Who is Number 11 on the Barcelona Team?
Barcelona Football Club, commonly referred to as Barça, is one of the most successful and popular football teams in the world. With a rich history and a roster of talented players, each member of the team plays a vital role in their success. In this article, we will delve into who wears the iconic Number 11 jersey for Barcelona.
The Importance of Jersey Numbers
In football, jersey numbers hold great significance. They often represent specific positions or carry historical meaning. The Number 11 shirt is traditionally associated with attacking players, particularly wingers or forwards.
Lionel Messi: The Legendary Number 10
While Lionel Messi has been synonymous with the Number 10 jersey at Barcelona for over a decade, it’s important to note that he wore Number 11 when he first joined the senior team back in 2004. However, when Ronaldinho left the club in 2008, Messi took up the iconic Number 10 shirt and has made it his own ever since.
Ousmane Dembélé: The Current Occupant
The current wearer of the Number 11 jersey at Barcelona is Ousmane Dembélé. The French winger joined Barça in August 2017 from Borussia Dortmund for a then-club-record transfer fee. Known for his blistering pace and skillful dribbling, Dembélé has become an important part of Barcelona’s attacking force.
Dembélé’s Impact:
- Speed and Dribbling: Dembélé possesses incredible speed and agility on the field. His explosive bursts allow him to beat defenders and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
- Goal-Scoring Ability: Despite some injury setbacks, Dembélé has showcased his ability to find the back of the net.
His powerful shots and accurate finishing make him a constant threat in front of goal.
- Assist King: Dembélé’s vision and passing ability have made him a valuable asset in setting up goals for his teammates. His precise crosses and through balls often lead to scoring chances.
The Legacy of Number 11
The Number 11 jersey at Barcelona has been worn by several notable players throughout history. Before Messi, it was Ronaldinho who left an indelible mark while donning the shirt. Ronaldinho’s mesmerizing skills, flashy tricks, and infectious smile endeared him to fans around the world.
Other Legendary Number 11s at Barcelona:
- László Kubala: The Hungarian forward played for Barcelona in the 1950s and is considered one of the greatest players in the club’s history.
- Romário: The Brazilian striker wore Number 11 during his time at Barcelona in the early 1990s. He was known for his lethal finishing and exceptional goal-scoring record.
- Johan Cruyff: While Cruyff is most associated with the Number 14 shirt at Barcelona, he also wore Number 11 earlier in his career. The Dutch legend played a pivotal role in establishing Barcelona’s famous ‘tiki-taka’ style of play.
In Conclusion
The Number 11 jersey holds immense importance both historically and currently at Barcelona. From Lionel Messi’s initial stint with it to Ousmane Dembélé’s current contributions, this shirt represents attacking prowess and creativity. With a legacy of legendary players who have donned the Number 11, Dembélé has big shoes to fill, but he is making his mark and adding to the storied history of Barcelona.