Andres Iniesta is a Spanish footballer. He played most of the game at Barcelona where he also served as captain for few seasons. Iniesta is considered to be one of the best midfielders of all times and one of the best players of his generation.
Accomplishments:
Iniesta was a vital player in Barcelona’s team as he helped the team in winnig two trebles in 2009 and 2015. Iniesta came through the Barcelona’s youth academy. He was a born talent. His career at Barcelona includes many accolades. He won many titles with Barcelona including nine La Liga’s and four UEFA Chamions League titles and many other small club titles. He played 22 years at Barcelona until he retired and joined a Japanese club in 2018. During his time at Barcelona, he was in the starting XI of the team. With Xavi Hernandez, Lionel Messi and David Villa, they 4 formed the most deadliest front in the game at their time. And at that time they won treble in 2009.
Xavi Hernandez and David Villa were also Iniesta’s national teammates. This trio was so deadly and offensive that they helped Spain win the UEFA Euro 2008. Iniesta was part of the Team of the Tournament. Iniesta also helped his national team in winnig the final of FIFA World Cup 2010 against Neitherland, in which he scored the winning goal in the extra time. He was named Man of the Match. Later in 2012 UEFA Euro Cup, he led the team as captain and won Euro cup too. He was named Man of the Match in final game against Italy and also Player of the Tournament. 
Iniesta has been named in the FIFA FIFPRro World XI nine times and was chosen in the UEFA Team of the Year on six occasions. He was also named in the All-time UEFA Euro XI. He won the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award in 2012. Iniesta was ruuner up for the 2010 FIFA Baloon d’OR and stood 3rd in 2012.
Tactical Analysis:
Let’s talk about the tactical gameplay of the Spanish legend, he is considered one of the top players because of his impact on and off the pitch, with and without the ball.
Off the ball movement: Iniesta is one of those few palyers who can create a big impact without even touching the ball. He created open space for his teammates to make a run for the goal and created all sorts of issues for opposition full back.
SCANNING SPACE: He played with the presence of mind and always scanned the pitch and continuously looked for the gaps between the opposition defensive line. Thus looking for an opening to attack the opposition goal. He scanned his surroundings and know the positins of the opponents and estimated the time he’ll have on the ball.
Creating passing lanes: One of the strongest qualities of Iniesta is the ability to create passing lanes in tight spaces and making himself available for the pass.
Ball Retention: Iniesta is one of the best when it comes to retaining the ball and resisting the press. He had a magnetic control over the ball and could dribble pass 3,4 players at a time.
Weaknesses:
Iniesta’s physical attributes are not remarkable, although what he lacks in pace, strength and height, he makes up for in intelligence and guile.
Soccer Stars 