Barcelona Player of the year: Top 3 candidates ranked

Barcelona are set to close the season convincingly as they have secured their 26th La Liga title with 3 games remaining. They will look forward to clinching a treble as they are set to battle Valencia at Copa del Rey final and, they also have 3 goals advantage to carry to Anfield in their bid to secure a spot in the Champions League final.

Ernesto Valverde might have been criticized due to his more defensive approach in managing the team but, he has efficiently utilized the players to progress in all of the available competitions this season. Players such as Ousmane Dembele and Arturo Vidal have contributed significantly to the team despite lack of game time under Valverde.

It is understandable that Lionel Messi will still be the most likely candidate to win the award but, we could notice that several other Barcelona players also deserve to be credited for their excellent work.

#3 Ivan Rakitic

FC Barcelona Training and Press Conference

Barcelona faithful would miss the Croatian maestro dearly if the player departs at the end of the season. The 31-year-old's future at the Camp Nou has been subjected to numerous speculations as the Catalans have secured the service of Ajax sensation Frenkie de Jong.

Nevertheless, Rakitic's head seems still pretty much at Barcelona as he becomes arguably the club's most consistent midfielder this season. He has always ensured his team's smooth and dominant play with his pinpoint passes while also ready to be involved at the goal if necessary.

The Croatian has been directly involved in 10 goals combined at La Liga and the Champions League, a fairly high amount for a central midfielder. His defensive work also should never be underestimated as he has registered 1.5 interceptions on average. Overall, the Croatian has displayed an all-around performance for the Catalans.

#2 Gerrard Pique

Barcelona v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: First Leg

The critics were sharp toward the Spanish defender at the beginning of the season due to the player's series of schoolboy errors and shaky displays. Fortunately, Pique has responded brilliantly since. He quickly regained his best form and now even deserves to be listed as one of Barcelona's best performers.

His efficient, no-nonsense defending and leadership has helped Barcelona a lot to maintain an excellent defensive record. The Catalans have conceded less than a goal per game in the league this season thanks to the formidable partnership between the defenders.

Pique recently showed his resolute defending once again at his Champions League battle against a deadly Liverpool side. He made no considerable mistake while maintained an important clean sheet against the Reds.

Aside from his defending, his 91 percent passing accuracy has helped Barcelona to build attacks from behind and as well frustrated the opposing attackers. He also involved in 6 goals combined at Champions and domestic league, an excellent goalscoring record for a center back.

#1 Lionel Messi

The public has regarded the Argentinian wizard as one of the best players in the history of football for a reason. Many probably have even lost count of how many times the 31-year-old 'singlehandedly' saved Barcelona from inevitable defeat.

Had Messi not played a single game for Barcelona this season, the Catalans would have ended up as a midtable team and probably could not even pass the Champions League group stage. The La Masia's best product has now topped the La Liga goalscoring chart by a considerable margin.

Messi's Champions League display has been equally excellent as he also becomes the current top scorer at the European competition. An attacker of unparalleled quality who is virtually impossible to defend against, Messi has delivered the best act for Barcelona once again.

Perhaps a Barcelona player of the year award would be too 'cheap' for him as he should even win the Ballon d'Or with this otherworldly performance.