Top 10 greatest Barcelona midfielders of all-time

#2: Xavi Hernandez

Xavi is regarded as the greatest midfielder of his generation

If through passes were to be patented, Xavi Hernandez would have been the first in line for that honour. A La Masia graduate and Andres Iniesta's partner-in-crime in the midfield, Xavi was the centrepiece of a midfield that gleamed brightly like a jewel in a crown.

The Spanish genius made his name as one of the greatest pass masters to grace the game during his years as a Barcelona player. Xavi mastered the elegance and beauty of making defence-splitting passes, which proved to be a crucial reason behind Leo Messi's superfluity in front of the goal.

Forming a devastating trio with Iniesta and Messi, Xavi heralded an era of unparalleled dominance under the newly appointed boss Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard was a revelation in the tiki-taka philosophy that saw La Blaugrana achieve unprecedented success.

With a keen eye for a pass and an ability to find spaces in the tightest situations and above all, his propensity to dictate games from the centre of the park earned him the sobriquet The Puppet Master.

In an illustrious 17-year career in the blue and burgundy shirt, Xavi made 767 appearances for Barcelona, becoming the player with most appearances for the club. He scored 85 goals for his beloved club before departing in 2015.

Xavi was truly an embodiment of Barcelona's 'Total Football' philosophy as he became a legend of a kind.