Andres Iniesta Reveals Premier League Star He Dreamed of Playing Alongside at Barcelona
Football legend Andres Iniesta, renowned for his illustrious career with Barcelona, has unveiled the Premier League icon he always wished to have as a teammate at Camp Nou. Despite sharing the field with some of the greatest players in history, including Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Carles Puyol, Iniesta confessed there was one particular Premier League star he admired deeply and yearned to play alongside.
Having graced the pitch for over 400 games for Barcelona during their golden era, Iniesta played a pivotal role in creating one of football’s most dominant teams. His partnership with Xavi in midfield became legendary, orchestrating countless victories and securing numerous titles. However, even amidst such stellar company, Iniesta’s appreciation for talent in other leagues, particularly the English Premier League, stood out.
N’Golo Kante: Iniesta’s Dream Premier League Teammate
The player who captured Iniesta’s admiration is none other than N’Golo Kante, the dynamic and tenacious midfielder celebrated for his Premier League exploits. Iniesta admitted, without hesitation, that Kante was the Premier League player he most desired to have played with during his time at Barcelona.
Speaking to RMC Sport in 2018 while playing for Vissel Kobe in Japan, Iniesta expressed his admiration for Kante:
- “He’s a player I’d like to have had in my team for many years.”
- “He’s not going to come to Japan, but he’s definitely a player I love because of the work he does on the field and the confidence he has in his game.”
- “His mastery makes him the centrepiece of Chelsea and the France national team.”
Iniesta highlighted Kante’s exceptional work rate, unwavering confidence, and masterful control of midfield as key reasons for his admiration. Even though he played his entire European club career outside of England, Iniesta clearly recognized Kante’s unique abilities and the valuable contribution he could have brought to the Barcelona midfield.
Kante’s career boasts an impressive list of achievements, demonstrating why a player like Iniesta would hold him in such high regard. His accomplishments include:
- Premier League Titles: Winning the Premier League with both Leicester City (2016) and Chelsea (2017), a remarkable feat showcasing his immediate impact at different clubs.
- Champions League: Securing the coveted Champions League trophy with Chelsea in 2021.
- Europa League: Triumphing in the Europa League with Chelsea in 2019.
- UEFA Super Cup & FIFA Club World Cup: Adding further international club honors to his collection with Chelsea.
- FIFA World Cup: Being a crucial part of the French national team that won the World Cup in 2018.
Kante’s relentless energy, ball-winning prowess, and intelligent distribution would have undoubtedly complemented Iniesta’s playmaking skills and Barcelona’s possession-based style. Imagine a midfield duo of Iniesta and Kante – a dream for any football enthusiast!
While injuries unfortunately hampered Kante’s later years at Chelsea, his legacy as a Premier League legend remains firmly intact. Now playing for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Kante continues to showcase his talent, but the thought of him and Iniesta sharing a Barcelona midfield will forever be an intriguing “what if” for football fans.
Do you think N’Golo Kante would have been a perfect fit for Barcelona alongside Andres Iniesta? Share your thoughts in the comments below!