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#4 Andres Iniesta
The diminutive Spaniard has been dazzling the footballing world since 2005. A true gem in midfield, Andres Iniesta almost had a telepathic understanding of his Barcelona teammates’ positions.
Iniesta relies on exceptional creative passing, intuition and inventiveness to control the midfield. He won 35 trophies in his stellar career at Barcelona, making him the most decorated Spanish player of all time.
The Barcelona legend has also won numerous individual accolades in his career. Iniesta won the UEFA Best Player in Europe award in 2012 and was also chosen as the Best Player of the 2011-12 Champions League. He was runner-up to Lionel Messi for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d’Or and secured third place in 2012.
The Spaniard is one of three Barcelona players to receive a standing ovation at the Bernabeu showing how appreciated his unique qualities are. A wonderful dribbler and an excellent passer, Iniesta is one of the best midfielders to have ever played the beautiful game.
After leaving Barca in 2018, Iniesta joined Japanese side Vissel Kobe and still plays for them.
#3 Luis Suarez
One of the best players to have ever played, Luis Suarez was an elegant player who dictated and controlled proceedings as a central midfielder for Barcelona. The legendary midfielder was the first Spanish player to win the Ballon d’Or and was widely considered to be the best from Spaim in the 1960s.
Nicknamed El Arquitecto (The Architect) he was noted for his perceptive passing and explosive shot. He also had a keen eye for goals and was an integral part of Spain's triumphant Euro1964 winning squad.
A versatile player, Suarez excelled in his role as a deep-lying playmaker, scoring and assisting numerous important goals for Barcelona. Suarez won Two La Ligas, two Copa Del Reys and two Fair Cups in his six-year spell at Barcelona.
In 1961, he made a move to Inter Milan, which made him the world’s most expensive footballer at that time. A true Spanish legend, Suarez was one of the first global superstars from Spain.
#2 Xavi
Considered by many to be the greatest Spanish player ever, Xavi Hernandez is truly one of the best midfielders to ever play the game.
Having won all the major trophies club and international competition has to offer, Xavi has carved a unique place for himself in the pantheon of footballing greats. The Spaniard’s vision, pinpoint accurate passing and world-class ball control allowed him to dictate the flow of play while rarely losing possession.
His ability to control some matches has earned him the sobriquet, "The Puppet Master". The Barcelona legend was also known for his amazing positioning and ability to pick the right pass every time, which made him integral to both Barcelona and the Spanish national side.
Pulling the strings in midfield, Xavi was the lynchpin in Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Barcelona team and Spain’s World Cup and two-time Euro winning squad. Having made more than 180 assists in his stellar career, Xavi is one of football’s all-time greats.
He is currently back at Barcelona as the head coach.
#1 Lothar Matthaus
The first and only German player to ever win the FIFA World Player of the Year, Lothar Matthaus is the greatest midfielder to ever grace the game. Supremely successful for both club and country, Matthaus was capable of playing both as a central midfielder and as a sweeper.
The legendary German has played in five FIFA World Cups and holds the record for the most matches played by a single player in the competition. Matthaus’ impact on the game and the respect he had from his rivals was best epitomised by Diego Maradona’s comments:
"He is the best rival I've ever had. I guess that's enough to define him."
Capable of creating chances and breaking up play, Matthaus' perceptive passing, positioning and powerful shooting made him one of the most complete midfielders in the history of the game.
