Greatest Barcelona XI from the last decade

(L-R) goalkeeper Claudio Bravo of FC Barcelona, Munir El Haddadi of FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, Martin Montoya of FC Barcelona, Ivan Rakitic of FC Barcelona, Luis Suarez of FC Barcelona, Andres Iniesta of FC Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona, Neymar of FC Barcelona, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen of FC Barcelona, Marc Bartra of FC Barcelona, Adriano of FC Barcelona, Jeremy Mathieu of FC Barcelona, Rafinha of FC Barcelona, Sergio Busquets of FC Barcelona, Sergi Roberto of FC Barcelona, Dani Alves of FC Barcelona, with Champions League trophy during the UEFA Champions League final match between Barcelona and Juventus on June 6, 2015 at the Olympic stadium in Berlin, Germany.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

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Carles Puyol of FC Barcelona (Photo by Miguel Ruiz/FC Barcelona via Getty Images) /

Carles Puyol (Centre-back, 1999-2014)

Though not the most gifted player on this list, Carles Puyol’s mentality, strength and passion made him the best Captain Barca had in this decade. Arguably one of the greatest defenders of his generation, Puyol’s ability to be a reliable and consisted defender represented the finest of the golden era of graduates La Masia had to offer.

Puyol started his football career as a goalkeeper and later moved to the striker role. In La Masia, he initially played as a defensive midfielder and later in Barca B played as a right-back.

El Capita made his league debut in 1999 under coach Louis van Gaal, and rocked the opposition’s attack ever since. Carles moved to the central role and later became the squad’s captain in 2003. The Spaniard also had the talent to be an aerial threat from set-pieces.

Puyol is hailed for his leadership and fair play while being a perfect example that loyalty, passion and desire can bring success and respect. The Spanish international has won 5 La Liga titles, 5 Spanish Super Cups, 3 UEFA Champions League, 2 UEFA Super Cups, 2 FIFA Club World Cups and 2 Copa del Reys in a Blaugrana shirt. His individual achievements include the 2006 UEFA Best Defender and 6 different UEFA Team of the Year recognitions.

Puyol is one of the most respected footballs in the world and deserves to be remembered for his passion for his club, country and the sport itself.

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