Having played for Barcelona for over 16 years and represented Spain 133 times, Xavi has had the pleasure of lacing up his boots alongside many of the world's finest.

The 34-year-old veteran has also faced the best of British talent in the Champions League, helping the Catalan giants win the famous trophy on three occasions over the last decade.

Luis Enrique's side are safely through to the knockout stages this season and, ahead of Monday's draw for the last 16, the midfield pass-master has picked his all-time UK XI to have played in Europe's elite club competition.

Barcelona midfielder Xavi, pictured in action against Espanyol, has picked his British Champions League XI

Xavi (second from left), pictured at the Stadio Olimpico in 2009, has won the Champions League three times

Former Spain international Xavi holds the Champions League trophy prior to the 2011 Super Cup against Porto

XAVI'S BRITISH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DREAM TEAM Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster Defenders: Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, John Terry Midfielders: Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Paul Gascoigne Forwards: Theo Walcott, Wayne Rooney Advertisement

Speaking to ShortList magazine, Xavi chose a 3-5-2 formation in order to accommodate five of the greatest midfielders to have been born in the British Isles.

The Spaniard began by picking his goalkeeper, surprisingly opting for Southampton No 1 Fraser Forster.

The England man, who joined Saints from Celtic last summer, put in some inspired displays against Barca during his time in Glasgow - after one match the Catalan press dubbed him the 'Yellow Wall' - all of which stuck in the memory of Xavi.

'Barcelona have met Celtic four times in recent seasons, and every time Forster put in an incredible performance,' he said. 'In the games we've played, he's made some of the best saves I have ever seen.'

Lining up in the veteran's defensive three are former England trio Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell and John Terry.

All three have faced Xavi and Barcelona in the Champions League, with Ferdinand part of Manchester United's back-four in final defeats by the La Liga side in 2009 and 2011. Chelsea skipper Terry enjoyed both success and failure against Lionel Messi and Co and Campbell scoring in Arsenal's 2-1 loss to Frank Rijkaard's men in 2006.

Goalkeeper Fraser Forster impressed Xavi with some fine performances for Celtic against Barcelona

Forster towers above Barcelona's Lionel Messi during a clash at Celtic Park in November 2012

Xavi has clashed with Chelsea skipper John Terry on a number of occasions in the Champions League

Sol Campbell (left) rises highest to score for Arsenal against Barcelona in the 2006 Champions League final

Rio Ferdinand helped Manchester United win the Champions League final against Chelsea in 2008

It's no surprise to see ex-United star Paul Scholes included in midfield, with Xavi having spoken of his admiration for the ginger-haired maestro on plenty of occasions.

'Technically the best English player since Matt Le Tissier, who I grew up watching,' said Xavi. 'Just unbelievably gifted. Every time I played against him or watched him on TV he made everything look so easy. I've never seen anyone make playing that well look so effortless.'

Former Rangers and Lazio playmaker Paul Gascoigne, ex-Chelsea stalwart Frank Lampard and Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs also make the cut in midfield, although Xavi reserved special praise for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

He said: 'John Barnes was one of the first midfield players I remember watching and appreciating his technical skill. Gerrard is just as good and, like Frank [Lampard], he has every attribute you need to be a Barcelona player.'

Xavi chases down Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes during a Champions League semi-final in 2008

Ryan Giggs (left) pursues Barcelona star Xavi during the Champions League final at Wembley in May 2011

Xavi (right) believes Frank Lampard had what it takes to play in Barcelona's midfield

Steven Gerrard, pictured celebrating against Basle, may have made his last Champions League appearance

Rangers' Paul Gascoigne (centre) runs with the ball during a Champions League tie with Borussia Dortmund

The former Spain star, who retired from international duty after last summer's World Cup, chose two forwards from Roy Hodgson's current England set-up to lead the line for his all-time XI.

Arsenal favourite Theo Walcott, although used more as a wide player, was picked after helping the Gunners fight back for a 2-2 draw against Barca at the Emirates in 2010.

And Xavi opted for United striker Wayne Rooney to partner him, insisting that the 29-year-old would easily fit into Barcelona's tiki-taka style.

'Wayne was very complimentary about the way Barcelona play,' he said.

'He would have fitted into our style of play no problem, but Manchester United would never have wanted to let one of the best players in the world leave. He's still the player who makes things happen for them.'

A young Theo Walcott celebrates scoring in a 2-2 draw against Barcelona at the Emirates in March 2010