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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Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona (Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

Xavi Hernandez (Centre Midfielder, 1998-2015)

Xavi is the embodiment of the Tiki-Taka style that defined the success of Barca in their Golden era. Regarded by many as one of the greatest midfielders to play the game, Xavi is known for his ability to control the ball and the game perfectly. His talent to create spaces and deliver passes was phenomenal. The Spaniard’s work rate on the pitch along with his efficiency on the ball made him one of the best midfielders of his generation.

Xavi joined Barca’s academy at 11 years of age, with Pep Guardiola as his inspiration. After just one year with the B squad, Xavi made his first-team debut in 1998. He was recognized within a year as La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year [1999], but it wasn’t until his partnership with Iniesta that we saw the biggest midfield dominance in world football.

Being among the most successful midfielders ever to play the sport, the former captain has won 8 La Liga titles, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 4 UEFA Champions League, 2 UEFA Super Cups, 2 FIFA Club World Cups and 3 Copa del Reys with Barca. He has also managed to win 2 European Championship and a World Cup [2010] with his national team.

Xavi is without a doubt one of the best midfielders in the world in the last decade and will go down in history as one of the greatest the club has ever produced.

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