Barcelona’s Ultimate squad


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Many football icons have donned the FC Barcelona colours in the 21st century, especially under the guidance of Pep Guardiola from 2008 to 2012 which was the Spanish giants' greatest period to date.
 
We take a look at Barca's 20-man ultimate squad since January 2001.
 

GOALKEEPERS

 

Victor Valdes

 
The former Spain international is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the club's history, having appeared in 535 official games for the club.
 
Valdes, who had good reflexes, handling, positioning and shot-stopping abilities, won 21 major titles - notably six La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League championships between 2002 and 2014.
 
The La Masia academy product was also known for his agility and composure in goal, as well as his ability to produce decisive saves.
 
“When there is a player as good as Valdés, who has performed so well at this club, the only thing you can do is keep applauding and supporting him,” Iniesta said in 2013.
 
"He started here ten years ago and came up through the youth ranks at Barca. He has worked hard to become an unquestionable starter.He has gone through difficult times and has overcome them. He has won five Zamora Trophies. I do not think Barca’s titles can be understood without him."
 

Marc-Andre ter Stegen

 
The German star has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world at Barcelona where he has won four La Liga titles, a UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.
 
Ter Stegen won the treble in his first season in Spain, playing for Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League where he served as Claudio Bravo's understudy in La Liga.
 
He is a world-class keeper who is tall, agile and very consistent with quick reflexes, good decision-making and excellent shot-stopping abilities.
 

DEFENDERS

 

Carles Puyol

 
The legendary Spanish footballer, who could play as a right-back and centre back, was regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation.
 
Puyol was a decorated captain, who appeared in 593 competitive matches for Barca and won 18 major titles including six La Liga trophies and three Champions League titles.
 
Nicknamed Lionheart, Puyol was an excellent leader and was known for his commanding presence in the air, his composure on the ball and his intense commitment.
 

Gerard Pique

 
The Spain international is considered to be one of the best defenders in the world having enjoyed a lot of success during his time with Barcelona.
 
Pique helped Barcelona become the first club in history to win the treble of domestic league, domestic cup and European Cups twice. He is one of the seven players to have been a part of both treble-winning teams.
 
The towering centre back is a modern defender who combines strength with good technique and passing. Moreover, due to his height and physical attributes he is good in the air.
 

Rafael Marquez

 
The retired defender became the first-ever Mexican to represent Barcelona in 2003 and excelled while being played as a central defender and sweeper.
 
The man known as El Kaiser would go on to play in over 240 games during seven seasons with the Blaugrana, and win four La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies.
 
El Kaiser impressed with his versatility as he could play in midfield as well.

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RIGHT-BACKS

 

Dani Alvez

 
The Brazil international is the most decorated player in the history of football with over 40 trophies of which he won most of the titles during his time with Barcelona.
 
Alvez won the treble in his first season with Barca and in the next season won the Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
 
Additionally, he helped the club to clinch another two Supercopa de España, five La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League titles in the years that followed.
 
Considered one of the best right-backs in the world, Alvez is a defender who is known in particular for his pace, stamina, overlapping attacking runs and technical skills.
 

Oleguer

 
The retired Spanish player played primarily a central defender, but could also operate as a right-back.
 
Oleguer, whose full name is Oleguer Presas Renom, helped Barca clinch two La Liga championships and the 2006 UEFA Champions League, appearing in 175 official games.
 
Renom enjoyed pushing forward and always relished a tough challenge.
 

LEFT-BACK

 

Eric Abidal

 
The former France international was a consistent performer in the left-back position at Barcelona where he won two UEFA Champions League titles.
 
Abidal's later career was marred by a liver tumour, which resulted in a transplant, but he managed to help Barca clinch four La Liga trophies.
 
He was a tactically intelligent and versatile defender, capable of featuring as a centre or left-back due to his positional sense and his ability to read the game.
 

Jordi Alba

 
The Spain international remains one of the best left-backs in the world having played an instrumental role in helping Barcelona clinch many trophies.
 
Alba, who is a technically very gifted and fast attacking left-back, has helped Barca secure 14 major honours, including five La Liga titles, four Copas del Rey and one Champions League.
 
His pace and stamina allow him to be very involved in both offence and defence.
 

CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS

 

Xavi

 
The retired Spanish midfielder is viewed as being the embodiment of the 'tiki-taka' passing style of play.
 
