Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta insists that he has not lost his pace due to his age, rather his experiences have made him an even better player than he was.
Iniesta has been one of the most important players in Barcelona’s line-up since he became a first team regular in the 2004/05 season. He was a midfield lynchpin along with Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets during the 2008 until 2012 period under then manager Pep Guardiola, the club’s most successful period in their history.
The 2010 World Cup winner has seen less first team action than usual because of a loss of form and a calf injury earlier in the season.
In an interview with the FIFA website, on being asked whether, due to turn 31 in May, he has lost his pace as a result, the midfielder brushed off the suggestion.
“No way! You have to run more.”
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He added that the game has become a lot more demanding and there are no easy competitions whether it is the domestic league or the Champions League.
“Football is so competitive and demanding these days, both in terms of the games you play and the opponents you face, whether domestically or in the Champions League.”
On the other hand, the midfield maestro believes that the passing years make a player richer for their experiences and they add a lot more to their game as a result of having had more games under their belt.
“The only advantage that the passing years give you is the experience to deal with certain scenarios and read the game.”
Sounding ominous for his opponents, Iniesta added that he is looking to take his game a few notches upwards and is looking to get even better in future.
“I think I now have what it takes to continue on the same upward trajectory that I’ve been able to follow so far.”
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