Andersson's starts have not always been regular at domestic level but the Swedish captain is the crux of his side's defence.
The classy 30-year-old plays either at centre-half or in a sweeper role depending on team strategy.
His experience at the highest level of the World Cup, he reached the tournament's semi-finals at USA 94, will add further weight to his and Sweden's cause.
Currently based at the Nou Camp, he has played for a series of high-profile clubs.
He made his name in Malmo before switching, briefly, and unsuccessfully, to Blackburn Rovers.
From there he made the step to the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach and later Bayern Munich, where he sealed the league and European double.
Now at Barcelona, it has been a disappointing year for Andersson, having been out of action after an operation on his left knee.