European Team of the Season 2018-19: Picking the best XI from across the continent

Virgil van Dijk and Lionel Messi are two of the stand-out performers in Europe's top five leagues this season
Virgil van Dijk and Lionel Messi are two of the stand-out performers in Europe's top five leagues this season

Europe's top five leagues have all but ended but we are yet to get over some scintillating performances that have been displayed throughout the season. From Lionel Messi's record-breaking campaign to Virgil van Dijk's resilient debut season with Liverpool, we have savoured it all.

Here, we take a look at the players who have made it to our team of the season from across Europe's top five leagues:

Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)

Club Atletico de Madrid v Borussia Dortmund - UEFA Champions League Group A
Club Atletico de Madrid v Borussia Dortmund - UEFA Champions League Group A

Jan Oblak has once again taught us a lesson in consistency, winning his fourth consecutive Zamora trophy for his shot-stopping efforts with Atletico Madrid. The goalkeeper conceded only 27 goals in 37 league games in the Spanish top flight this campaign.

The Slovenian boasts of having a better save percentage (79.39%) than any goalkeeper who has played at least 15 games this season. He has kept 20 clean sheets, which have greatly contributed to Atletico's journey to second place in La Liga.

Since joining the Madrid outfit in 2014, the 26-year-old has kept a staggering 117 clean sheets from over 200 appearances proving himself to be an indisposable asset between the sticks.

Of course, Liverpool's Alisson Becker has kept more clean sheets than Oblak this campaign but the Atletico man's consistency has earned him a place on this list.

Honourable mentions: (Liverpool's Alisson and Manchester City's Ederson)

Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

SSC Napoli v FC Bayern Muenchen - Audi Cup 2017
SSC Napoli v FC Bayern Muenchen - Audi Cup 2017

Since swapping Leipzig for Bayern Munich, Joshua Kimmich has risen through the ranks to become a four-time Bundesliga winner and a key member of the German national team.

The 24-year-old has shown off his immense technical abilities and the physical strength that powers them all season and has played a pivotal role in Bayern Munich's journey to the Bundesliga title, especially in the second half of the campaign.

The Germany international tops the German top flight in possessions (3,285) and ranks second in the number of league assists (12) provided throughout the season.

Honourable mention: Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Newcastle United v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Newcastle United v Liverpool FC - Premier League

Virgil van Dijk's £75 million move from Southampton to Liverpool was initially deemed to be an overpaid deal for a defender.

A year later, the Dutchman is on the receiving end of high praises from the same critics and rightly so. The Netherlands international has commanded the centre of defence at Anfield and has played a pivotal role in maintaining a defence that has only conceded 20 goals in the Premier League.

The Dutchman was recently named PFA Player of the Year to become the first defender since John Terry in 2005 to receive the award.

His consistent performances all season has led critics to believe he is in strong contention for this year's Ballon d'Or as well.

Honourable mention: Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte

Gerard Pique (Barcelona)

FC Barcelona v Olympique Lyonnais - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg
FC Barcelona v Olympique Lyonnais - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg

After a torrid start with Barcelona this campaign, Gerard Pique quickly made up for his deficits by establishing one of his best seasons in recent years.

The 32-year-old reminded the world why he is considered one of the best centre-backs in football with rock-solid performances at the heart of the Blaugrana defence alongside Clement Lenglet.

The Spaniard has helped the Catalan giants keep 20 clean sheets in all competitions this season and was a key player in the club's journey to a consecutive La Liga title.

Honourable mention: Ajax's Matthijs de Ligt

Andy Robertson (Liverpool)

Newcastle United v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Newcastle United v Liverpool FC - Premier League

Andy Robertson is giving Jordi Alba a run for his money as the Scot has joined a host of Liverpool signings who are now being viewed as bargains after their meagre rates were compared to their performances.

The 25-year-old was signed from Hull City for £8 million in 2017 and has emerged as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League this season. Apart from his defensive contributions, he has also tallied 11 assists for the Reds in the English top flight this term.

Robertson's defensive and offensive exploits have greatly contributed to Liverpool's spectacular Premier League season, wherein they finished a single point away from winners Manchester City.

The Scotland international's aggression and versatility down the flank has earned him several admirers and puts him alongside several greats this season.

Honorable mention: Barcelona's Jordi Alba

Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League

With the spotlight on the likes of Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva emerged as the silent hero of Manchester City this campaign.

The Portuguese was thought to be an absolute steal when he was bought from AS Monaco in a 43.5 million transfer. While he endured a tough debut campaign at the Etihad, the absence of Kevin de Bruyne in the initial stages of the 2018-19 season paved the way for the midfielder to redeem himself.

