Ballon d'Or: Andres Iniesta Profile

Can the Catalan lift the trophy? He's in with a real chance...

23-Nov-2009 8:48:00 AM

More On :  Andrés Iniesta Luján
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 ANDRES INIESTA
Club: Barcelona
Country: Spain
Age: 25 (DOB May 11 1984)
Position: Midfielder
Previous Placings: None

This man from La Mancha is anything but plain when he has the ball at his feet, and a few seasons' worth of consistency has resulted in his best year to date.

Winning Euro 2008 with Spain was one thing, but managing an unprecedented silverware haul with Barcelona in 2009 in which he provided a wealth of assists.

Of course 2009 will be best remembered for Iniesta's audacious, match-winning strike against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a goal that showed any remaining doubters that the modest midfielder has a big enough heart to make it on the biggest of stages.

Attributes

  • A massive wealth of assists, and some key goals, as Barcelona won their treble
  • Excellent performances in the Super Cup
  • A key member of the Spanish side to wrap up World Cup qualification early
  • Has had a difficult start to the current season due to injury and poor form


They Say...

"Even if Messi is the favourite of the bookmakers, he did not show the consistency of Andre Iniesta. The man is the true leader of Barca, he is the engine of the team, the man who makes the team play better. Without him, Barcelona are not the same team. He is capable of scoring in big matches (like he did against Chelsea) and he showed tremendous leadership, something that is not the main characteristic of Messi. I would like Iniesta to lift the Ballon d'Or, as he is the perfect mix of beauty and efficiency." --Alexandre Walraevens of Goal.com France.

Prediction

Stranger things have happened. Messi is the man on everyone's lips, but Iniesta is one of two Barca midfielders to have captivated the world as well. There is every chance that he could pull off a shock win; as it stands, expect to see him firmly in the top three.


18. Andres Iniesta

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