A study by CIES ranks Lionel Messi as the best performing forward in Europe's elite leagues, while Cristiano Ronaldo ranks 29th.

The study assesses players according to six Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) -- shooting, chance creation, take-ons, distribution, recovery and rigor.

Luis Suárez ranks fourth, while Neymar comes in 12th.

Arjen Robben and Bas Dost rank second and third.

Eden Hazard and Mesut Ozil were rated the joint-best attacking midfielders.