Andres Iniesta: poetry in motion (Video)

Whilst Xavi takes a lot of praise for his passing ability for Spain, and Lionel Messi receives all the plaudits for his goalscoring talent at Barcelona, there is one player that makes both of these fantastic individuals look so good on a regular basis yet receives far less media attention. Andres Iniesta is the creative midfielder that makes both Barcelona and Spain tick and his presence is sorely missed when he is unavailable.

Extremely slight in figure, this shy and unassuming man has the movement and effortless skill that Zinedine Zidane once showed and is set to star at the highest level for many years to come.

In recent times he is beginning to receive the recognition that he rightly deserves. Football fans from outside of Spain now know what he is capable of, mainly due to Barcelona's outstanding form in the Champions League over the previous five seasons, and they appreciate just how talented he is. 

He has been at the club since the age of 12 and is one of the many famous graduates of La Masia academy. When rumours began that Real Madrid were interested in paying his buyout clause of 60m Euros in July 2007, Iniesta responded,

I’ve been told about that and I’m very surprised. I can’t do anything about it 
but I’d like to insist once again that I want to stay here. When I say I want to 
retire in Barça, I say it with all my heart. And my wishes are above everything 
else."

His loyalty to the club was rewarded just six months after these comments, when he extended his contract until 2014 and Barcelona have since raised his clause to 200m Euros.

Perfectly balanced and comfortable using both feet, he very rarely loses the ball, even when under extreme pressure. He has been taught and has mastered the art of getting his body between the ball and his opponent so that his size has never been a hindrance to his play. An exceptional range of passing and ability to create chances from nothing have resulted in standing ovations from away fans as well as Barcelona supporters. Commentators also regularly mention the almost telepathic relationship that he has with team mate Xavi and the fact that they always seem to know where the other one is on the pitch. There is no doubting that both of these players have benefited from the other's presence, much to the delight of their managers at both club and international level.


Still only 29-years-old, we should have many more years to enjoy the majestic brilliance of this humble and dedicated player and perhaps one of the most consistent performers in world football.

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