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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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Barney Corkhill
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid17114237162137
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal157532725226
7Osasuna176742225-325
8Real Sociedad167361611524
9GironaGirona176472325-222
10Sevilla176471823-522
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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