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Defence
Right-back: Dani Alves
As far as skill-sets are concerned, Dani Alves was tailor-made for FC Barcelona. The Brazilian right-back's free-spirited nature on and off the pitch made him a fan favourite and also added an element of undeniable flair in arguably the greatest Barcelona team of all time.
Dani Alves joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2008 and blazed his way into the starting eleven. The attack-minded full-back established a telepathic relationship with Lionel Messi and created an attacking set-up on the right flank that can only be described as awe-inspiring.
The Brazilian superstar has an astonishing 105 assists to his name and is also the most decorated player in football history. Dani Alves established himself as a legendary enigma at Barcelona and his departure from the club left his successors with gargantuan shoes to fill.
Centre-back: Ronald Koeman
That one of the most important goals in the history of an elite superclub like Barcelona was scored by a defensive lynchpin and free-kick specialist would normally be a piece of trivia for the ages, but Ronald Koeman was no ordinary defender. The marauding centre-back won Barcelona their first European Cup in 1992 with a blistering free-kick against Sampdoria.
The legendary Dutchman played a pivotal role in Johan Cruyff's 'Dream Team' at Barcelona in the 1990s and is widely regarded as one of the most prolific defenders of all time. Koeman outscored many of his offensive teammates at Barcelona and bagged an astonishing 102 goals in his six years at the club.
Ronald Koeman was a tactically astute defender and was the ideal fit for Johan Cruyff's project at the club. Barcelona's new manager is the latest in a considerably long list of Cruyff disciples to be given the reins at the Catalan club.
Centre-back: Carles Puyol
Carles Puyol may not have rated himself highly as a technically gifted defender but his performances on the biggest of stages often spoke otherwise. The former Barcelona captain was a vocal leader on the pitch and his sheer presence in the side inspired confidence in the rest of the side.
The Barcelona centre-back fought his way in the starting eleven in 1999 and his passion for the Blaugrana immediately won over the Camp Nou. Puyol was the driving force behind some of the most memorable moments in Barcelona history and famously blocked a shot with the club's crest in a clutch Champions League encounter.
Carles Puyol's character and resolve on the pitch make him one of the best captains in Barcelona history. The Catalan giants suffered defensively after his retirement and are yet to find a suitable replacement for their very own braveheart.
Left-back: Joan Segarra
Nicknamed 'The Great Captain' for his stature at the club, Joan Segarra was a loyal servant to Barcelona for 16 years. The left-back hit his peak under the revolutionary Helenio Herrera at Barcelona and used his organisational skills to extraordinary effect in a disciplined back-line.
Segarra was one of the most reliable defenders in Barcelona at the time and his ability to push his side across the finish line set him apart from the rest of the pack. The former Barcelona captain also scored his fair share of important goals for the club and was known for his integrity and honesty on the pitch.
Joan Segarra also had a successful career as a manager and reunited with Helenio Herrera as an assistant coach towards the end of his coaching career. The left-back might not be one of Barcelona's most illustrious names but his achievements over the years have made an immense impact at the club.
Honourable Mentions: Gerard Pique, Rafa Marquez, Michael Reiziger, Migueli, Sigfrig Gracia, Antoni Torres
Also Read: Who is the owner of Barcelona?
