El Clasico: Barcelona's All-Time XI

November 29, 2016 23:12

1/12 117 years of history, 129 titles in the trophy cabinet but there's only room for 11 men on Barcelona's all-time Dream Team.
2/12 Andoni Zubizarreta (Goalkeeper): Long before the Uefa transfer ban cost him his job as the blaugranas’ sporting director, Zubizarreta was a stalwart between the sticks, winning 4 LaLigas amongst a whole host of other titles. Reuters.
3/12 Dani Alves (RB): The Brazilian bomber was omnipresent through countless title-winning seasons, employing his electric pace and phenomenal technical ability to maraud forward and add another devastating attacking outlet for the team. Getty
4/12 Ronald Koeman (CB): Before turning his hand to management the Dutchman was widely regarded as one of the biggest double threats in world football. Despite playing in defense, Koeman racked up 67 goals in 192 games for the ‘Dream Team’. Getty
5/12 Carles Puyol (CB): The floppy-haired Catalan marshaled the Barça backline for the entirety of his career. Loved by fans and admired by opponents, Puyol became the first captain to lift six major trophies in one year – 2011. Getty
6/12 Eric Abidal (LB): A fan favorite at the Camp Nou, the Frenchman’s versatility allowed him to play in the center of defense and out wide. Reuters
7/12 Xavi Hernández (MD): The bushy-browed Spaniard seamlessly replaced Pep Guardiola in the heart of Barcelona’s midfield, where he pulled the strings for 17 seasons (1998-2015), winning countless titles along the way. Getty
8/12 Andrés Iniesta (MD): Since making his first team debut during the 2002/03 campaign, the diminutive World Cup winner has lifted 28 titles as a Barcelona player, including 8 LaLigas and 4 Champions League. Getty
9/12 Ronaldinho (MD): An unstoppable force at his peak, the grinning Brazilian was idolized by Barça and football fans alike. Getty
10/12 Johan Cruyff (F): The godfather of ‘total football’ needs no introduction. The cantankerous Amsterdam native’s arrival changed Barcelona - and by extension Spanish football - forever. Reuters
11/12 László Kubala (F): Built like a fridge and nibble as a ballerina, the Hungarian goal machine was one of the club’s first real super stars and remains Barcelona’s third highest scorer (131 goals). Getty
12/12 Lionel Messi (F): No arguing this man’s inclusion. El Pulga is Barcelona’s all-time top scorer, has won 29 titles and is widely regarded as the world’s best player. Nuff said. Getty