puzzle at top speed . It ’ s hard to recall him misplacing one . Just as the infamous Chelsea defender Ron “ Chopper ” Harris incarnated the foul , Xavi incarnates the pass .
A passer cannot do it by himself , the way a Messi or a Maradona can . Xavi needs an organized team to win . When Barcelona and Spain finally got themselves organized around him , trophies followed in a variety unprecedented in soccer ’ s history . Since 2005 , Xavi has won five Spanish titles and two Champions Leagues with Barcelona ; and a European Championship and World Cup with Spain . He was voted best player of Euro 2008 , but soccer ’ s bias against the provider is such that he has never won the Ballon d ’ Or for World Footballer of the Year . It doesn ’ t matter . Without Xavi there is no Messi , as Messi ’ s flounderings with Argentina demonstrate . Xavi incarnates the greatest teams of our day .
Number 16 : Lothar Matthaus There is no trophy Lothar Matthus has not lifted at one time over his 20-year career . He first reached prominence with his second club , then-powerhouse Borussia Monchengladbach . His talents didn ' t go unnoticed , as he was