The nucleus of the Spanish team is made up of Barcelona players – and one player in particular could be the telling difference if Vicente Del Bosque’s side is to justify their favourites tag for the World Cup.

To realise how important Andres Iniesta is, you just need to look at how his recent absence through injury had a damaging affect on the Catalans, as they struggled to break down Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final.

 

Without Iniesta’s guile even Lionel Messi was largely ineffective against the Italians over two legs, but fortunately for the national team he’s expected to be fit for the finals.

A product of the Barca academy, Iniesta has the ability to glide past players and create an opening in a split second, while his close control, poise, vision and awareness is something to behold.

The 26-year-old was instrumental for Barcelona in their treble win last season, and if Spain live up to expectations in South Africa this summer, the dynamic midfielder will more than likely be at the heart of it.