5 things that come to mind when one thinks of FC Barcelona

#2 Tiki-taka

Barcelona's tiki-taka has helped them win a plethora of trophies in the past

Tiki-taka was Introduced by Johan Cruyff, and perfected by Pep Guardiola. Watching Barcelona play their trademark, possession-based, high-pressing short-passing game is as close to footballing perfection as anything else.

Characterised by extremely short passes, off the ball movement and playing the ball into channels, tiki-taka requires a lot of possession, and midfielders who can dictate the pace of play. Utilising triangular passing and high pressing fullbacks, the continuous pressure inevitably broke down defences.

Requiring a high amount of tactical intelligence, technical skills and vision, the array of players that Guardiola had available made it possible for his team to dominate opponents in a way that no other club team has ever managed to.

Cruyff is often not credited enough for the system that he developed during his incredibly successful spell at the club between 1989 and 1994. Tiki-taka was further used and promoted by Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard, with La Masia also adapting itself to produce more and more technically gifted midfielders.

The success that Barca experience under Guardiola was eventually extended to the Spanish national team as well, who used it to devastating effect during their wins at the 2008 and 2012 Euros and the 2010 World Cup.

In spite of its weakness against highly physical and counter-attacking teams, tiki-taka's success and its entertainment factor, meaning that it is used by teams all over the world.