World-class players can change the dynamics of a football match in split seconds — from a losing position they could score a hat-trick or make a couple of assists to change the scoreline. World-class players just know what to do to win in any case. Lionel Messi epitomizes the narrative as he carried Barcelona for many years. Argentina too.
But Messi wasn't the only world-class player at Barca back in the day. There was a certain Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Dani Alves and many others.
However, since Messi wept at a press conference in August 2021 and waved Barca goodbye, you look around at the club and wonder if there are any world-class players left.
Indeed we can say Barca still have a few players who can be considered world-class. But you can count them on the fingers in one hand and still have some left.
Robert Lewandowski can certainly be considered a world-class player.
After scoring a hat-trick against Valencia Lewandowski is now among the top 10 best goalscorers in football history.
Lewa is among the elite company but you can also see he's the only player still active in Europe among the others on the list.
The Polish striker has 23 goals for Barca this season despite enduring some challenges during the campaign.
Besides, Lewandowski, there are only a couple of other Barca players I would consider world-class,
Ilkay Gundogan has been immense since arriving from Manchester City. The German midfield maestro has bagged 12 assists and five goals to show just how outstanding he is.
Current Zamora holder Ter Stegen is also regarded as among the best goalkeepers in the world even though he's not free from making the odd mistake occasionally and is still considered the second choice at Germany.
Who else would you add to this list? Would you consider De Jong, Pedri, Raphinha, Gavi, Yamal, Cancelo or Araujo world-class players today? Let's hear you.
