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#3 Sergio Busquets | Barcelona (Since 13 September, 2008)
Sergio Busquets is yet another illustrious graduate of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy. The Spaniard is one more in a long line of world-class midfielders that the Catalan club have introduced to La Liga over the years.
Over his illustrious career, Busquets has won a multitude of titles for club and country. The veteran has been a lynchpin for both Barcelona and Spain's midfield for the past decade and is viewed as one of the best defensive midfielders of all time.
Busquets' physicality and technical prowess, as well as his world class passing ability, has made him irreplaceable in the La Liga giants' midfield. The Spaniard's ability to shield the defense has been instrumental in his eight title-winning seasons with the La Liga club.
At 33 years of age, Busquets is now reaching the twilight of his career. However, his gamesense and style of play is sure to allow him to be effective for a few more years before he decides to retire.
#2 Gerard Pique | Barcelona (Since 13 August, 2008)
Gerard Pique had a weird early part of his career. The Spaniard was a product of La Masia, but was shipped to Premier League club Manchester United before signing his professional contract with Barcelona.
Pique spent four seasons with Manchester United, during which he won both the Premier League as well as the UEFA Champions League. However, the Spaniard decided to leave the club and re-join Barcelona in 2008, in what has turned out to be the right decision.
During his time at Barcelona, Pique has been considered as one of the best centre-backs in the world. He has also been named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI four times over the last decade. Pique is one of the most decorated players of all time, having won eight La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues during his tenure with the La Liga heavyweights.
Now 34, Pique is inching closer to retirement, with his appearances at club level also decreasing over the past few years. The Spaniard will go down as one of La Liga's and football's greatest defenders of all time.
#1 Marcelo | Real Madrid (Since 7 January, 2007)
Marcelo joined Real Madrid from Fluminense back in 2007 and has gone on to become one of, if not the greatest, left-backs of all time. The Brazilian was brought in as heir to compatriot Roberto Carlos and has arguably surpassed the legendary full-back during his tenure with the La Liga giants.
One of the most well-rounded full-backs in history, Marcelo's occasional defensive lapses were covered for by his ability to get involved in attack. The Brazilian formed a devastating partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo down Real Madrid's left flank for the better part of the last decade. Marcelo's passing and crossing ability, as well as his physical attributes, also allowed him to play further forward up the pitch and even in midfield. He has also won five La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues with Los Blancos.
Now at 33 years of age, the Brazilian is slowly being phased out of Real Madrid. But his veteran presence in the locker room is still priceless for the La Liga heavyweights and he is Los Blancos' club captain for the 2021-22 season.
