Pep Guardiola's ultimate XI named as Lionel Messi joins Man City star in line-up

To be picked at any point by Pep Guardiola is an incredible achievement, but what about those who have been picked most often?

The Catalan established himself as one of the true greats of football management both in the last decade and at the beginning of the previous one, and since 2009 he's managed to pick up no less than eight top-flight league titles in Spain, Germany and England.

But what about the players who helped him along the way?

Continuing our ultimate XI series, we take a look at Guardiola's most used players during his time in management, and come to see that consistency of selection has been one of the key element of his success.

Guardiola has enjoyed a stellar managerial career (Getty Images)

Here's his team.

Goalkeeper: Victor Valdes

Appearances under Guardiola: 200

Valdes was Pep's undisputed No.1 at Barca (Getty Images)

In what will be a recurring theme in this side, Valdes was a key part of the Barcelona team throughout Guardiola's four years at the club between 2008 and 2012, winning three league titles and the Champions League.

Right-back: Dani Alves

Appearances under Guardiola: 208

The Brazilian became one of the best right-backs in the game at Barca (AFP/Getty Images)

After signing for Barca in Guardiola's first season, the raiding Brazilian right-back would go on to be a huge part of the attacking output of the Catalan's team.

Centre-back: Gerard Pique

Appearances under Guardiola: 183

Pique was just 21 when he established himself in Guardiola's side (REUTERS)

Having returned to the club from Manchester United in the same summer Guardiola was installed as boss, Pique has become part of the furniture at the club and is still there today.

Centre-back: Carles Puyol

Appearances under Guardiola: 164

Puyol went from being Guardiola's teammate to his captain (Action Images)

An inspirational leader at the back for Guardiola, the shaggy-haired centre-back was a key figure at the heart of Barca's successes before his retirement in 2014.

Left-back: Eric Abidal

Appearances under Guardiola: 142

Abidal spent six years at Barca (AFP/Getty Images)

The Frenchman's six years at Barcelona included Guardiola's four, and he was a regular for his manager as the team became one of the very best to play the game.

Midfield: Sergio Busquets

Appearances under Guardiola: 191

Busquets has become a reliable figure for Barcelona (Getty Images)

Another who emerged from the youth ranks at Barcelona upon the appointment of Guardiola as boss, midfield general Busquets has gone on to be key the club's successes.

Midfield: Xavi

Appearances under Guardiola: 208

Xavi was seen as Guardiola's heir by many (EFE/PA Images)

Perhaps the key figure in the way Guardiola's tactics worked, Xavi would conduct the midfield at Barcelona and sought to start and play crucial roles in attacks.

Midfield: Seydou Keita

Appearances under Guardiola: 188

Keita played all of his four years at Barca under Guardiola (Getty Images)

The big surprise in the midfield, Keita was nonetheless a favourite of Guardiola's and makes it in due to his consistent selections over his four years at the club.

He makes it in over Andres Iniesta by seven games.

Attack: Pedro

Appearances under Guardiola: 167

Pedro is another who emerged through the ranks at Barca (AFP/Getty Images)

The fleet-footed forward was a valuable squad player for Guardiola, and one who contributed hugely to two Champions League successes.

Attack: Raheem Sterling

Appearances under Guardiola: 183

Sterling has been Guardiola's most selected player at City (X03805)

The only non-Barcelona name to make it in, Sterling has become Guardiola's key attacker during his four years at Manchester City, and he is hardly ever left out of the side.

Attack: Lionel Messi

Appearances under Guardiola: 219

Messi is Guardiola's most selected player - and surely his best (AFP/Getty Images)

It is fitting that Lionel Messi takes the No.1 spot as the player who has played the most amount of games under Guardiola, with the Argentinean maestro key to Barca's successes over a magical four years.

Subs: Neuer (152), Otamendi (154), Fernandinho (165), Iniesta (181), De Bruyne (168), Silva (163), Aguero (160).

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