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I loathe Barça for their players’ tactics at present, but how can anyone say that Barcelona aren’t in the top three clubs in the world? I certainly can’t, and for that reason, I’ll now compile a list of my Barca dream team. Here we go.
GK: Andoni Zubizaretta
This guy was simply brilliant. Fans of FCB who don’t know this guy are considered bandwagoners, so make sure to look him up at some point if you’re unfamiliar.
RB: Dani Alves
Is there any question to this? Simply one of the best right backs in the world right now, I’d put him behind Sergio Ramos and in front of Bacary Sagna. With 200 appearances for La Blaugarana, 15 goals and 66 assists, it’s fair to say he’s a consistent, solid player who can be counted on to perform regardless of the circumstance.
Dribbling, pace, intelligence, he’s got it all. There simply is no argument. Dani Alves owns this spot right now, and there’s no one who can take it.
RCB: Carles Puyol
My favorite non-Arsenal defender. He’s no-nonsense, strong, intelligent, courageous. Exactly what you need in a central defender. Although he’s lost some pace, he’s still able to trouble the fastest of the bunch, regularly nullifying the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and co. with his superb ability to read and anticipate the game.
Bar none, one of the greatest examples in the art of defending in recent time. A testament to longevity, fitness and commitment, bow down to the Mighty Puyol.
LCB: Ronald Koeman
One of my favorite Dutchmen to ever play the game, Ronald Koeman is the definition of the complete player. A pitbull in defence, a puppeteer in his passing, and has a lethal free kick and shot to finish the kill.
If I had to choose between a team of eleven and Koeman…he would be my automatic choice.
LB: Sigfrid Gracia
This man is a testament to endurance, conditioning and loyalty. A one club man, Mr. Gracia played a ridiculous amount of games for his era. In the 50s and 60s, medical care was nowhere near what it is today. No magic, all-healing spray, no machines and GPS trackers to determine red zones, no specialized sports drinks. Back in his day there was good food, water, rest and discipline. Sources say he played 50 or more games a season, something which most players can’t say they do today.
Not to mention his ability, he was a workhorse, and a committed player. Never would he back down form a challenge, and always got up after he’d been battered and bruised. Akin to my favorite right back Bacary Sagna, Gracia just gets up and gets on with it. A proper player.
LAM: Ronaldinho
While I realize he was mostly deployed higher up almost as a left winger cum pseudo number 10, Ronaldinho could play with one leg and still be man of the match. A player with mesmerizing skill, blistering pace, agility and a free kick that could thwart any goalkeeper, he was a nightmare to play against.
I often credit him as the one who had infused a fresh breath of new life in skill moves and flair in the modern game, as he would often go on rampaging runs, making a mockery of the defence.
While he did have a bit of a falling out at La Blaugarana, he’s still got the class to play at the top. His stats back him up at every step of the way with 254 appearances, 107 goals and 80 assists to his name in five years of magnificence, I think what he’ll be remembered most for is that smile and the joy that came with watching him set the stadium alight. What a player.
CM: Xavi
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The Puppet Master. I’ve never seen a more intelligent and dedicated footballer in my time. There really is no one even close to his level of skill and experience. He can manipulate a game in ways previously unimaginable.
Master of the through ball and pin-point passing, you’re in for a shocker if you think you can dominate the midfield with the Maestro on the pitch. Once Xavi steps on, it’s game, set and match.
RAM: Johan Cruyff
A total footballer and a passionate warrior on the pitch. His contribution to Barça in the 70s was massive, with 184 appearances and 68 goals, he’s a true legend for his philosophies and silky smooth skills, let alone his signature move, the Cruyff turn.
LW: Diego Maradona
He’s not a winger, I know, and his ego certainly is nothing to be proud of, but in his short time at Barça he proved himself with 87 appearances and 46 goals, he could easily slot into a more advanced position given his talent and creativity.
ST: Ronaldo
You really don’t get much better than R9, do you? 49 appearances, 47 goals. That works out to a 0.96 ratio of goals per game. That’s an absolutely mental season, and he could have only improved.
He’ll always be remembered for his goalscoring exploits at Inter Milan, but fans will never forget his Barça DNA.
RW: Lionel Messi
It’s such an obvious choice, how can you go wrong? 319 appearances, 240 goals and 95 assists. Need I remind you he’s only 24? Simply ludicrous numbers for someone so young, most players will never reach that tally, and Messi may not even be at his peak.
I feel blessed to watch this footballing god play regularly, it’s hard to imagine what he’ll have accomplished in two years.
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https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/02/barca-reinventing-total-football/
Written by Anders MarshallFeel free to follow me and share your opinion on Twitter @MarshallArsenalPlease like O-Posts on FacebookFollow the site on Twitter
