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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
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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