It’s one of the finest encounters to ever grace the sporting stage, combining fierce passion with gripping aesthetics, El Clasico sees two of the continent’s best outfits square up.
While Real Madrid are blessed with their own fair share of top talent, Barcelona also feature their own catalogue of divine individuals over the years and, here, I have reflected on the best eleven players to ever put on a red and blue shirt; it was no easy task.
GK – Antoni Ramallets
Barca-born shot-stopper Ramallets won six Primera Division titles and five Spanish cups during his time with the Blaugrana, as well as securing the title of best goalkeeper in Spain – in the form of the Zamora trophy – on five other occasions.
An unfortunate own goal in the 1961 European Cup final remains the only blot on his otherwise outstanding copy book. He combined quick intellect and sharp reflexes to establish himself in the national squad at the 1950 World Cup and is regarded as one of the finest keepers of all time.
RB – Dani Alves
Very few, if any, can match the Brazilian’s athleticism down the right-hand flank. The 32-year-old has arguably championed his position, often dubbed as one of the finest full-back’s the game has ever seen.
Look past his comical appearances off the pitch and Alves is an intimidating force that can tie down agile wide men, meanwhile tormenting his opposing number with marauding runs and a fiery right boot. The defender saw the rise and end of the Guardiola empire and was one of the most consistent performers during the spell.
CB – Carlos Puyol
A gladiator that lead from the back, Carlos Puyol saw trophies come like running water at the close of his career at both domestic and international levels. Lion-hearted and curly-haired, the Spaniard won three Champions League titles with Barcelona, as well as a remarkable six La Liga triumphs.
When the rest of the team underwent defensive stagnation, they could always rely on Puyol’s relentless determination and aggression to see them home. Perhaps not the most technically acute, but the now 37-year-old was always courageous and very few showed greater love for the club.
CB – Ronald Koeman
Cast an eye over modern-day Southampton and it’s easy to see the methodical composure Koeman employed in his time at the heart of Barcelona’s defence imprinted into the South-Coast club.
‘Tintin’ made up for any frailties at the back with an exquisite record of 67 league goals in 192 appearances. His most iconic goal, however, was the 112th-minute winner in the 1992 European Cup final. He was just as clinical from the penalty spot and he was an ever-reliable presence at the heart of a successful Barca side.
LB – Joan Segarra
Joan Segarra was a born and dedicated leader. Like the aforementioned Ramallets, Segarra formed the basis of the team that lifted five trophies in the 1951/52 season. Having played one game shy of 300 appearances, the full-back was quick and vocal on the pitch and had an eye for goal too.
While his playing style was an example to modern defenders, his nobility and sportsmanship were also well renowned.
CDM – Pep Guardiola
Pep learned his playing style, perfected it and built an entire philosophy around it. At the core of Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’ of the 1990s, Guardiola occupied the ‘pivot’ role and formed a direct link between defence and attack.
The little Spaniard believed in holding possession and utilising it to the utmost effect. He played a vital role in the club’s first European Cup win in 1992, won four successive league titles between 1991 and 1994, and has since gone on to transfer his tactical genius to the sidelines. It is certain that the man from Santpedor remains one of the finest footballers and managers of all time.
CM – Xavi
Although only just over 5’ 5”, Xavi Hernandez stamped his mark on the game in a career with the Blaugrana spanning 17 years, in which he demonstrated sublime balance and vision to become one of the finest playmakers of all time.
He idolised the aforementioned Guardiola and Pep’s return to the Nou Camp as manager spurred Xavi on to build stronger bridges between a rock-hard defence and an innovative attack, rendering him as one of the most recognisable faces of the modern football era.
CM – Michael Laudrup
One of the more famous faces among the international contingent that formed the ‘Dream Team’, Laudrup’s job was simple but challenging; he orchestrated attack after attack, setting up the likes of Stoichkov and Romario, meanwhile acting as a solid anchor in midfield.
The Great Dane arrived at Barcelona from Juventus in 1989 off the back of a poor spell with the Italian giants, but revolutionised himself and the game while with the Catalans, making assist after assist and scoring a few himself.
RW – Lionel Messi
This little Argentine has kept Cristiano Ronaldo on his toes. While hat-tricks are commonplace while breaking a record each week is as normal as going shopping; the 28-year-old has written his name into all the record books and is regarded, by most, as the greatest to have ever graced a football pitch.
His speed, vision, dribbling, finishing, balance and intelligence are all at another level while his tally of 499 career goals is mesmerising. With five FIFA Ballon d’Or awards, seven La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey wins and four Champions League victories, his inclusion is 100% undisputed.
ST – László Kubala
Another pioneer involved in the remarkable season of 1951/52, in which the Catalonian club swept the board in terms of trophies. Kubala possessed an imposing physique as well as a great technical ability; this proved to be a formidable combination which allowed the Hungarian to lead from the front.
His scoring record of 194 goals in 256 appearances was astounding and he was among the first to experiment so much; curling the ball had seldom been seen prior to his arrival. Flourishing from a modest background in Budapest, Kubala sought complete joy in football and implemented a lasting legacy of success into the fabric of the club.
LW – Johan Cruyff
If Lionel Messi wasn’t on this list then I’d find no trouble in labelling this man as the greatest Barcelona player of all time. His recent passing was devastating given that the flying Dutchman brought so much not only to the Blaugrana, but football as a whole.
The three-time Golden Ball winner was primarily a centre-forward but had the football intelligence and spatial awareness to drift wherever he pleased and still have an impact. His eponymic turn may have caught headlines with his country, but his skill set was just as glamorous for Barcelona, as was his drive and overall attitude for the game.
Here is how this team would line-up:
