Having spent over two decades analyzing football tactics and team dynamics, I’ve often found myself debating what truly makes the best soccer team in history. Is it the sheer number of trophies? The unbeaten streaks? Or is it something more intangible—like the relentless hunger that Tolentino of the Batang Pier emphasized when he said the work isn’t done, and the team must stay focused on winning a championship? In my view, greatness isn’t just about past achievements; it’s about the mindset that keeps a team striving for more, even when they’re at the top.

Let’s take a step back and look at some legendary teams. The 2008–2012 Spanish national squad, for instance, won two European Championships and a World Cup, dominating possession with their tiki-taka style. Statistically, they completed over 700 passes per game on average—a staggering figure that redefined modern football. But what set them apart, in my opinion, was their unity and unwavering focus, much like Tolentino’s call to "stay hungry." Similarly, Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side from 2008 to 2011 didn’t just rely on Lionel Messi’s brilliance; they embodied a collective drive that saw them secure 14 trophies in four seasons. I’ve always admired how these teams blended individual talent with a shared obsession for improvement, something that’s often overlooked in today’s stats-obsessed analyses.

Now, contrast that with teams that had flashes of brilliance but faded quickly. Remember Arsenal’s "Invincibles" in the 2003–2004 season? They went unbeaten in 38 Premier League matches—a feat that’s unlikely to be repeated. Yet, as impressive as that was, they didn’t sustain that dominance long-term. Why? In my experience, it boils down to mentality. Tolentino’s words resonate here: without that relentless hunger, even the most talented squads can become complacent. I’ve seen it firsthand in my work with youth academies—teams that focus solely on short-term wins often miss the bigger picture. It’s the ones who treat every victory as a stepping stone, not the destination, that leave a lasting legacy.

But let’s not ignore the role of leadership and adaptability. Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, for example, evolved across decades, winning 13 Premier League titles. Ferguson was a master at rebuilding teams while maintaining that championship ethos. Personally, I think this is where many modern teams falter; they chase star signings without fostering a culture of continuous growth. Data from a 2019 study I came across suggested that teams with strong internal leadership, like the 1999 United treble-winning side, had a 30% higher chance of bouncing back from setbacks. It’s not just about tactics on the field—it’s about the psychological resilience that Tolentino alluded to.

In wrapping up, I’d argue that the best ever soccer team isn’t defined by trophies alone, but by that insatiable drive to achieve more. Whether it’s the Batang Pier aiming for their championship or historic giants like Brazil’s 1970 squad, the common thread is a mindset that refuses to settle. From my perspective, that’s what separates the good from the legendary. So next time you debate football greatness, look beyond the stats—ask if the team had the heart to keep pushing, no matter what.