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No. 47 Gerard Pique, Barcelona/Spain
Why he's ranked: This centre-back slipped through Sir Alex Ferguson's fingers at Manchester United, as the Scottish tactician failed to find a slot for Pique in his team during a four-year spell at Old Trafford, and then saw his protégé join Barcelona in 2008. Elegant on the ball, a fine passer and often the starting point for many of his side's attacking moves, the partner of Colombian singer Shakira has it all.
Key stat: The rock of Barcelona's defense, Pique led the team in defensive clearances and aerial duels won for the past two seasons in league play.
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caption: Pique will once again feature in Spain's back line at the 2014 World Cup.
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What the experts say: "Underrated, I think. Take him out of the Barcelona setup and they start losing goals -- and games. Part of a partnership that has won the last two major international tournaments while conceding only three goals in 13 matches. Intensely competitive, good football vision, elegant. Funny." -- Graham Hunter
What you think:
@D_Sturridge at #46 on ESPN's #WorldCupRank ?? Hard to believe there are 45 better players in the world right now..
- Steve Steele (@steveLsteele) May 28, 2014
Other articles:
- Rob Train: La Roja's defensive worries?
- ESPN FC Blogs: Spain
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