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La Liga giants Barcelona are not simply a high-profile football club, they are an institution of footballing artistry. The club prioritize style of play over anything, which is why they have always managed to attract the most skilful footballers in the world.
A player with impressive dribbling and passing range can change the game in the blink of an eye. Barcelona, thanks to their eye for detail, have been privileged to field so many such geniuses over the years.
Here are Barcelona’s six best dribblers since 2000.
#6 Deco
Portuguese sensation Deco was part of the country’s underachieving golden generation. He may not have been as charismatic as his captain Luis Figo, but the creative midfielder was more than a potent contributor.
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Deco’s spell at Barcelona lasted four seasons between 2004 and 2008. His smaller footprint and low centre-of-gravity aided his dribbling abilities, and he was regularly seen venturing into the opposition box.
Deco’s pace was nothing to write home about but the way he controlled the ball was enough to beat even the most experienced defenders.
#5 Thierry Henry
Following a glittering spell at Arsenal, Thierry Henry joined La Liga giants Barcelona in 2007. The winger-turned-striker was known for his insane one-on-one skills and ability to take the fight to the staunchest of defenders.
He handled the transition to Barcelona quite well and was firing on all cylinders in no time.
During his time at Barcelona, the Frenchman used his pace and close control to often carry the ball from midfield to the opposition box. When in full swing, no defender stood a chance against the former Arsenal man.
During his three-season spell at Barcelona, he helped his team to a historic treble (2009) alongside winning other honors.
#4 Andres Iniesta
Rising through the ranks of La Masia, Andres Iniesta was always destined for greatness. The 2010 World Cup winner enjoyed an illustrious 16-season spell with the Barcelona senior team and was one of their standout performers.
While his midfield partner Xavi was busy setting the tempo, Iniesta would often venture further up the pitch. He did not need to use flashy tricks to get around, though. His natural gift of ball control and depth perception did that for him.
With the ball glued to his feet, he occupied threatening positions on the pitch and the result was often devastating. A complete footballer and one of the best the game has ever seen, Iniesta is currently plying his trade at Vissel Kobe in Japan.
#3 Neymar
Neymar was earmarked to be Lionel Messi’s successor at Barcelona when the Brazilian joined from Santos in the summer of 2013. He was full of exuberance, desperate to make a name for himself at the Camp Nou. In his first season in Spain, Neymar proved his mettle and brought countless defenders to their knees with his insane touches and mazey dribbling.
Unlike Lionel Messi, who focused on functioning over form, Neymar banked on pizzazz and the typical Brazilian flair to beat defenders. His lanky physique allowed him to evade challenges without breaking a sweat and his quick feet were always prepared to get out of tight corners.
During his stay at Barcelona, Neymar was almost always the most fouled player on the pitch, and most of it was down to his dribbling. Neymar left Barcelona in search of greener pastures in 2017, but he is yet to find his old flair at Paris Saint-Germain.
#2 Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho was one of the very few footballers who could make his rivals fall in love with his football. He just didn't play the game to win. Ronaldinho played football to express his love for the game and to share it with millions across the world.
During his spell with Barcelona, Ronaldinho emerged as the best player in the business. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2005 and was a mentor to the great Lionel Messi at Barcelona. From performing the "Elastico" in the tightest of spaces to beating defenders with a quick change of direction, Ronaldinho did it all.
His bag of tricks was unmatched at the time and we are yet to see a player executing the moves with as much authority.
#1 Lionel Messi
Barcelona and Argentina sensation Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest dribbler the world has ever seen. During his 21-year stay at FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi went from a shy little young sensation to a six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
He won every possible trophy with the Catalan giants before signing for Paris Saint-Germain this summer. His ruthless shooting ability and playmaking skills deserve all the praise in the world, but we must also pay special attention to his inhuman dribbling.
At Barcelona, Messi could beat any player in the world anywhere on the pitch. He sped up, slowed down, turned defenders inside out; seeing Messi in full flow was an experience like no other.
As per Squawka, Messi completed 1,880 take-ons between 2006 and 2019, 660 more than second-placed Eden Hazard.
