The 30 best players in World Cup history
By James Dudko
20. Carles Puyol, Spain
Not many defenders have justified the term natural leader as much as Carles Puyol did for Spain. The cornerstone of Barcelona’s dominance from 2006 onwards transitioned his all-action style to the international game without a problem.
Puyol represented his country at three different World Cups. Each time he was the presence at the back few teams were able to best.
In 2002, Puyol powered the Spanish to a meeting with South Korea in the last eight. Spain lost on penalties, but Puyol had proved himself a genuinely formidable international center-back.
The 2006 tournament in Germany saw Spain swept aside by France in the round of 16. Still, Puyol had again acquitted himself well.
Youthful tenacity gave way to assurance and experience as Puyol finally got the trophy he deserved in 2010. His leadership was vital during a run of four knockout matches without conceding a single goal.
He refused to lose as Spain won the cup for the first time, but only after Puyol had crashed a header in to beat Germany in the last four.
Puyol stayed focused during a bad-tempered final against the Netherlands in Johannesburg. His defensive resilience at Soccer City Stadium helped Spain keep a clean sheet long enough for Andes Iniesta to net the winner in extra time.
Spain’s golden period from 2008-12 featured a technical majesty no other nation could match. But all the creativity and fluency going forward would have counted for naught had Puyol not given the maestros the freedom to weave their magic.