Former Barça player Andrés Iniesta, who recently retired from professional soccer, has revealed in an interview what players he would choose for his dream team if he were to become a manager. During his illustrious career, which included more than two decades with Barça and the Spanish national team, Iniesta developed a keen ability to read the game and spot talent. So when he was asked which current Barça players he would sign, his answer surprised many: Pedri, Ter Stegen and a third totally unexpected name were the ones selected.
Pedri, the Jewel of Barça
Pedri is a logical choice for Andrés Iniesta's ideal squad. Frequently compared to Iniesta himself, Pedri has shown maturity and a vision that is reminiscent of the legendary midfielder from La Mancha. Since joining Barça's first team, Pedri has established himself as one of the pillars of the midfield, both at club level and with the Spanish national team.
Andrés Iniesta has a special affection for Pedri, as he sees in him a reflection of his own style of play. In addition, the young Canary Islander has known how to handle the pressure of being the successor of legends such as Iniesta and Xavi, something that hasn't gone unnoticed in the world of soccer.
Ter Stegen: a Guardian between Posts
Another pillar of Andrés Iniesta's ideal team is Marc-André ter Stegen, Barça's starting goalkeeper since 2014. Ter Stegen has played a key role in the club's recent successes, standing out for his ability to stop impossible balls and, above all, for his footwork. In modern soccer, having a goalkeeper who can handle the ball like an outfield player is crucial, and Ter Stegen fits that description perfectly.
For Andrés Iniesta, having a goalkeeper of Ter Stegen's quality is vital in any dressing room that aspires to compete at the highest level. The security that the German brings between the posts is something that few teams in Europe can match.
The Case of Ansu Fati
However, the third player chosen by Andrés Iniesta, Ansu Fati, has generated controversy in recent times. Although the young forward was one of Barça's most promising players, his performance has been affected by a series of injuries that have slowed down his progress. Despite this, Iniesta remains confident in his talent and potential, and considers him a key piece for the future of the club.
In contrast, Barça president Joan Laporta doesn't seem to share the same enthusiasm for Ansu Fati. During the transfer window, there was speculation that the club might be willing to listen to some offers for the striker, which surprised many.