5 of the greatest centre-backs to have played for FC Barcelona

#1 Carles Puyol (1999-2014)

Committed and always gave his 100%, Puyol was integral to Barca's successes under Pep Guardiola

Where are the words to describe this player who literally gave body and soul for the Blaugrana cause?

That Puyol is the greatest defender in the club’s storied history is not even an issue for debate; it is where he stands in the eternal pantheon of Barca legends that would be up for discussion.

The shaggy-haired player who always looked like an unkempt rockstar rather than an excellent footballer was a fan favourite who gave his all for the club at every moment in time and in the process incurred injuries which undoubtedly led to his retirement in 2014 at the rather early age of 36 (for a centre-back).

His commitment to the team was best exemplified by his refusal to move to Malaga in 1998 despite the club accepting an offer for him and his being behind Frank de Boer and Michael Reiziger in the pecking order.

This was a decision that turned out to be the biggest of blessings for both the player and the club as his commitment, aerial ability and leadership helped steer the team through certain difficult times and into the glory era of the Guardiola years.