5 players from Barcelona who are/were better for their national teams

Neymar

As the saying goes, “You're Only As Good As Who You Surround Yourself With”. Well, it’s not always true. Some players, despite being surrounded by great players don’t ever get used to their teammates or club, and the supporters a tore left rue and read stories of ‘what might have been…’

Barcelona, as big as they are now, had players who despite their talent didn’t perform to their capabilities in the famous maroon stripes. The reasons are as varied as the terrain of the Himalayas, so hence, without further ado we look at five players who performed better for their country than their club Barcelona.

#5 Emmanuel Petit

Emmanuel Petit after winning the World Cup

Emanuel Petit in his three seasons at Arsenal earned cult status among the fans thanks to his escapades beside a certain Patrick Vieira in central midfield. In the summer of 2000, he went and won the UEFA Euro 2000 title with France.

Then came the ill-fated move to Barcelona, then managed by Lorenzo Serra Ferrer. In his autobiography, ‘A Fleur de Peau’ he spoke about how Ferrer never knew his best position. At Barcelona, the French midfielder was moved back into defence and had possibly the worst year in his career (during his prime). He left the Catalan giants after a year and joined Chelsea.

However, he continued his brilliant form for his country. He probably had the best year in the famous Les Blues shirt, with 14 appearances in the calendar year of 2000. The most he had in a single year, in his illustrious career which saw him make 63 appearances. Talk about square pegs in round holes.