Former Barcelona midfielder Michael Laudrup describes Andres Iniesta as ‘spectacular,’ the trident as ‘extraordinary’ and Sergio Busquets as crucial.
Laudrup, who played more than 150 games for Barca between 1989 and 1994, lauded the current team for their success, particularly in beating another of his former clubs, Real Madrid.
“Iniesta was very good, now he’s spectacular. He’s matured, he’s more complete. He’s turned into the total midfielder,” Laudrup is quoted as saying by Mundo Deportivo.
“He’s significantly improved his contribution to team play, not only with the ball at his feet as before but for all the work in pressing and stealing the ball.
“In that respect, his game at Santiago Bernabeu was simply extraordinary. It should be noted that in a team without Xavi Hernandez, Iniesta had to take on new responsibilities.
“How Barca currently play is well suited to Andres’ characteristics. He adds the directness Luis Enrique wants in transitions and can also provide the pause when necessary.”
Iniesta wasn’t the only midfielder lauded by Laudrup, though, with the former Denmark international also highlighting Busquets.
“He’s the philosopher’s stone of Barca, the man who gives balance to a spectacular midfielder,” Laudrup proclaimed.
“Busi has the peculiarity where he is always where the team needs him to be, where his teammate is missing, to get the ball under control, to relieve the pressure.
“And now Enrique has placed him more in the centre, he has room for more long passes forward.”
The three Barca forwards, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, also received warm words from the 1992 European Cup winner.
“They are unparalleled, simply extraordinary. But at the Bernabeu the midfield was the decisive area,” Laudrup noted.
“They overwhelmed Madrid for strength and quality. And on top of that, they outnumbered them. Rafa Benitez’s side was broken apart.”
