Fansided

The best 30 players at the World Cup

By James Dudko

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the International friendly match match between Portugal and The Netherlands at Stade de Genève on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the International friendly match match between Portugal and The Netherlands at Stade de Genève on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
18 of 30
Next
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is tackled by Mamelodi Sundown midfielder Khama Billiat during their friendly match Mamelodi Sundowns vs Barcelona for the Mandela Centenary Trophy on May 16, 2018 at FNB Soccer Stadium in Johannesburg. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP) (Photo credit should read PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP/Getty Images)
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is tackled by Mamelodi Sundown midfielder Khama Billiat during their friendly match Mamelodi Sundowns vs Barcelona for the Mandela Centenary Trophy on May 16, 2018 at FNB Soccer Stadium in Johannesburg. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP) (Photo credit should read PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP/Getty Images) /

13. Andres Iniesta, midfielder, Spain

Even at 33, Andres Iniesta can still add class to any move going forward. The man who scored the winner for Spain in South Africa in 2010 is set to bow out at international level after calling time on his career at Barcelona.

You would be hard pressed to find a better player than Iniesta on a technical level. His passes between the lines are a joy to watch. His skill in the final third means Iniesta remains vital for Spain, despite La Roja‘s riches in attacking midfield areas.

It will be up to coach Julen Lopetegui to manage Iniesta’s fitness carefully. Fortunately, the presence of fellow schemers such as Isco, Marco Asensio and Koke means Spain won’t be as reliant on Iniesta as in recent years.

Extra motivation isn’t usually something Iniesta needs in order to perform at a high level. Yet the desire for a glorious swansong could see this decorated veteran sign off in style.

Home/World Cup