FIFA 14: 10 Players You Must Use Before FIFA 15

By Sam Heard /

3. Carles Puyol

Despite still having two years left to play on his contract, earlier this year Puyol announced that he would be retiring from football. A long career filled with many injuries and surgeries €“ most recently on his right knee €“ left the Barça legend feeling like he could no longer compete at the level required of him at the Camp Nou. In a moving farewell speech, Puyol reminisced €œI came here as a boy and I leave with a family€ (FCBarcelona.com). Puyol had spent a staggering 15-years at the club (10 as its captain) and his 593-appearences, leaving him second only to his long-time teammate Xavi in all-time appearance for the Catalans. This will be the last year we are able to use Puyol on FIFA and €“ though the 36-year-old€™s age has taken its toll on his physical stats €“ he is still a very solid centre-back. As long as you have a suitably rapid wing-back to compensate for the sluggish Puyol, he can be a great asset to the team. With his 82-sliding tackle, 85-standing tackle, 87-marking and 88-interceptions, he is still more than a match for even the most dangerous forwards.