Xavi, whose full name is Xavier Hernández Creus, won 31 trophies for Barcelona and Spain, a total only surpassed by Andrés Iniesta as the most decorated Spanish player in history.
 
Creus relied largely on his ability to find and exploit space as a playmaker. He boasted outstanding vision, pinpoint accurate passing, excellent off the ball movement and a superb reading of the game.
 

Andre Iniesta

 
The former Barcelona captain is widely considered to be one of the best players of his generation having played his best football at Barca.
 
Iniesta won 35 trophies, which includes nine La Liga trophies and four UEFA Champions League titles, making him the most decorated Spanish footballer of all time.
 
His balance, ball control and agility allied with his skill and flair on the ball saw him make progress as an attacking midfielder.

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Sergio Busquets

 
The Spain international is widely regarded to be among the finest midfielders of the modern era.
 
Busquets, who has won eight La Liga titles, three FIFA Club World Cups and three UEFA Champions League trophies, is a hard-working player.
 
He excels at intercepting loose balls and breaking down opposition plays due to his positional sense, defensive attributes, tactical intelligence, and ability to read the game.
 
"He is a key player for a team. He is an honest, humble, hard working, positive person. Keep making history and keep making us enjoy," Xavi said.
 

RIGHT MIDFIELDERS

 

Rivaldo

 
The legendary Brazilian attacker played mainly as a winger during his time with Barcelona where he scored 130 goals which makes him the club's ninth-highest goalscorer.
 
Rivaldo spent five years with Barca and impressively scored 23 league goals during the 2000/01 season. He helped the team win two La Liga titles and UEFA Super Cup.
 
He was predominantly left-footed but he was capable of playing on either flank, and was also known for his dribbling ability, use of feints, balance and close ball control.

 
Lionel Messi

 
The Argentine superstar is considered by many as the best player in football history having enjoyed a lot of success at Barcelona where he is an icon.
 
Messi, who has won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies, holds the records for most goals in La Liga (438), and in a La Liga and European league season (50).
 
The Barcelona captain's short, strong legs allow him to excel in short bursts of acceleration while his quick feet enable him to retain control of the ball when dribbling at speed. Most importantly, he is a deadly finisher in front of goal
 

LEFT MIDFIELDERS

 

Ronaldinho

 
The legendary Brazilian winger became one of the best footballers of all-time during his time with Barcelona where he helped the club dominate European football.
 
Ronaldinho played an instrumental role in helping Barca clinch two La Liga titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy. He was also named FIFA World Player of the Year twice.
 
He was known for his technical skills and creativity which was heightened by his pace and dribbling ability, as well as his use of tricks, feints, overhead kicks, no-look passes and accuracy from free-kicks.
 

Neymar

 
The Brazilian superstar had a successful spell with Barcelona between 2013 and 2017.
 
Neymar formed a deadly attack with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Barcelona where he helped the team win the continental treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League.
 
His dribbling skills, tricks and playmaking ability are reminiscent of compatriot Ronaldinho, but his main traits are his creativity and finishing.
 

STRIKERS

 

Samuel Eto'o

 
The Cameroon legend is one of the best strikers in the history of Barcelona where he was ruthless in front of goal - finding the back of the net with ease.
 
Eto'o scored 130 goals in five seasons during his time with Barca which helped the club clinch three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies.
 
He was a fast, strong and energetic striker who is known for his stamina, work-rate, ability in the air,and his accurate finishing ability both with his head and feet.
 

Luis Suarez

 
The Uruguay international is a key player in the current Barcelona side having helped the club win many trophies since his arrival in 2014.
 
Suarez became the first player in history to top La Liga in both goals (40) and assists (16) during the 2015/16 season. 
 
He has lifted four La Liga titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy with Barca.
 
Known for his direct running at players, Suarez enjoys creating goal-scoring chances and boasts a powerful shot and an eye for goal.
 

Parick Kluivert

 
The Netherlands legend spent six years with Barcelona where he formed a successful partnership with Rivaldo.
 
Kluivert, who netted 124 goals from 249 appearances in all competitions at Barca, was the club's top goalscorer in three seasons.
 
Despite being a tall marksman, he possessed a remarkably impressive 'first touch' and quick feet, and he was lethal in front of goal.


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Published: 05/20/2020