All-time UEFA Champions League XI

#3 Carles Puyol - Centre back

Carles Puyol was one the best central defenders of his generation

Former Barcelona captain, Carles Puyol makes the team as one of the two centre-backs at the heart of the defence. A firm fan favourite for his fighting displays, Puyol always gave more than a 100% every time he played for Barcelona and Spain.

Regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, Puyol was known for his commanding presence in the air, his composure on the ball and his intense commitment and ruggedness. According to Barcelona's head doctor, he was "the strongest, who has the quickest reactions, and who has the most explosive strength."

A true leader and a motivator, Puyol was one of those players who worked unbelievably hard to make the most of his talents. Puyol himself modestly said:

"I don't have Romario’s technique, [Marc] Overmars' pace or [Patrick] Kluivert's strength. But I work harder than the others. I'm like the student who is not as clever, but revises for his exams and does OK in the end."

Three Champions League wins with Barcelona shows that Puyol definitely did much better than OK in the end.