The 24-year-old did not disappoint as he became a key member of Pep Guardiola's domestic treble-winning team, having netted seven goals and tallied seven assists in 36 appearances for the Citizens this campaign.

Bernardo has averaged 1.4 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per league game this season, while also playing a central role in the team's possession.

The Portuguese has, overall, been a revelation to the Premier League champions and has undoubtedly cemented his name into the first team going into the next season.

Honorable mention: Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic

Frenkie de Jong (Ajax)

Willem II v Ajax - Dutch Toto KNVB Cup Final
Willem II v Ajax - Dutch Toto KNVB Cup Final

Frenkie de Jong is one of the hottest prospects to emerge out of Ajax's famed academy this season and it is no surprise to see La Liga champions Barcelona swoop up for the Dutchman to join them next season.

The 22-year-old's defensive diligence together with his comfort and vision on the ball has earned him deserved praise from fans and pundits alike. The midfielder's exploits played a pivotal role in Ajax's journey to the Eredivisie title as well as the KNVB Cup and also hogged the spotlight in the UEFA Champions League.

The Dutch giants won hearts across the globe for playing what critics have deemed to be a true brand of total football. The side defeated European titans like Real Madrid and Juventus on their way to the semi-finals of the competition but were unfortunately defeated by Tottenham Hotspur in the second leg of the fixture, despite having an advantage from the opening leg.

Honorable mention: Manchester City's Fernandinho

Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Leicester City v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Leicester City v Chelsea FC - Premier League

Eden Hazard has managed to reach immense heights in a season full of turbulence for Chelsea. This is hardly any surprise for a man who has played a pivotal role in Chelsea's major titles, including their two Premier League trophies since his move from Lille in 2012.

This season, the 28-year-old contributed to an impressive 31 goals for the Blues, thereby becoming the first player since Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to secure 15+ goals and 15+ assists in a single Premier League season.

Hazard's exploits this term have earned him the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award as well as a fourth Chelsea Player of the Year trophy.

Despite the Blues' torrid season, the Belgium international managed to help the side to a top-four finish in the English top flight and could even guide them to a trophy when they face London rivals Arsenal in the Europa League final.

Honorable mentions: Ajax's Dusan Tadic and Sporting's Bruno Fernandes

Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

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

Lionel Messi's presence on the list is hardly a surprise as the Argentine maestro has once again proven himself to be the best player in his position, which is saying something considering the immense talents of the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Kylian Mbappe.

The 31-year-old dominated almost every attacking stat in La Liga and boasts of having netted a staggering 51 goals in all competitions for Barcelona. His 36 league goals and 13 assists have earned him both the European Golden Shoe and the Pichichi trophy, in addition to the league title for the club.

The only thing that has marred the Barcelona captain's season was his inability to inspire the Catalan giants to the Champions League title and the Copa del Rey, despite having had a significant advantage in the former.

Even with these club disappointments, the Argentine talisman remains the favorite to win a record sixth Ballon d'Or this year.

Honorable mention: PSG's Kylian Mbappe

Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)

Manchester City v Watford - FA Cup Final
Manchester City v Watford - FA Cup Final

Raheem Sterling is the undisputed performer of Manchester City this season, having helped the side retain their coveted Premier League crown and win two more trophies to complete a historic domestic treble win.

Under Pep Guardiola, the forward underwent a tremendous evolution in the course of the last two seasons at the Etihad. The former Liverpool star surpassed his previous season's tally of 23 goals in 46 games by netting 25 goals in 51 appearances this term.

The England international was named PFA Young Player and FWA Footballer of the Year for his heroics besides being named in the PFA Team of the Year alongside the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Sergio Aguero.

Honorable mentions: Liverpool's Sadio Mane

Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)

Juventus v Atalanta BC - Serie A
Juventus v Atalanta BC - Serie A

Cristiano Ronaldo's debut season in Italy may not have come with the most pleasing individual statistics but his tremendous influence in the Juventus squad has not gone unnoticed.

The 34-year-old netted 21 goals and tallied 8 assists in the Serie A, finishing fourth in the league's goal-scoring charts. His contribution helped the Old Lady to their eighth consecutive league title, earning him the Serie A Player of the Season award.

The Portuguese talisman starred in the Champions League as well, carrying the team to the quarter-finals of the competition before facing a shock defeat to a phenomenal Ajax side.

Ronaldo will be remembered for his spectacular hat-trick against Atletico Madrid in their Round of 16 fixture that single-handedly fired Juventus to the quarter-finals of the competition.

Honorable mention: Sampdoria's Fabio Quagliarella

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Edited by Zaid Khan