All Whites Power Rankings: New Zealand's top 50 footballers

Sarpreet Singh (L), Ryan Thomas (C) and Marco Rojas. Photo / Getty Images.

The All Whites' path to the 2022 World Cup is unclear, with Covid-19 pushing qualifying matches back until early next year. But who would make the New Zealand squad if coach Danny Hay was picking one today? Jason Pine updates the All Whites Power Rankings (previous ranking in brackets).

1. (1) Chris Wood (Burnley, England)

On track for a fourth consecutive season of double-figure Premier League goalscoring. Performing consistently in the world's most competitive league. New Zealand's best player.

Chris Wood of Burnley celebrates after scoring their third goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Aston Villa. Photo / Getty Images.

2. (3) Ryan Thomas (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands)

Featuring regularly in the Dutch top flight and a player of international pedigree. You only have to watch him for a short time to be won over by his ability.

Ryan Thomas of PSV, Daley Blind of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between PSV v Ajax at the Philips Stadium on February 28, 2021. Photo / Getty Images.

3. (2) Winston Reid (Brentford, on loan from West Ham United, England)

Loan move has seen him join Brentford's Premier League promotion push and get regular minutes after an injury-disrupted few years. Still New Zealand's best defender when fully fit.

4. (7) Liberato Cacace (Sint-Truiden, Belgium)

Has adjusted seamlessly to life in the Belgian top flight and already catching the eye of suitors across Europe. Still just 20 years old; the sky is the limit.

5. (6) Michael Boxall (Minnesota United, USA)

One of the best centre backs in the MLS and Reid's first-choice defensive partner for New Zealand. Supremely fit and still quick, even at 32.

6. (8) Joe Bell (Viking, Norway)

Looks every inch a future All Whites captain and 50-game All White. Tough, tenacious and technically excellent.

7. (4) Sarpreet Singh (Bayern Munich, Germany)

Recent loan move set him back, but now finding form and getting minutes again in Bayern's reserve team. Enormous potential can still be fully realised.

Sarpreet Singh of FC Bayern Muenchen II looks on during the 3. Liga match between Bayern Munchen II and SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Photo / Getty Images.

8. (14) Michael Woud (Almere City, Netherlands)

Making a genuine case for the number one goalkeeping spot. Playing every week in the Dutch second tier and growing in stature and confidence by doing so.

9. (10) Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)

Has quietly become invaluable at the Phoenix with an ability to cover fullback and central defence. Assured in possession and ferocious out of it.

10. (9) Kosta Barbarouses (Sydney FC, Australia)

Perhaps a touch short of his best form, but starting each week for the A-League's defending champions and approaching 50 games for the All Whites.

11. (12) Callum McCowatt (Helsingor, Denmark)

Ready to take the next step in his development and deliver on his undoubted ability. The next 12 months are key to the young attacker's aspirations.

12. (11) Marco Rojas (Melbourne Victory, Australia)

Afflicted by injuries and a malaise around his A-League side, but still capable of moments of pure quality for club and country.

13. (5) Stefan Marinovic (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)

Out of favour at the Phoenix for the first time but more than capable of becoming the number one, number one again. Head-to-head with Woud for the gloves.

14. (21) James McGarry (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)

Excellent upon his return to the A-League and relishing regular game time. Looks a top quality footballer.

15. (16) Elijah Just (Helsingor, Denmark)

Hay is a big fan of the supremely talented attacker who now needs a run of games at club level to continue his development.

16. (34) Gianni Stensness (Central Coast Mariners, Australia)

A vital cog in the Mariners' recent resurgence and as tough as they come in the midfield exchanges. Uncapped, but not for long.

17. (17) Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)

Growing in stature and now a leader in the Phoenix ranks. Relishes the fight and has developed finesse in his passing game, too.

18. (29) Clayton Lewis (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)

The move to the Phoenix has proven to be a turning point for a player who drifted for a couple of years. Now back in form, playing every week and showing his full range of ability.

19. (13) Elliott Collier (Chicago Fire, USA)

A big MLS season ahead for the towering centre forward with the chance to stake his claim as Wood's eventual successor leading New Zealand's line.

Kevin Long of Republic of Ireland in action against Elliott Collier of New Zealand during the International Friendly match between Republic of Ireland and NZ. Photo / Getty Images.

20. (15) Storm Roux (Melbourne Victory, Australia)

Like Rojas, is enduring a difficult A-League season, but is too good a player not to add to his 10 All Whites caps.

21. (18) Tommy Smith (Colchester, England)

Anchoring his side's defence in English football's fourth tier and provides valuable experience around the younger members of New Zealand's squad. Still a part of any All Whites 23.

22. (20) Bill Tuiloma (Portland Timbers, USA)

Has 26 caps without ever really nailing down a starting spot. Still some debate over his best position but has the chance to stake his claim in the upcoming MLS season.

23. (39) Oli Sail (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)

Patience has paid off for the confident and likable custodian who has secured the Phoenix's number one spot and now has designs on international honours.

24. (26) Noah Billingsley (Minnesota United, USA)

Ready to push hard for a starting fullback spot at his club, which will inevitably lead to him catching Hay's eye.

25. (51) Niko Kirwan (Reggiana, Italy)

Getting regular minutes in the Italian second-tier isn't to be sneezed at, which is exactly what the youngster is doing.

26. (19) Nando Pijnaker (Rio Ave, Portugal)

Waiting patiently for a first-team debut at club level, but unquestionably a future All Whites centre back.

27. (36) Ben Waine (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)

Has seized his chance at A-League level with goals in successive games.

28. (40) Louis Fenton (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)

Resilience and tenacity in equal measure make him an attractive option for All Whites squads.

29. (22) Max Mata (Real Monarchs, USA)

Has bounced around looking for opportunities in recent years and could get the chance to shine in the US second-tier.

30. (24) Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)

On the fringes of the Phoenix squad, but versatility and composure are in his favour.

31. (49) Dane Ingham (Perth Glory, Australia)

32. (NEW ENTRY) Marko Stamenic (FC Copenhagen, Denmark)

33. (23) Max Crocombe (Melbourne Victory, Australia)

34. (33) Nikko Boxall (Viborg, Denmark)

35. (NEW ENTRY) Joel Stevens (Varnamo, Sweden)

36. (NEW ENTRY) Hamish Watson (Team Wellington, New Zealand)

37. (37) Logan Rogerson (Auckland City, New Zealand)

38. (46) George Stanger (Hamilton Academicals, Scotland)

39. (28) Matthew Ridenton (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)

40. (30) Dan Morgan (Maritzburg United FC, South Africa)

41. (25) Michael McGlinchey (Clyde, Scotland)

42. (38) Cam Howieson (Auckland City, New Zealand)

43. (27) Andre De Jong (Amazulu, South Africa)

44. (50) Jack-Henry Sinclair (Team Wellington, New Zealand)

45. (31) Myer Bevan (TS Galaxy, South Africa)

46. (32) Deklan Wynne (Phoenix Rising, USA)

47. (35) James Musa (Phoenix Rising, USA)

48. (52) Matt Garbett (Falkenbergs, Sweden)

49. (41) Callan Elliot (Xanthi FC, Greece)

50. (45) Jeremy Brockie (Bentleigh Greens, Australia)