5 Players that defined the last decade of FC Barcelona

#2 Xavier Hernandez

FC Barcelona v RC Deportivo La Coruna - La Liga

It is perhaps surprising that the person who best embodied the Tiki-Taka style of play is second on the list. But there is no doubt that Xavier Hernandez deserves his place on the list as a key contributor to the success of Barcelona in their golden generation. He is quite possibly the most important person on this list.

Xavi made his first team debut in August 1998 and was the first person on this list to make his senior debut. Since then he has been instrumental in Barcelona's midfield and has been the lynch pin that turns defense into attack.

Known for his sense of space and direction, his through balls have sent many a Barcelona striker on their way towards goal.

Xavi wasn't the fastest player on the pitch, but he frequently lead the team in distance covered and passes completed. His work rate and efficiency made him unstoppable and a force to be reckoned with.

His midfield partnership with Iniesta yielded such rich dividends for Barcelona. He is also one of the most successful mid-fielders in footballing history having won eight La Liga and four UEFA Champions league trophies.

He was the team's designated free kick and corner kick taker and created multiple chances from those set pieces. An icon in the club's pantheon, Xavi was also a vocal supporter of the Catalan independence movement and played for the unrecognized Catalan national team.

Xavi served as Barcelona captain after Puyol's retirement and was instrumental in guiding them to his 4th champions league triumph in 2015.

He now plys his trade in Al sadd, but a return to Barcelona as coach seems possible in the future. Whatever happens his role in the last decade of FC Barcelona will not be forgotten anytime soon.