When I first heard Philip Pineda’s statement about his team needing just “experience and a little jelling” to compete with bigger squads, it struck me as the kind of understated confidence you often find among football’s greats. That quote, simple as it may sound, captures the spirit of what made 2019 such a memorable year in football—a season where established legends and rising stars alike proved that chemistry and resilience can be as vital as raw talent. I’ve followed football for over a decade, and I can tell you, 2019 wasn’t just about individual brilliance; it was about players who elevated their teams through leadership, consistency, and that intangible “jelling” Pineda described. Let’s dive into the top players who truly dominated the field that year, starting with the evergreen Lionel Messi.
Messi, then 32, was nothing short of phenomenal in 2019, racking up 51 goals and 22 assists across all competitions for Barcelona. I remember watching him weave through defenses with that effortless grace, almost as if he had a personal map of the pitch. But what stood out to me wasn’t just the numbers—it was how he carried a sometimes-struggling Barça side on his shoulders. When the team faced setbacks, like that shocking Champions League exit to Liverpool, Messi’s response was to double down on his creativity, pulling off moments like that iconic free-kick against Liverpool in the first leg. Honestly, I’ve always leaned toward Messi in the eternal GOAT debate, and 2019 reinforced why: his ability to blend individual magic with team synergy is unparalleled. He didn’t just score; he made everyone around him better, embodying the “jelling” Pineda highlighted.
Then there’s Virgil van Dijk, who transformed Liverpool’s defense into an impenetrable fortress. Before his arrival, I’d seen Liverpool as an attacking powerhouse with a shaky backline, but van Dijk changed that almost single-handedly. In 2019, he played every minute of Liverpool’s Premier League campaign, boasting a 75% tackle success rate and helping the team concede just 22 goals—their best defensive record in years. What I admired most was his calm demeanor; he wasn’t just a stopper but a leader who organized the entire squad. I recall that Champions League final against Tottenham, where his positioning neutralized Kane and Son without breaking a sweat. Van Dijk proved that dominance isn’t always about flashy goals—it’s about making your team feel unbreakable, something Pineda’s quote echoes when he talks about growing into bigger challenges.
Cristiano Ronaldo, though in his mid-30s, continued to defy time with Juventus, netting 28 goals in Serie A and showcasing his trademark clutch performances. I’ll admit, I’ve sometimes criticized his style as overly individualistic, but 2019 reminded me why he’s a legend. His hat-trick against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 was a masterclass in pressure handling—a display of sheer will that dragged Juve through when tactics faltered. That game alone generated over 5 million social media mentions in 24 hours, underscoring his global impact. Ronaldo’s year was a testament to how experience, as Pineda noted, can bridge gaps when teams are still gelling. He might not have won the Ballon d’Or that year, but his influence was undeniable, especially in big moments.
Beyond these giants, players like Kylian Mbappé and Frenkie de Jong emerged as forces in their own right. Mbappé, just 20 then, scored 39 goals for PSG and lit up Ligue 1 with his blistering pace. I remember thinking how he played with a fearlessness that reminded me of a young Ronaldo—always pushing the envelope. Meanwhile, de Jong’s midfield control for Ajax caught my eye; his 91% pass accuracy in the Champions League was instrumental in their stunning run to the semifinals. What tied these rising stars to Pineda’s idea was their role in cohesive units. Ajax, in particular, felt like a team that had jelled perfectly, with de Jong as the engine. It’s no surprise they upset giants like Real Madrid, proving that chemistry can trump budget size.
Looking back, 2019 was a year where football’s narratives shifted toward collective growth, much like Pineda’s optimism for his own team. The top players didn’t just dominate statistically; they lifted their squads through leadership and adaptability. As a fan, I’ll always argue that Messi’s artistry edges out others, but the beauty of 2019 was how varied dominance could be—from van Dijk’s defensive mastery to Mbappé’s explosive youth. If there’s one takeaway, it’s that football, at its best, blends individual brilliance with that elusive “jelling.” And honestly, that’s what keeps us all hooked, season after season.