A best-ever XI of stars managed by Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola as he prepares to face his old club Barcelona in the semi-finals of this season’s Champions League…
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GK: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
One of the finest goalkeepers of his generation, Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer just edges ex-Barcelona star Victor Valdes for a place in goal.
DR: Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)
Another tight battle, but Bayern captain Philipp Lahm has been described by Guardiola as the most intelligent player he’s worked with, and just edges Dani Alves.
DL: David Alaba (Bayern Munich)
In terms of raw talent, David Alaba looks the best left-back Guardiola has worked with, even if he remains young and somewhat unproven.
DC: Carles Puyol (Barcelona)
A legendary centre-back who formed a key part of Barcelona’s most successful sides, Carles Puyol is certainly up there with the best defenders ever.
DC: Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
Not at his best anymore, but Gerard Pique became one of the best defenders in the world under Guardiola’s reign at the Nou Camp and earns his place in this XI.
MC: Xavi (Barcelona)
Still going strong for Barca, Xavi was undoubtedly at the peak of his powers under Guardiola and became one of the best playmakers of all time.
MC: Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
A player whose career really took off under Guardiola, Andres Iniesta is an insanely gifted player who was perfect for the Spaniard’s system at the Nou Camp.
AMR: Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
A world class winger on top of his game at the moment, Arjen Robben has improved greatly under Guardiola and is a hugely important player for Bayern.
AML: Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
Another world class talent on the books at the Allianz Arena, Thomas Muller also edges some big names to make it into this all-star XI.
AMC: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Probably the best player of all time, Lionel Messi’s career really took off under Guardiola as he played a huge role in delivering all those trophies Barca sweeped up between 2008 and 2012.
FC: Samuel Eto’o (Barcelona)
Although he only played one season under Guardiola, Samuel Eto’o is an underrated star of that treble-winning side who is undoubtedly one of the finest strikers of his generation.
