Messi and De Jong in the Champions League XI for 2019
Leo Messi and Frenkie de Jong have been selected in the Ideal XI for the 2019 Champions League by fans from around the world via UEFA's official website, once again showing the quality of the two players has not gone unnoticed around the globe.
The goalscoring number 10
The FC Barcelona captain Messi was top scorer in the 2018/19 Champions League with 12 goals. In the current season he has scored twice in the competition, in the wins away at Slavia Prague and at home in Camp Nou against Borussia Dortmund, two teams against whom he had never previously found the net. Another name could be added to that list in the last 16 tie when Barça come up against Napoli.
The consistent Dutchman
Midfielder De Jong has impressed so far in his first season as a Barça player with his quality on the ball and his relentless work ethic. In the 2018/19 he reached the semi-finals of the Champions League whilst still an Ajax player was one of the revelations of the tournament last season. In 2019/20 he has featured in all six of Barça's Champions League games so far.
The complete Ideal XI is as follows: Alisson (Liverpool), Robertson (Liverpool), De Ligt (Juventus), Vab Dijk (Liverpool), Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), De Jong (Barça), De Bruyne (Manchester City), Mané (Liverpool), Messi (Barça), Cristiano (Juventus) and Lewandowski (Bayern Munich).
