Johan Cruyff, a LaLiga legend

Few footballers have succeeded in leaving a mark on FC Barcelona quite as Johan Cruyff has. The legendary 68-year-old Dutchman leaves behind a legacy as a peerless player who made an indelible impression on LaLiga. He joined the Azulgranas in the 1973-74 season and his signing would mark a turning point in the history of the Catalan club.

Cruyff's footballing ability made him one of the main exponents of the "Total Football" brand espoused by the Dutch national team. His signing would prove to be revolutionary for Barcelona, with Cruyff playing his part as the club brought an end to a 14-year wait by winning the league title in his first season. He became an icon amongst supporters and as one of the game's all-time greats he was at the heart of some of the greatest moments ever witnessed in LaLiga.

Johan Cruyff 1947-2016 (RIP)
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— Johan Cruyff (@JohanCruyff) March 24, 2016

In his playing days, he was awarded the Ballon d'Or three times and won nine Eredivisie titles, six Dutch Cups, one LaLiga title, a Copa del Rey, three European Cups, a European Super Cup and an Intercontinental Cup. He was also part of the Dutch squad which was beaten in the 1972 World Cup final.

His move into management served to revolutionise the game. As a student of the Dutch footballing school, Cruyff was an advocate of attacking football and was the creator of Barcelona's Dream Team. After having managed at Ajax, he took over at Barça in 1988 and stayed on at the Camp Nou until 1996. During his time he oversaw four LaLiga title wins, one Copa del Rey victory and three Super Cup triumphs and also led the Catalan giants to theirfirst European Cup, as well as winning a European Super Cup and the Cup Winners' Cup. 

Johan Cruyff's mark is still to be found even today at FC Barcelona, through the importance which is placed on the early stages of a player's development and in a playing style which totally transformed the way the game was approached. His legacy is one which shall forever remain in the collective memory of all football fans.