In terms of sheer talent, Barcelona likely rivals any club in history. It’s almost criminal the amount of quality one is forced to leave out. Moreover, given the incredible number of technical masters who have worn the blaugrana shirt, I’m forced to go for a hyper-offensive setup, though the incredible complementary nature of these players ensures balance.

Goalkeepers
Unlike their rivals, Barcelona arguably lacks that one, generational “phenomenon” like Casillas. No debate here, right? We have had various good, sometimes great, goalkeepers, but perhaps not an indisputable icon. Marc-André ter Stegen deserves a spot in this discussion if he maintains this level. But in the absence of an absolute sacred monster, the most prominent and consistent has been Andoni Zubizarreta. Although an excellent backup, it cannot be said that the goalkeeper position is the most distinctive department in the club’s history.

Defense
Carles Puyol is non-negotiable. While he may not be the most elegant, his impact in the blaugrana shirt, his aggression, his tenacity, and his “all heart” attitude make him the cornerstone of this defense. He is the old-school marker. Alongside him, the choice falls to Ronald Koeman. Koeman offers the perfect counterpoint: his midfielder’s technique and vision make him a master of build-up play, sublimely complementing Puyol’s characteristics. Two perfect center-backs.

On the flanks, the choice on the right is easy: Dani Alves. He was an all-around full-back, extremely complete, devastating at his peak, with superb technique that made him almost an extra winger. On the left, I’ve included Sergi Barjuán for his consistency and grit, but I admit, sooner or later he will be replaced by Jordi Alba, given that their level of impact and performance is quite similar.

Midfield
Yes, you read that correctly: a three-man midfield. I wanted to reward, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most beautiful, winning, and effective midfields in history: the one from La Masia. The combinations are endless, but the trio of Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets is a disarmingly beautiful choice that needs no further justification. They are the essence of tiki-taka. I was extremely sorry to leave out a personal favorite of mine like Michael Laudrup, a sort of precursor to Iniesta. Perhaps he pays for his lesser impact (in terms of numbers and prime years) in relation to the sacred monsters I’ve included.

Attack
Here’s where the fun begins. Lionel Messi is the absolute pivot around which the entire team revolves. He is the God of football, the reason the blaugrana jersey is a legend. I’ve assigned the other two vacant spots to Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o. Dinho had a relatively short but devastating prime like few others, capable of 80s cartoon magic. Eto’o, on the other hand, was beautiful and effective, an unrelenting striker. Romário (more selfish than the others, but extremely strong) or Hristo Stoichkov, who reached his peak at Barcelona in the 90s, could have fit in perfectly. I’m still debating whether to replace Eto’o with the more complete Luis Suárez. It’s also a shame to leave out Rivaldo, but in this All-Time, as never before, whoever you put in is fine!