The Spanish international team has dominated world football over the last decade. The team maintains high ball possession, following classic Tiki-Taka, guiding the ball and exploiting open spaces on the field. The midfield duo, Xavi Hernandez and Andreas Iniesta, have played a crucial role for the Spanish international side, as well as FC Barcelona, providing a solid midfield for the teams over the years. Xavi Hernandez, considered to be the most successful midfielders of all time, has played as a supplier. On the other hand, Andreas Iniesta, playing a slightly attacking role, is an excellent holder and dribbler.
Xavi is one of the finest outputs of Barcelona’s youth club. Having played his first club match in 1998, he has been in the first team since then, shattering records thereafter. He was awarded the IFFHS World’s best playmaker during 2008,2009,2010,2011 and La Liga’s Midfielder of the year during 2009, 2010 and 2011. His vision and ability to control and pass pinpoint accuracy is unmatched.
Like fellow La Masia graduate, Iniesta started his career as a defensive midfielder. With his ability to cruise the ball through the hearts of defenses and his world class finishing, he started playing as a complete attacking midfielder. Proving to be the most influential player for his teams, he has been entitled as the best attacking midfielder in La Liga for the years 2009,2011,2012,2013 and 2014.
Xavi managed 3rd place during 2010 and 2011 for the Ballon d’Or, whereas Iniesta managed 2nd place in 2010, 4th in 2011 and 3rd in 2012. In spite of sheer class, none of them could manage to win the Ballon d’Or. They played an important role as Spain stood world cup winners during 2010 with Iniesta’s goal in the breathtaking finals against Netherlands. They were also European champions during 2008 and 2012.
Xavi has managed highest number of touches per game, for that matter of fact, even the highest number of successful passes for a few seasons. It’s always hard to see legends lower their game standards. A young generation always takes over, yet, this duo has created history. The Spanish side develops promising players due to their youth academies. Isco and Koke are often compared to the maestro and the magician. With new set of players, there is always a scope of improvement; yet, can anyone orchestrate the team as they have? For that we’ll have to wait and watch.
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