Pep Guardiola's greatest U23 XI

Central-Midfield

Left Central Midfielder

Sergio Busquets

With his father being a former FC Barcelona player, Sergio Busquets had been a part of Barcelona since 2005. Guardiola had his eyes on him since his Barcelona B team days. On Busquets' promotion to the senior team in 2008, Guardiola precisely knew what he expected from him.

Alongside Xavi and Iniesta, Busquets ranks among the finest exponents of the Tiki-Taka style of football. Linking defence to midfield, he would often be the one starting the attack. But most importantly, he would be the one doing all the dirty work while Xavi and Iniesta dictated the tempo of the game.

Busquets' undervaluation compared to his more illustrious team-mates is well documented. But there is no harm in saying that Barcelona's golden generation might not have existed in his absence.

Right Central Midfielder

Thiago Alcantara

Making his senior team debut for Barcelona under Guardiola himself, Thiago was destined for big things. His hattrick in the final of 2013 UEFA European Championship Final was a proof of it. But unable to provide him enough playing time, ahead of Xavi or Iniesta, Barcelona were forced to part away with the midfielder.

Thier loss was Bayern Munich's gain. Guardiola succeeded in signing the prodigy ahead of Manchester United for €25 million. After two injury-plagued seasons, Thiago finally started weaving his magic. The gifted playmaker started displaying his excellent dribbling skills, ball-control and inch-perfect passing.

Before anyone could realize, Thiago became Bayern's heartline. Year by year, his value to the side kept on increasing. Currently suffering from a muscle injury, Bavarians all over the world are praying for the creative midfielder's earliest possible return.