10 greatest players to have played under Pep Guardiola

#3 ANDRES INIESTA - BARCELONA

Andres Iniesta in action for Barcelona

One of the best players of the modern generation, Andres Iniesta is considered to be one of the greatest midfielders of all-time.

Iniesta formed a world-class midfield partnership with Xavi and Sergio Busquets, forming the base for Guardiola to build his Barcelona side on. Excellent technically with fine passing, dribbling and positioning, Iniesta was an extremely versatile midfielder.

The Spain international made nearly 700 appearances in all competitions for his beloved Barcelona, winning all possible trophies. He left the club in 2018 and now plays for Vissel Kobe in Japan.

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#2 XAVI - BARCELONA

Xavi in Barcelona colours

Like Andres Iniesta, Xavi is considered as one of the greatest midfielders to have played the game, and one of the greatest players of all-time.

A proponent of the "tiki-taka" style of football which would go on to embody Pep Guardiola's philosophy, Xavi was renowned for his metronomic passing, as well as creativity. He formed an enviable partnership alongside Iniesta for both Bacelona and Spain, and is one of the most decorated Spanish players ever.

Pep Guardiola took over as manager in 2008 and for the next 4 years Barcelona dominated European football. The magical trio of Messi, Xavi and Iniesta were the fulcrum of a side many, including Sir Alex Ferguson, have described as the greatest team in the history of the sport. pic.twitter.com/2vsXveAyN5

— Shane 🎥🎞️📽️ (@IdaLupinos) August 26, 2020

The 40-year old made more than 750 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona before joining Al Sadd in 2015. Having retired in 2019, Xavi became the manager of Al Sadd that very year.

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#1 LIONEL MESSI - BARCELONA

Lionel Messi could leave Barcelona soon

Arguably the greatest player to have played the game of football, Lionel Messi has been in the news quite a lot lately.

The Argentina international is a product of the famed La Masia academy, and has been the talisman of Barcelona for some time now. It was under Pep Guardiola that Messi would become the player that he is right now, with the Spaniard building his Barcelona side around the otherworldly talents of the diminutive forward.

This could be Lionel Messi's last goal for Barcelona ✨ (via @ChampionsLeague)pic.twitter.com/SnQ5ttbz9G

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 2, 2020

Barcelona are in disarray right now, and the 33-year has announced his decision to leave the club. Pep Guardiola's Manchester City are the favourites for his signature, unsurprisingly.

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