Andres Iniesta: Big Interview Icon

Welcome to our Big Interview Icons series where we shine a light on a legend whose name has lit up some of the conversations I’ve had with my guests over the years. This episode focuses on Andres Iniesta.

Gordon Strachan waxes lyrical about watching Iniesta and says that he would never have believed that the standard of football the great Barcelona side he played in was possible.

David Moyes reflects on a clash between Real Sociedad and that Barca side. David’s team won, but boy, could they not get near Andres.

Someone else who knew how hard it was to dispossess Iniesta is former Swansea, Brighton and Blackpool winger Andrea Orlandi, who played alongside and against him while at Barcelona B. Andrea envied Andres his speed – he was quicker than people realise, with incredible acceleration; and he never gave the ball away.

Finally, we hear how Alex McLeish nearly signed a young Iniesta on loan when manager of Rangers. The bid caused a real fuss at Barcelona, forcing their hand about whether to loan out or start playing the blossoming midfield genius. Sadly for Rangers fans, Barca chose the latter.

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