Great Player: Luis Enrique, versatily player and spanish leader

Luis Enrique was a born leader, and highly committed, for which reason he was one of the èquipo captains. His finest quality was his versatility, the characteristic that best describes his way of playing, although there were so many more. He normally played as a linkman with the out and out striker, although he would also play in wider positions, or even as centre forward. Luis Enrique came to FC Barcelona in the summer of 1996 as a free agent after having played at Real Madrid for five seasons.

Luis Enrique was born in Gijón, Asturias. After starting his career with local Sporting de Gijón, he spent most of it with the two biggest Spanish clubs: first Real Madrid for five seasons and, in a stunning move, he saw out his contract and moved to fierce rivals FC Barcelona on a free transfer. The Catalan club's supporters were at first understandably hesitant about their new acquisition, but he soon won the culés heart, staying eight years with the club, eventually becoming first-team captain, and scoring several times in El Clásico against his former employers. His usual position was right or attacking midfielder, but he was notable for his versatility, having played in all positions throughout his career except central defender and goalkeeper.

He was a skilled and tireless worker, and a great goalscorer too, especially when coming from behind, where he was never was one to throw in the towel, even in the most difficult of situations. He would constantly encourage his colleagues, and was an important squad member both on and off the pitch. The character and flair of this Asturian set an example for the fans to admire. He stayed at Barça until he finally hung up his boots in 2004. In his first three seasons with Barcelona, Enrique netted 46 La Liga goals, with Barça finishing runner-up in 1996–97, subsequently winning back-to-back domestic championship accolades.

Numbers of Luis Enrique into Barca: - Seasons at the club: 1996-2004 - Games played: 354 - Goals scored: 123. - Trophies: 1 Cup Winners Cup (1996/97), 1 European Super Cup (1997), 2 Leagues (1997/98 and 98/99), 2 Copa del Rey (1996/97 and 97/98), 1 Spanish Super Cup (1996),  2 Copa Catalunya (99-2000, 2003-2004).

credits to: http://arxiu.fcbarcelona.cat