FCBARCELONA.CAT

22.09.2009 23:59

Márquez makes 150th league appearance

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Rafa Marquez reached his 150th league game with Barça on Tuesday evening in the Sardinero. He’s now in his seventh season at the Club and has scored eight goals in the domestic competition.

Rafa Márquez is easing his way back into the team after his latest injury. He came on for the final quarter of an hour against Atlético Madrid and stretched that to 35 minutes against Racing. At the same time he chalked up his 150th league appearance.

Marquez came on when the score line stood at 0-3 and paired up with Puyol in the centre of defence. He made a solid contribution, regaining possession six times and completing 36 passes out of 39.

A key player for Guardiola

Pep Guardiola revealed after the match that he had already made up his mind to give Marquez more time in order to regain match fitness. He defined the Mexican as “a very necessary player in such a busy season”.

A defender for Barça'

The “Kaiser of Michoacán” joined Barça in 2003 from Monaco, where he was considered one of the best players in his position in the French league. He quickly earned a place in central defence though injuries to Motta and Edmílson in the 2004/05 season prompted Frank Rijkaard to move him into midfield. He played more league games that season (34) and scored more goals (3) than in any other.

Márquez returned to his defensive role after that season though he continues to combine defensive solidity with an ability to bring the ball out from defence. Injury permitting, he has been a regular in the team, playing a total of 221 matches and scoring 12 goals.