{"id":1263908,"date":"2023-06-04T13:25:53","date_gmt":"2023-06-04T12:25:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1263908"},"modified":"2023-06-04T13:26:38","modified_gmt":"2023-06-04T12:26:38","slug":"champions-league-iconic-trios","status":"publish","type":"cult-corner","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/cult-corner\/champions-league-iconic-trios\/","title":{"rendered":"The Champions League’s top 10 most iconic trios of the 21st century"},"content":{"rendered":"

Football has a fascination with trios, be it Manchester United\u2019s ‘Holy Trinity’ (Georg Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton), Brazil\u2019s three R\u2019s (Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Ronaldo) or Unai Emery\u2019s three-peat Europa League masters, Sevilla. The rule of three dominates the sport.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The same is true of Europe\u2019s flagship tournament, the Champions League. Individual stars have grabbed headlines (and Ballon d\u2019Ors) in the competition, but as Louis van Gaal would probably tell you, soloists can\u2019t win silverware by themselves. It takes a collective effort.<\/p>\n

Johan Cruyff prized individuality, but only when it could flourish within the system. Where would he be without Rob Rensenbrink and Johnny Rep? That same school of thought still applies in the 21st century, where we often idolise individuals and forget the men who facilitated their greatness.<\/p>\n

Here we recognise the achievements of this century\u2019s best footballing trios in the Champions League, paying homage to group endeavour, team chemistry and a collective cohesion, rather than those greedy, stat-padding soloists…<\/p>\n\n

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There was something very FIFA Street-esque about Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in full motion. They were almost ethereal as they danced on the pitch, light-footed and silky. Together the three South Americans formed one of Europe’s most devastating attacking tridents, metaphorically snapping ankles and pirouetting their way to greatness. It’s just a shame their relationship proved relatively short-lived.<\/p>\n

But, in their pomp they were a frightening prospect, playing as though fear were an alien concept. Between 2014 and 2017, Barcelona won back-to-back La Ligas, three successive Copa del Reys, and of course the 2015 Champions League, with that European win over Juventus confirming a treble for Luis Enrique’s men and consolidating their status as one of world football’s greatest ever trios.<\/p>\n

Of course, Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning frontline of 2008\/09 wasn’t too shabby either. Thierry Henry-Samuel Eto’o-Lionel Messi was as devastating as a proverbial bull in a china shop, but MSN<\/em> were simply on another wavelength. It felt as though every attacking transition had Puskas Award potential. A pure joy for the neutral until Neymar left. Cheers for that, PSG.<\/p>\n

Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and <\/strong>Xavi<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Top, middle or bottom? #UCL<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/CS9A5DJrhz<\/a><\/p>\n

— William Hill (@WilliamHill) February 15, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n