New Delhi: Even by Barcelona's high standards, this is a glorious era in the club's history.
With just one European Cup to their name until the turn of the century, the tenures of Frank Rijkaard and Guardiola ushered in genuine Champions League success, with the Dutchman's Ronaldinho inspired side victorious in 2006, and Guardiola's slick unit comprehensively beating Manchester United 2-0 in the final of the 2009 edition.
With Barcelona seen as one of the favourites this year as well, here are few players to look forward from their side:
Lionel Messi: It seems boringly obvious to pick the FIFA Ballon d'Or winner, but just when you start taking Messi's incredible skills for granted, he manages to amaze you yet again. He has already notched up eight goals in his eight Champions League appearances so far this season, including a sublime goal against Arsenal in the last 16 to put Barcelona into the final eight. It's not just fans who should be keeping an eye on Messi in the quarterfinals, his opposition will be also.
Xavi: Xavi is the playmaker of the team and shows no nerves whatsoever as he guides the team with an extraordinarily cool head. He always shows incredible vision on the pitch. His passing to the forwards and his ability to take the pressure off and protect the ball better than almost any other player around, has turned him into one of the focal points on the pitch. He will be a real key man for Barcelona along with Iniesta in the middle of the park. He has a real asset at dead ball situations, where his potent shot has brought a number of important goals.
Andres Iniesta: The 'selfless' player has shown the World how a 'real team' is made as he has came out as a team player time and time again. Even though, Iniesta has come out with flying colours on many occasions, all that matters to him is that his team, Barcelona, should win the match. He has the ability to dominate the midfield and he can run riot at the oppositiion heart. It is basically his selfless devotion and his personal woes towards the club that makes him a player who stands out compared to all other players.
David Villa: David Villa is an all-round forward, but undoubtedly his best quality is his eye for goal. He is a deadly finisher in front of goal, evidenced by his goal ratio regardless of who he plays for. He is a striker with great mobility and speed, he can score from direct free-kicks and he wears his heart on his sleeve every time he takes to the pitch. One of the extra advantage he gives to this Barcelona side is that he can play at the left flank as well.
Daniel Alves: Dani Alves is a Barcelona right back who is widely regarded as one of the best to hold that position in the world today. With Lionel Messi totally shining and dazzling upfront and Xavi and Iniesta giving applauding passes in the middle, it is Dani Alves on the other side who provides the team with extreme pace and becomes the hybrid one which can be compared to all of them. He is a defender with powerful assets who can run forward and give brilliant crosses and he can also sprint back after doing something that many right backs can only dream of doing.
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