Fabregas, Pique, Xavi and a Potential Independent Catalan XI

Catalonia has always produced fine footballing talents. From legends like Samitier and Zamora to the modern day greats Guardiola, Puyol and Xavi. The region continues to be the most fruitful breeding ground for Spanish nationals, and is home to the world's best team and youth academy in FC Barcelona.

The desire for self-determination and eventual independence is no secret in the north of Spain, but recently the cries for secession from Spain have been getting louder. The independence movement in recent months has culminated in Artur Mas, the president of the Catalan parliament, promising to call for a referendum on Catalonia's independence.

So what does this have to do with football?

It means we could be seeing a Catalan national team in FIFA and UEFA tournaments at some point in the future, possibly even the near future.

So how would a Catalan team look on paper? 

Manager: Johan Cruyff

He may not be a player, but Johan Cruyff is undoubtedly Catalonia's edge. The flying Dutchman was arguably as good as Maradona on the field, but off it he has left his mark on the game as well.

Cruyff enjoyed success with Ajax before managing Barcelona's famous 'Dream Team' of the early 90s. He is largely credited with bringing a new style to Barcelona, a precursor for today's 'tiki taka' football which has been so successful.

The Dutchman has been the manager of the Catalan team, which plays a handful of friendlies each year, since 2009. Speaking to Goal.com, he has stated that "this team have every chance of playing anywhere and winning any game".

If old man Johan calls it quits, there is always his protege Pep Guardiola waiting in the wings. Not a bad coach either... 

GK: Victor Valdes (30, Barcelona)

The first of many Barcelona players, Valdes only cracked the Spanish national team in 2010, and has played a career largely in the shadow of Iker Casillas. If there is any player who would enjoy a fresh start under the Catalan flag, its Victor Valdes.

Perennially criticised, normally unfairly, Valdes is a keeper underrated by many in football. 

He has seen a dip in form of late, but his career at Barcelona has been one of incredible success. With a record five Zamora trophies, he is rightly considered one of Barca's greatest ever keepers. 

Other Options: Kiko Casilla (Espanyol).

RB: Martin Montoya (21, Barcelona)

Barcelona's number 19 made the most recent Spanish selection, an indication of his impressive progress at club level.

Montoya has managed six starts for Barcelona this season, comfortably filling in for Dani Alves when needed, and particularly impressing in the lost Super Cup against Real Madrid. He has thus quickly become a valued member of Tito Vilanova's squad.

Montoya has proven he can balance contribution to attack and defence well. His speedy overlapping runs and excellent crossing are two notable features of his play.

Other Options: Bruno Saltor (Brighton & Hove)

CB: Gerard Pique (25, Barcelona)

Along with Sergio Ramos, Pique is the cornerstone of the Spanish defence for years to come. Similarly, in the case of Catalan independence, the elegant centre back would be a key player in Cruyff's team. Possibly even the captain thanks to his promising leadership skills.

At only 25, Pique has already won all there is at club and international level. An incredible feat. However, a dip in form in recent seasons has seen him oft criticised. Nonetheless, on his day he is undoubtedly one of the world's best.

Other Options: Jordi Amat (Rayo Vallecano), Raul Rodriguez (Espanyol). 

CB: Victor Ruiz (23, Valencia)

I know what you are thinking. Where on earth is Carles Puyol?! Let me explain.

At 34, Puyol's international career is virtually up. He spoke of possible retirement from international duty last year before being ruled out of Euro 2012 through injury. His injury problems are worrying and Catalan independence is not going to happen over night, so I have gone for a fresher face.

In the absence of Puyol the decision came down to three options: Victor Ruiz, young Marc Bartra of Barcelona and Jordi Amat of Rayo Vallecano.

Ruiz is the most experienced of the three and has been Valencia's most impressive defender this season, despite Los Che's inconsistent form. Down the line, however, the arguably more talented Bartra could prove a better companion to Gerard Pique.

Other Options: Marc Bartra (Barcelona), Andreu Fontas (Mallorca), Marc Muniesa (Barcelona). 

LB: Jordi Alba (23, Barcelona)

The 23-year-old former Valencia flyer was the revelation of Euro 2012 and has impressed since his move back to Barcelona this year.

What he sometimes lacks in defence, he makes up for in attack with extraordinary contributions to build-up play and penetrating runs in the final third.

He would, however, sincerely miss the company of Iniesta, with whom he links superbly.

