Best of 2013: Top 5 Barcelona players

4. Xavi –

He’s has been the central figure of the most successful national and club sides for a decade now, but still at 34, the impact of Xavi Hernandez in Spanish football fails to recede.

Ever since Xavi started playing, he was touted to become something very special. He proved to be the fulcrum for the ‘golden generation’ of the Spanish national team. His amazing passing and layoffs set him apart from any midfielder in modern football. Add to it his mind-boggling passing accuracy which refuses to fall below 90%.

2013 may have not been the greatest year for Xavi as a player or captain, but still his footballing acumen does just enough to flatter even the greatest of players. He is called the ‘machine’ by his teammates, thanks to his relentless tenacity and drive to compete on the football pitch.

World Cup 2014 may prove to be his last major tournament with Spain, but he will still contribute heavily towards making his beloved Barcelona side better. Some have suggested him to coach the Catalan giants in the future. That would be something very special.