Ruud Krol - A revolutionary fullback of his times

Barcelona's desperation to get players from Ajax has not finished, and it might never. Ajax was as important as La Masia for Barca and among the many they roped in, Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens were hands down the best. But Barcelona weren't satisfied having acquired these two from Ajax in the 70s, they wanted someone else, someone who rejected Barca as many times as Marco Reus rejected big clubs, especially Munich. 

Ruud Krol was the most versatile defender in the Dutch team of the 70s, one of the greatest of all time as well. He loved playing at left-back, but could play in any of the midfield positions and also did a great job as a sweeper. Dogged, energetic, filthy strong - he got hold of some of the best wingers back in the day. Barca, as one would expect, were super impressed. 

The legend has it that even Ajax were convinced with the amount Barca were willing to shell, yet, Krol remained unperturbed. His love for the club remained intact and his payment increments throughout his career weren't as impressive as some of the other great defenders of the generation. He just wanted to play football. 

His versatile nature proved to be pivotal in Netherlands' legendary "Total Football" Tactics, which saw them reach the World Cup finals twice in 1974 and 1978. The Dutch were irrepressible, but just couldn't clear the final hurdle. But he did win the European Cup (Champions League) three times in a row with Ajax, the first-ever team to do so. 

Once Cruyff and Neeskens left Ajax, things got difficult in Europe for the side but they continued their domination Eridivisie. The great Barca team which never won a Champions League back in the 70s would've absolutely loved this man in the backline, but his love for home was never under sale. 

He did leave Ajax though, after 12 years with the club, winning every honour possible. He spent four years at Napoli and two more with Cannes. His managerial career wasn't as glittering, but he was one of a kind and was the defensive heart of Dutch's golden generation.