Andres Iniesta is a Spanish midfielder who plays for J1 League club, Vissel Kobe. Let’s now have a look at some of the famous rivalries of Andres Iniesta.
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Considered as one of the greatest and best midfielders of all time, Andres Iniesta is a Spanish midfielder who plays for J1 League club, Vissel Kobe. The name Iniesta is and has been synonymous with Barcelona for years. Graduating from the La Masia, the Barcelona youth academy, Iniesta managed to become a mainstay at the Catalan club and become of the most integral part of the most successful period in Barcelona’s history. His 16-year-old journey with the Blaugrana has cemented his name as one of the greatest European players ever. Along with fellow midfield partner, Xavi Hernandez and one of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi he formed one of the most potent trios of all time playing a key part in Barcelona’s history.
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Just like his club career, the international arena has also proved very illustrious for Iniesta. Once a FIFA World Cup winner and twice a European Championship winner, the Spaniard was named as the Player of the Tournament in the 2012 edition of the Euros. He even scored the solo goal in the final of 2010 World Cup which won Spain its first and only World Cup till date. He has been a part of four Champions League winning squads and also won the 2012 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award. Iniesta was even the runner-up to Lionel Messi for the Ballon D’Or in 2010. Let’s now have a look at some of the famous rivalries of Andres Iniesta.
Two legends of Barcelona and football, Xavi and Iniesta have been two footballers who have maintained a great chemistry and understanding with each other. But greatness doesn’t come without comparisons and that has been the case with these two great Spaniards. Even though their glory days are now over, debates as to who is better between these two still circulate around. Arguably, the two of the greatest midfielders of all time, Xavi and Iniesta possessed different yet magical qualities which is why they complemented each other so well. While Xavi was undoubtedly the master of controlling the game from midfield and being the orchestrator, Iniesta came on top when it came to performing in big games. It can be concluded that both have blessed the game wonderfully well with their own talent and it’s really difficult to judge one as better than the other.
While Zidane was without a doubt the best midfielder in the world at the turn of the century, Iniesta’s emergence on the world scene in the early 2000s led to many wondering if football had found its heir to the great Frenchman. While both players have always maintained great respect for each other, it hasn’t led the fans and pundits debating as to who has a greater impact across their respective careers. Based on footballing abilities, the comparison is really close with both posing extraordinary skillsets. However, Zidane ranks higher based purely on his influential performances and the individual honours he has achieved.
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Two very calm and composed figures on the pitch, Iniesta and Pirlo have influenced football brilliantly. Italy has hardly seen more consistent midfielders than Pirlo who almost for two decades spread his magic on the football pitch. Iniesta has lived a more decorated and celebrated career than his Italian counterpart both for club and country. He is also slightly ahead when it comes to controlling the game from the midfield. When Spain and Italy went against each other in the finals of the Euros 2012, much of the focus was on these two and the midfield battle between them. Iniesta’s Spain thrashed Italy 4-0 and went on to claim the Championship.
