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Top 10 Barcelona players of all time - #2

Sports Mole's countdown of Barcelona's top 10 players of all time continues with number two - Andres Iniesta.

Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta in action for Barcelona in December 2016© SilverHub

Appearances: 674
Goals: 57
Trophies: 9x La Liga, 6x Copa del Rey, 7x Supercopa de Espana, 4x Champions League, 3x Super Cup, 3x FIFA Club World Cup

It is almost impossible to separate Andres Iniesta and Xavi, with the two inextricably linked as the metronomes in Barcelona's midfield during the most successful spell in the club's history.

Pep Guardiola's comment to Xavi that he would retire him, but Iniesta would retire them both proved to be prophetic, and Barca are now tasked with the challenge of replacing a man who has become the most decorated Spanish footballer in history.

It took time for Iniesta's true genius to be suitably recognised, but there was no doubt when Barcelona's players and fans paid tribute to the great number eight after his final game on Sunday that they fully appreciate just how special a player he was for the club.

Only Xavi has made more appearances for Barcelona than Iniesta, who joined in 1996 and came through La Masia before turning out 674 times for the club across all competitions.

Nine La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and a host of other trophies have come along the way, in addition to countless great moments - the standout of which at club level is perhaps Iniesta's unforgettable last-gasp goal against Chelsea in the 2008-09 Champions League semi-finals.

Iniesta's demeanour and character has also shone through to help transcend club rivalries - as shown by the midfielder being afforded a standing ovation at almost every ground he has visited during his farewell season, although the admiration for him in Spain is no doubt heightened by his winner in the 2010 World Cup final too.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid38298187266195
2Barcelona38267579443585
3GironaGirona38256785463981
4Atletico MadridAtletico382441070432776
5Athletic Bilbao381911861372468
6Real Sociedad3816121051391260
7Real BetisBetis38141594845357
8Villarreal381411136565053
9Valencia381310154045-549
10AlavesAlaves381210163646-1046
11Osasuna38129174556-1145
12Getafe381013154254-1243
13Celta Vigo381011174657-1141
14Sevilla381011174854-641
15Mallorca38816143344-1140
16Las PalmasLas Palmas381010183347-1440
17Rayo Vallecano38814162948-1938
RCadizCadiz38615172655-2933
RAlmeria38312234375-3221
RGranada3849253879-4121


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