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Revision as of 18:55, 18 June 2006
| File:Iniesta58031.jpeg | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Andrés Iniesta Luján | ||
| Height | 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
| Current team | FC Barcelona | ||
| Number | 24 | ||
| ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 4 Jun 2006 | |||
Andrés Iniesta Luján (born 11 May 1984 in Fuentealbilla, Albacete) is a Spanish attacking midfielder currently playing for FC Barcelona. He is generally deployed by Frank Rijkaard in a central midfield role.
Club history
At the age of 12, Iniesta was spotted by Barça scouts at his local club Albacete Balompié. He was switftly signed and worked his way up the club ranks. Louis van Gaal handed him his debut on 29 October 2002, a UEFA Champions League game against Club Brugge KV. Appeared eleven times in the league in 2003/04, mostly as a deputy for Camp Nou favourite Ronaldinho, as Barça sealed second place, scoring once.
In the 2004/05 season Iniesta successfully secured a permanent slot in the first team and figured in 35 of 38 league games - more than any other player. He displayed an unselfish attitude by regularly aiding strikers Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho but was unfortunate in front of goal - denied by the woodwork on several occasions, he found the net just twice.
Iniesta's improvement as a player continued in the 2005-06 and because of the absence of Xavi due to injury, he was given regular starts in midfield. The increased playing time afforded to him at the highest level has seen Iniesta blossom into a superb midfielder and his contribution to the team was praised by Coach Frank Rijkaard. His callup to the Spanish squad for the World Cup has come as no surprise to football pundits.
National team
Iniesta burst on to the international scene in 2001, helping Spain win the UEFA European Under-16 Championship, and was in the squad that claimed the UEFA European Under-19 Championship the following year. In 2003 he formed part of the Spanish side that reached the FIFA World Youth Championship final in the United Arab Emirates, and was named in the FIFA All-Star Team.
He has captained the Spanish U21 side on several occasions.
He was called up to represent Spanish national football team at the World Cup 2006 on May 15 2006. Iniesta won his first cap for Spain when was brought on at half-time in a friendly against Russia on the 27th of May, 2006.
Skills and Playing style
Iniesta is a versatile player who can play in a variety of midfield roles. He is usally used in a central midfield role - sometimes as a creative midfielder and sometimes as a holding midfielder. He has also played on the right hand side of midfield on occasion.
He has good skill on the ball, great passing and movement all rounded off with a sound footballing brain. His superb passing has unhinged many resolute defences - he played a big part the first Barca goal against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final of 2006. He also has the ability to win the ball, and is an extremely tidy player who works hard for the team.
Trophies
FC Barcelona
- 2005-06 Champions League
- 2005-06 League
- 2005-06 Spanish Supercup
- 2004-05 League
Spain
- UEFA Under-16 Championship winner
- UEFA Under-19 Championship winner
- Finalist with the Spanish team to the FIFA World Youth Championship
External links
| Spain squad – 2006 FIFA World Cup | ||
|---|---|---|
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| FC Barcelona – current squad | |
|---|---|