Barcelona's best ever XI ... The second centre back 💪 | OneFootball

With the football on hold at the moment, we’ve been thinking about who gets in Barcelona’s all-time XI.

Today we’re choosing the second centre-back. With Carles Puyol already in the backline, we’re looking for a less rugged and more cultured partner.

Here are the nominees …

3rd – Antoni Torres

A classic ‘libero’, Torres was comfortable of stepping into midfield in an era where defenders, well, weren’t.

In more than 10 years at the club, Torres was a master of the offside trap and made the game look remarkably simple. As the club’s official website puts it, Torres “was the most efficient defender at the Club”.

A one-time LaLiga winner, Torres also won four cups and turned out for the Blaugrana 483 times.

2nd – Gerard Piqué

Is it controversial to put Piqué second? Maybe, but we’re doing it.

A La Masia graduate, Piqué returned to the club after a brief spell with Manchester United. There was no looking back.

Incredible on the ball, dominant in the air, no slouch on the ground and an uncompromising defender. What more could you ask for? Oh, well he LOVES winding up opponents, too.

Then there are the trophies. Eight LaLiga titles, three Champions Leagues, six Copa del Reys. Wow.

And the winner is …. Ronald Koeman

Just edging Piqué out is Ronald Koeman.

Probably a worse defender than Piqué, Koeman was still absolutely integral to Johan Cruyff’s Dream Team. The Dutchman ‘only’ spent six seasons with Barcelona but quickly established himself as a player capable of deciding any game, and that’s why he’s in.

One of the most skilled defenders in possession ever, Koeman was equally good in midfield and had a knack for goals, scoring an unbelievable 88 times in 264 Barcelona appearances. Including perhaps the most important goal in the club’s history to win their first European Cup.

History like that holds a lot of weight and it just gets Koeman into the XI.

Here’s how the team is looking so far …

GK: Andoni Zubizarreta RB: Dani Alves CB: Carles Puyol CB: Ronald Koeman LB: Sigfrid Gràcia

Check back tomorrow when we will be choosing the holding midfielder.