It's El Clasico this weekend, and for the build-up, we will be looking at some of the best Barcelona players in this historical fixture of all time.
Carles Puyol
The former Barcelona skipper was an absolute beast at the heart of his team's defence for over a decade, making more than 30 appearances in the Clasico, and was part of the team which established dominance for several years under Pep Guardiola
Lionel Messi
The Argentine is the highest ever scorer in El Clasico with 21 goals, which includes two hat-tricks (one last year, another when he was just 19-years-old). Real Madrid have grown tired of the sight of him and it's no wonder why!
Xavi
The midfield maestro has made 40 Clasico appearances and has been ever-present in Barcelona's midfield, with some scintillating performances that have played a massive role in several victories for the Catalans.
Ronaldinho
In 2005, the Brazilian master produced possibly the finest individual display in an El Clasico when he scored a brace in Barcelona's 3-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeau. His on-pitch performances at the height of his powers were a sight to behold and few will ever forget his contributions to this legendary fixture.
Luis Enrique
Barcelona's current coach appeared for both teams in the late 90s and early 2000s. His ability to control the game from midfield and play with both feet is why he will never been forgotten by both sets of fans, and if he can inspire Barcelona to a few more wins from the dugout, he will increase his stock even further.
Pep Guardiola
A legendary manager in his own right, Pep was also a great on the field as a player and created an iconic reputation at the heart of Barcelona's midfield with some dominant displays in the 1990s. His role at the club was pivotal to the emergence of several other midfielders following the end of his playing career.
Luis Figo
Another man to appear for both clubs, Figo made the move to Real Madrid from Barcelona in 2000 for a record fee and was subjected to a great deal of hostility from Barcelona fans, which included the infamous "pig's head" incident in 2002.
Rivaldo
Another in the list of great Brazilians to have played the fixture, Rivaldo was considered the best midfielder in the world during his time at Barcelona and produced some memorable performances against Real Madrid with five goals, which include a strike within five minutes at the Santiago Bernabeau.
Johan Cruyff
The Dutchman is one of Barcelona's finest players of all time and secured a 5-0 win over Real Madrid in his first season at the club. He continued to succeed in the fixture for years, both as a player and as a coach. He was also involved in the political debates, stating that he would never join a team "associated with Franco" after signing for a record fee from Ajax in 1973.
Andres Iniesta
Another man from Barcelona's famed 'Golden generation' will not be forgotten anytime soon, after his exploits in the dominance over Real Madrid in recent years. His agility and vision have been regarded as amongst the best to be put on show in the long history of this contest.
And there you have it! Ten of Barcelona's finest ever players to play in El Clasico.
Which player do you think is the best of them all?
