The most iconic moment attributed to Andres Iniesta on the international scene remains his dramatic World Cup Final winner in 2010, however his role for Spain has always been far more altruistic.
Vicente del Bosque is keen to reassert La Roja’s position as the dominant European footballing power, and the role of Iniesta is essential to that. Despite the increasing prominence of a number of younger midfielders, Iniesta so often still remains the catalyst for Spain's midfield.
The hurt of Brazil 2014 led to a call for a new approach from Spain, and Iniesta's experience of working under progressively-minded trainers such as Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique has allowed him to be flexible to change.
Iniesta now forms part of the old guard, alongside Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique as a veteran of tournaments gone by. However, his big game experience and enduring quality make him a must pick for Del Bosque as he chases his fourth international honour.
The role of Iniesta has modified over time, and now he is likely to find himself playing somewhat deeper alongside Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, in order to exert his influence from further back.
This tactical adjustment is partly to maximise the impact of Atletico Madrid's Koke, but also to ensure that Spain are able to dominate central areas following the international retirement of Xabi Alonso and Xavi Hernandez.
Iniesta's role will be to work in tandem with Koke, and look to provide the trademark killer pass in behind to the likes of Alvaro Morata and Diego Costa, as defences will look to smother the space available to Spain.
As Europe, and opponents from the wider football world, have adopted new strategies to nullify Spain, Iniesta has been key in developing a new approach to winning games, without extensively compromising on the team’s ideals.
The explosion of Luis Suarez at Barcelona has helped Iniesta and his Spanish teammates to become accustomed to playing with a more single-minded frontman, and they are no longer averse to springing a direct attacking pass.
Iniesta will join up with Del Bosque's squad following a typically demanding season with Barcelona, but fatigue is unlikely to affect the man from Albacete.
With 107 caps, despite having only played in four games for La Roja during their successful Euro 2016 qualification, Iniesta is assured of his place in the squad and he will be vital as Spain plot their path back to the summit of international football.
