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

Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

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

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

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