The Big Debate

Are Barcelona the best team in the history of football?

With their one-touch philosophy, telegenic smiles and mop-top haircuts, it’s no surprise that girls on both sides of the Atlantic are experiencing a debilitating dose of Barça Mania. Even the pundits are swooning in their swivel chairs – as the great Jimmy Hill recently observed: “They have done for passing what Spirograph did for geometric drawings in the 90s.” A slightly disappointing result in last night’s Copa del Rey – the Spanish version of the devalued League Cup in 20 years – aside, the Nou Camp boys have been making other teams look like complete dicks. But are they the greatest ever?

Sam Allardyce

When I saw that Busquets lad score from a corner against Arsenal, I knew they’d reached the next level. The question now really should be: how would Stoke manage on a warm afternoon in Catalonia?

Sam Allardyce

Clive Tyldesley

Barcelona holds a special place in my heart as I spent that most famous of nights in the city. There’s no question, is there? Manchester United are the best team ever.

Clive Tyldesley

Jamie Redknapp

They’re a great side to be fair but the Premier League has been going for almost 20 years now and that’s a lot of top, top quality to compete with. Top five, for me.

Jamie Redknapp

Pele head

I love this team.
They are definitely one of my favourites for 2014.

Pelé

Mark Lawrenson head

If Barça are better than Liverpool ’82-88 then I’m Irish … Like what I did there, eh, Motty?!?! Motty?! MOTTY?!

Mark Lawrenson

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