker Kevin De Bruyne as the best player in the world right now.

De Bruyne, a Belgian international, is a complete package, according to Merson, who also noted his high level of intelligence.

Thursday's 2-1 Nations League victory over Wales featured a standout performance from De Bruyne for Belgium.

At the King Baudouin Stadium, the 31-year-old scored and assisted during the match against Wales.

Writing in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson said: “At the moment, I believe Kevin De Bruyne is the best player in world football, so he undoubtedly tops my list." His vision is on a different level and he is so, so intelligent.

“You can look at the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar — who have all been fantastic for PSG this season — but De Bruyne is the all-round package and was an easy pick at number one.

“I know it doesn't make much sense to compare players who don’t play in the same position, but De Bruyne’s consistency over the years for this Manchester City side has been staggering, to say the least."

He plays with the insurance policy of Rodri behind him, who, in my opinion, is the best defensive midfielder in world football at the moment. They complement each other so well, and it allows De Bruyne to run the show. "