Things haven't been great for Gerard Pique lately, with his separation from long-term partner Shakira largely dominating the headlines.
As well, though, the Barcelona defender has had his place in the team at the Camp Nou questioned, with some suggesting that Jules Kounde's arrival from Sevilla could demote him to the bench.
But club legend Carles Puyol, and a former teammate of Pique's, has jumped to the defence of the current Blaugrana defender.
"I've been lucky enough to share the dressing room with so many players and Gerard is, without a doubt, one of the most competitive," Puyol said.
"Last year he was one of the best players at the club, and played a lot of games in a lot of discomfort, forcing himself though problems to help the team.
"If he's at 100 percent next year, there are very few defenders in the world who can match his level of performance.
"This team is getting stronger and this competition will improve everybody. It's a positive for the team."