5 most underrated Barcelona players of the 21st century

Pedro enjoyed a good spell with Barcelona.
Pedro enjoyed a good spell with Barcelona.

#3 Victor Valdes

Victor Valdes
Victor Valdes

In Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Barcelona, goalkeeper Victor Valdes was a constant fixture.

A product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, Valdes is arguably the club's greatest-ever goalkeeper. The Spain international was a key presence in the Blaugrana backline, thanks to his leadership and shot-stopping ability.

Valdes made 535 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona in 12 glorious seasons at the club.

He left Barcelona in 2014 but was unable to replicate his old form. After making appearances for Manchester United, Standard Liege and Middlesbrough, the 39-year old retired in 2017.


#2 Javier Mascherano

Javier Mascherano was renowned for his aggressiveness.
Javier Mascherano was renowned for his aggressiveness.

One of the most underrated players of the modern generation, Javier Mascherano, was renowned for his aggressive style of play, something that endeared him to the Liverpool and Barcelona faithful.

The Argentina international's imperious form for Liverpool saw Barcelona snap up his services for £18 million in 2010.

After enduring a quiet first season, Mascherano slowly established himself as a key player of Barcelona's first XI. It was at Barcelona, Mascherano started playing as a centre-back after playing as a defensive midfielder at Liverpool.

Mascherano made 334 appearances for Barcelona, scoring just once. A hard-working, physical player, the 36-year old subsequently played for the likes of Hebei China Fortune and Estudiantes after leaving Barcelona in 2018. He retired from the game last year.


#1 Pedro

Pedro, during his Barcelona days
Pedro, during his Barcelona days

A product of Barcelona's La Masia academy, Pedro was another key player in Pep Guardiola's dominant team.

Guardiola was aware of Pedro's prowess during his time in charge of Barcelona B. The forward made his senior team debut in 2008, but it was only in the 2009-10 season when Pedro became a permanent member of the first team.

A hard-working forward with good pace and technical ability, the Spain international proved to be an ideal foil for Lionel Messi.

Pedro made 321 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, scoring 99 goals. He joined Chelsea in 2015, making more than 200 appearances in all competitions for the Blues. The 33-year old currently plays for Serie A side Roma.


Also Read: 5 midfielders who could replace Luka Modric at Real Madrid.

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