FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.11.2008 11:58

Puyol makes the top five

Jordi Clos

Against Benidorm, the Barça captain overtook Zubizarreta to become the player who has made the fifth most official appearances for Barcelona. He has now played 411 times, only topped by Migueli, Rexach, Xavi and Amor.

Carles Puyol is making history at FC Barcelona. The Benidorm game was not just any old match for the Catalan, it was his 411th outing in the team shirt, meaning he has now overtaken Andoni Zubizarreta’s tally of 410 official appearances for the club. With much of the season still to go, 30 year old Puyol has Migueli (548), Rexach (452), Xavi (436) and Amor (421) in his sights.

Nine years of dedication

Carles Puyol made his first team debut on October 2, 1999 under Louis van Gaal in a league match away to Valladolid that Barça won 2-0. He has since appeared in 280 league games, as well as 31 in the cup, 4 in the Spanish Super Cup, 84 in the Champions League, 9 in the UEFA Cup, 1 in the European Super Cup and 2 in the World Clubs Cup.

Versatility

Puyol has been able to reach 411 appearances thanks to the way he has convinced every manager he has played under of his value to the team. Pep Guardiola is no exception, and has made the most of the defender’s versatility, playing him in the centre or in either full back position. He has performed brilliantly in any of those roles, and just this season has appeared in 9 League matches, plus 4 in the Champions League and 1 in the Copa del Rey.