Football Legends 2019: Top Players Who Dominated the Pitch This Year

As I sat watching the Champions League final last June, I couldn't help but marvel at how certain players consistently rise above the rest. This year in football has been particularly fascinating, with several athletes truly dominating the pitch in ways that reminded me why I fell in love with this sport decades ago. When I think about what separates these exceptional players from merely good ones, it often comes down to that intangible quality of leadership and cohesion - something that Philippine national team coach Pineda captured perfectly when he remarked, "Experience na lang at kaunting jelling ang kailangan ng team then I believe kaya na naming sumabay sa mga mas malalaking teams." That concept of "jelling" resonates deeply with me when analyzing this year's football legends, because individual brilliance only takes you so far without that magical team chemistry.

Let me start with Lionel Messi, because honestly, how could I not? At 32, many thought his best years were behind him, but his performance this season proved otherwise. I've tracked his stats religiously - 51 goals across all competitions, 19 assists in La Liga alone, and that incredible hat-trick against Real Betis in March that had even opposing fans giving him a standing ovation. What struck me most wasn't just the numbers though - it was how he elevated everyone around him. Watching him play felt like witnessing a master conductor leading an orchestra, each movement purposeful, each pass perfectly timed. His understanding with Luis Suárez developed to almost telepathic levels this season, demonstrating exactly what Pineda meant about teams needing that "jelling" factor.

Then there's Virgil van Dijk, who transformed Liverpool's defense in ways I haven't seen since Maldini's heyday. I remember arguing with colleagues last year that no defender was worth £75 million, but van Dijk has made me eat my words - and I'm happy to admit it. His impact goes beyond the clean sheets (though Liverpool's 21 in the Premier League this season speaks volumes). It's in the confidence he instills in everyone around him. Alisson looks braver, Alexander-Arnold plays more adventurously, and the entire defensive unit operates with this synchronized understanding that reminds me of Pineda's comments about teams growing together. Van Dijk's 75% tackle success rate in the Champions League knockout stages particularly stands out in my memory.

Cristiano Ronaldo's adaptation to Serie A fascinated me this year. His 28 goals for Juventus might seem modest by his standards, but watching him week in and week out revealed something more profound - he was learning to dominate differently. At 34, he can't rely purely on physical prowess anymore, so he's evolved into this incredibly intelligent player who reads the game three moves ahead. His partnership with Mandžukić early in the season showed glimpses of that perfect chemistry, though I'd argue Juventus never quite achieved the cohesive "jelling" that Pineda described as essential for competing at the highest level.

What surprised me most this year was the emergence of players like Frenkie de Jong. At just 22, his composure in Ajax's midfield felt like watching a veteran with decades of experience. His 93% pass completion rate in the Champions League quarter-finals against Juventus wasn't just impressive - it was historically significant. Watching Ajax's young squad develop that incredible understanding throughout their European campaign perfectly illustrated how quickly teams can "gel" when the right pieces come together. Their elimination in the semi-finals actually broke my heart a little, because they played the kind of football I wish we saw more often.

I have to mention Raheem Sterling, whose development under Guardiola has been nothing short of remarkable. His 25 goals and 18 assists in all competitions only tell part of the story. What impressed me most was how he's grown into this complete player who understands exactly when to take on defenders, when to pass, and how to create space for others. Manchester City's domestic treble wasn't just about individual talent - it was about how players like Sterling integrated into a system where everyone moved as a single unit. When I rewatched their crucial match against Liverpool in January, I counted at least five occasions where Sterling's movement created opportunities without him even touching the ball.

Kylian Mbappé continued his meteoric rise with 39 goals in all competitions, but what struck me was his growing leadership at just 20 years old. I noticed how he'd gather teammates during stoppages, pointing out positioning and opportunities - something you rarely see from players his age. His partnership with Neymar and Cavani at PSG showed flashes of brilliance, though if I'm being completely honest, I don't think they ever achieved the cohesive "jelling" that smaller-budget teams like Ajax demonstrated so beautifully this season.

Reflecting on this year's football landscape, I'm struck by how Pineda's simple statement about experience and team cohesion captures the essence of what separates good teams from legendary ones. The players who dominated this year weren't just individually brilliant - they were catalysts who made everyone around them better. They understood their role within a system while still bringing their unique qualities to elevate the collective performance. As I look toward next season, I'm curious to see which new partnerships will develop that magical understanding, which young players will step up, and whose legacy will continue to grow. One thing I'm certain of - the players who focus on that "jelling" factor, who prioritize team cohesion alongside individual excellence, will be the ones we're still talking about decades from now.