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Our definitive countdown of the best players of 2010-11 continues with the Spanish champions' defensive servant, who was hit by injury but still contributed to Barcelona's success

Welcome to the Goal.com 50! In this special series, Goal.com editors worldwide vote for the top 50 players of 2010-11. We count down to the announcement of the winner on August 14 with profiles of each and every player who made it into the top 50...

Carles Puyol's influence at Barcelona cannot be underestimated, as shown by his inclusion in the Goal.com 50 despite suffering an injury-plagued season at Camp Nou, and he was once again instrumental for his team during a highly successful 2010-11 campaign.

Building on his efforts when captaining Spain to the 2010 World Cup title, few would have expected any less of the fiercely competitive stopper when he announced that despite his advancing years he would continue with the national team for Euro 2012.

At the outset of last season, the rugged defender did not play in the two-legged Spanish Supercopa win over Sevilla, but otherwise started the campaign in fine form, contributing to the beginning of the defence of Barca's La Liga title and reclaiming the Champions League crown from Inter.

However, the Catalan-born player suffered knee problems that kept him out for long stretches of the second part of the season as he made only 28 appearances in all competitions - with just 10 of those coming after the winter break in 2011.

"I enjoy speaking highly of Puyol. He is an honest and fair professional, who is the first to arrive for training, and these things must be evaluated." -Spain coach Vicente del Bosque

This, though, only served to underline his importance to the side, some considering his place in the line-up to be as essential, if not more so, than that of star striker Lionel Messi. Indeed, Goal.com's Ben Hayward revealed that a number of the team's rare defeats occurred when Puyol was out of action - including the Copa del Rey final against arch rivals Real Madrid.

MOMENT OF THE SEASON

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL: BARCELONA 3-1 MAN UTD

Overcame injury problems and entered as a late substitute to join the Catalan club's celebrations in reclaiming the European trophy

Nonetheless, missing from late January to early April, the Spain international demonstrated considerable extra effort to recover from injury as quickly as possible and help his side during a most critical phase, playing in the other three matches against Jose Mourinho's challengers, putting in typically accomplished captain's performances - two of them at left-back shutting down Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria - to virtually seal the title and bring his side to the Champions League final.

Puyol stepped up when Barca's stylistic football was not required, to grind out a 3-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid.

The three-time Champions League winner has a myriad of qualities any tactician would admire - he is strong, versatile, competitive, experienced, professional, defensively adept and perhaps most importantly - a leader.

Make no mistake, Puyol guarantees a certain comfort to Barcelona fans and his team-mates that few players can provide, and similarly there is no doubt that he had an important role to play in his 12th season with the team's senior squad, although he featured in a more limited capacity than usual.

"Puyol is strong, versatile, competitive, experienced, professional, defensively adept and, perhaps most importantly - a leader."

In a fitting end to his season, he warrior recovered to play the last few minutes of the comprehensive 3-1 win over Manchester United in the Champions League final at Wembley - Barca were kings of Europe again, and reassuringly their captain was on the field.

Two things are for certain: The first is that the supporters will be hoping Puyol, who underwent surgery after the end of last season, will regain his fitness and feature more substantially in 2011-12. The second is that Puyol has an undying desire to lead Barcelona and Spain to further silverware.

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