Other Options: Didac Vila (Milan).

CDM: Sergio Busquets (24, Barcelona)

It is difficult to find a graceful image of the lanky El Pulpo ('The Octopus'), but graceful is what he is, at least when on the ball.

Possibly the most underrated player in world football in recent seasons, Busquets was finally recognised for his brilliance when he made the Ballon D'Or shortlist a month ago.

A newcomer to the game might easily miss what Busquets does for Barcelona and Spain, but last year he was quite simply Barca's second best and most consistent performer. He has his position on lock for years. It really is hard to believe he is only 24.

Other Options: Javi Marquez (Mallorca), Oriol Romeu (Chelsea)

CM: Xavi (32, Barcelona)

El Maestro may be getting older like his compatriot Puyol, but one gets the feeling Xavi could be of the same ilk as the likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes and play well into his late 30s.

Undoubtedly he will become a less mobile player in the coming years, but his football intelligence is on such a level that he will manage to remain an extremely effective player regardless of lost physical powers.

Xavi is the heartbeat of any team he plays for and perhaps the most important player in this Catalan side.

Other Options: Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)

CM: Joan Verdu (29, Espanyol)

Unsurprisingly Verdu is the only representative of what is probably the worst Espanyol side in years. Indeed, he has been just about the only good thing about Espanyol this season.

With four goals and two assists from midfield, Verdu has played a role in half of Espanyol's 12 goals for the season (via WhoScored.com). His performance in a stunning draw with Bilbao in Barcelona was perhaps his best.

The former La Masia graduate is a versatile midfielder with a good shot on goal. His dribbling and passing has looked particularly sharp this season.

Other Options: Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Victor Sanchez (Espanyol)

RW: Alvaro Vazquez (21, Getafe)

The forward-line for the Catalan national team is perhaps the most difficult area to fill, with most of Spain's star attackers hailing from other regions. There is, however, plenty of young talent in Catalonia and it becomes a real toss-up selecting a front three.

Gerard Deulofeu is probably the most talented of the Catalan forwards, but at just 18 years of age he still needs to continue to refine his games and hone his skills before making the big time.

Fellow Barca wingers Tello and Cuenca are better current options and Espanyol's Sergio Garcia has always played very well in Catalonia friendlies.

Alvaro Vazquez, however, has impressed over the past year for Espanyol, Getafe and national youth teams. He can play as a central striker or an inside forward.

Other Options: Isaac Cuenca (Barcelona), Gerard Deulofeu (Barcelona).

CF: Cesc Fabregas (25, Barcelona)

Cesc has impressed for Spain as a false-nine and under Johan Cruyff it would be no surprise to see him play there again for Catalonia.

From this position Fabregas can drop into midfield and also make his trademark late runs into the box. He has proven to be an excellent finisher as well.

Verdu would also be comfortable in this role and could easily interchange positions with Barcelona's number four.

Other Options: Sergio Garcia (Espanyol)

LW: Bojan Krkic (22, AC Milan)

At club level, Bojan continues to be known as a player who has not yet lived up to his hype, but he has played some of his best football in the Catalan strip.

The little ex-Barcelona forward is also enjoying something of a renaissance at the moment with Milan, showing glimpses of what once made him one of Europe's most promising youngsters.

Bojan thrives playing on the shoulders of the defensive line, making intelligent runs in behind, and benefits from clinical finishing.

What he has lacked at club level is the faith of his manager and consistent minutes. Indeed, when he did get a run of games under Rijkaard and Guardiola at Barcelona, he managed an impressive scoring record.

With Alba bombing down the wing and Fabregas dropping into midfield, Bojan is afforded space to move centrally.

Other Options: Cristian Tello (Barcelona)

Formation and Super Subs

Formation: 4-3-3

With Johan Cruyff as coach, and a roster so heavily packed with Barcelona players, it is only natural that 4-3-3 would be the adopted formation. The tactical setup allows the likes of Alba and Montoya to make their trademark overlapping runs, while ensuring a strong midfield.

Subs

Kiko Casilla, Marc Bartra, Didac Vila, Javi Marquez, Sergi Roberto, Cristian Tello, Isaac Cuenca.

There are a number of tough decisions I made in selecting my starting XI. What changes would you make? Do the likes of Tello and Cuenca deserve to start? 

Leave a comment below and follow me on Twitter @palabrasBarca.

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Please also check out my other recent article:

Gerard Deulofeu Ready to Soar for FC Barcelona