Ranking the 5 players behind Barcelona's treble push in the 2018/19 season

In a season where many elite clubs have faltered away, Catalan giants FC Barcelona have the whole world looking at them as they continue their mission to make history with their exploits once again this season.

The Blaugrana are currently the most impressive team in Europe right now. They've claimed the La Liga title, made it into the Copa Del Rey final and have one leg in the Champions League final following their 3-0 thrashing of Liverpool last week.

However, all these wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of the players who have given their all on the pitch in order to push for their dreams of claiming the treble once again this season.

While everyone has had a part to play, some have played more influential roles than the others, and hence, deserve to be recognized for their amazing efforts. Therefore, we highlight 5 players who have been the backbone of the club in their run for the treble this season:

#5 Marc Andre Ter Stegen

While Barcelona look very strong across the defense, midfield, and attack, they also have a very reliable figure in their ranks featuring in between the sticks as German goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen continues to show his class to the football world.

The former Borussia Mönchengladbach guardian has been in a sensational form this season, rising up to the challenge and producing exceptional performances when it really matters to keep Barca on the ground as they continue to pursue their treble hopes.

Ter Stegen has recorded an amazing 16 clean sheets to his name in the La Liga this season while in the Champions League, he has 6 so far. After keeping a rampant Liverpool attack comprising of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino quiet in the Champions League last week, Barca will be counting on him to continue with his amazing influence as they aim to wrap up the treble.

#4 Luis Suarez

Following his slow start to the campaign, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez has ended up silencing his doubters once again with a lot of exceptional performances that have helped Barca to remain on course for another historic treble this season.

The Uruguayan is Barca's second most prolific player in front of goal so far this term, recording an incredible 25 goals and 13 assists to his name in 47 appearances across the La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa Del Rey while his recent strike against Liverpool suggest that he has hit his peak at the right time for the Blaugrana.

Pressing relentlessly and giving his all on the pitch, what Suarez offers to the team is more than just goals and assists. His ability to put pressure on opposition defenders, his linkup with Lionel Messi and his drive to step up in big games have helped the Blaugrana tremendously.

#3 Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique has been colossal at the heart of Barca's defence this season

When the season began, Gerard Pique was one of those Barcelona players who faced criticism due to a slow start but that wasn't going to last for long as the defender picked himself up quickly to become one of Barca's standout players for the season - thanks to his consistent brilliant efforts.

While Barca have been scoring freely across every competition this season, Pique has also ensured that they do not let in many goals - producing rock-solid displays at the back and utilizing his experience to nullify opposition attacks.

The Spaniard also deserves a lot of credit for making Clement Lenglet feel at home at the heart of Barca's defense while forming a formidable partnership with the Frenchman that has seen club concede just once in the Champions League knockout stage this season.

#2 Jordi Alba

Another brilliant campaign for the Spaniard

Tormenting opposition defenses with his blistering pace, linking up perfectly with his teammates to create chances and set up goals as well as tracking back to nullify incoming counter-attacks and adding rigidity to the backline, Jordi Alba deservedly ranks among Barca's top performers this season.

The Spaniard is the most creative and undoubtedly the best full-back in the La Liga this season, with his return of 2 goals and 10 assists in 34 appearances to go with plenty of chances created and numerous magical performances. He also has 1 goal and 5 assists to his name in the Champions League as he continues to inspire Barcelona across every competition.

Having built a perfect understanding with Lionel Messi and combining with the Argentine maestro to wreak havoc in opposition territories, Alba deserves his share of plaudits for the role he has played in supporting Barcelona's treble ambitions this term.

#1 Lionel Messi

Who would top the list if not the mercurial Argentine? Following his Ballon d'Or snub last year, Lionel Messi has come out with a perfect response to his doubters this season, proving beyond arguments, why he is truly the greatest player in the history of the game.

He said it and he is doing it. After promising to return the Champions League trophy to the Nou Camp ahead of the season, the attacker is doing justice to his words in Europe's elite tournament, with his 12 goals and 3 assists in 9 appearances putting Barcelona in a decent position to claim the trophy once again this term.

Having sealed the La Liga title, Messi has recorded 34 goals and 15 assists to his name in the Spanish top flight, by virtue of which he leads the race for both the Pichichi trophy and the European Golden Shoe. With his combined 48 goals and 22 assists across every competition, he also tops Europe for the two stats. What a season he has had!

Honourable mentions: Ivan Rakitic, Clement Lenglet, Arturo Vidal, Ousmane Dembele