Litmanen's seven-year spell at Ajax saw the Finnish forward establish himself as one of Europe's best players, as the Dutch side's punt on the young MyPa star in 1992 more than paid off. Litmanen would net 129 goals in 228 appearances for the club, helping them win four Eredivisie titles and three KNVB Cups domestically, with that side's crowning achievement being the 1995 Champions League victory under boss Louis van Gaal.
To begin the ranking, Raphinha did not hesitate long before naming Neymar as his number one choice. Rather than building up from the bottom like most countdowns do, he went straight to the top, explaining his decision with a moment of reflection. That leads to the second name on his list, who was Ronaldinho. Raphinha's choice here is particularly striking, as Ronaldinho is widely regarded as one of the greatest entertainers football has ever seen. At the start of the 21st century, he transformed Barcelona both on and off the pitch, bringing joy, creativity, and global attention back to Camp Nou. Yet, in Raphinha's eyes, Neymar edges him out for the top spot.
It was a huge mistake to go to Chelsea. A bloody huge mistake. At the time, I was going through a rough patch at Barça. My house had just been burgled, and Barça needed to sell either Depay or me. The only offer on the table was Chelsea's. I accepted. I would go for my family, even if I went to Chelsea.
"Very good. "I was there for a year, starting in the youth team, then moving up to the reserve team, scoring goals and having a week of preseason training with the first team. "All of that gives you a name and visibility. I will always be grateful to Barça."
Barca fired off 18 shots throughout the first half but did not inch ahead until the first minute of stoppage time, with Putellas converting from the penalty spot following a foul from Linde Veefkind. Kim Everaerts then put through her own net just before the hour mark. Paredes completed the scoring off Mapi Leon's set-piece delivery in the 67th minute, as Barca went top of the 18-team group on goal difference, ahead of Lyon and Manchester United.
"I hope everything ends up like this. I don't have a plan B, but I have no idea yet. I prefer to concentrate on being part of the team and playing as much as I can. Now I have to see what happens. If there's something to be done, of course it will be done. Of course, I'd like to know what's going on, but I prefer to focus on what I can do," he told Tipsbladet.
One such player who lined up for Celta Vigo on the night but has a history at Barcelona was Oscar Mingueza, the young, who was seemingly a mainstay under Ronald Koeman but was offloaded after Xavi Hernandez took over. Since his move to Galicia, Mingueza has developed tremendously and has made himself a mainstay at right-back - so much so that he has generated serious attention on the transfer market front.
