Former FC Barcelona star Yaya Toure has revealed that he considers Andrés Iniesta as his greatest teammate during his time at the club, placing the Spanish midfielder ahead of football legends Lionel Messi and Xavi. Toure, who played at Barcelona from 2007 to 2010, shared his thoughts during an interview, explaining why Iniesta, who recently retired, stood out for him.
While both Messi and Xavi are widely regarded as two of the best players in football history, Toure highlighted Iniesta’s unique qualities as the reason for his choice.
“Messi was the best, Iniesta was the best, Xavi was great, but I would say Iniesta,” Toure said, as quoted by GOAL. He emphasized that Iniesta possessed something special on the pitch, stating, “He had something different. Playing with him, wow! It was something else.”
Toure’s comments shed light on his admiration for Iniesta’s style of play, which combined technical brilliance, vision, and an uncanny ability to control the tempo of matches.
Despite sharing the field with Messi, a player often hailed as the greatest of all time, and Xavi, the maestro of Barcelona’s midfield, Toure’s praise for Iniesta suggests that he saw qualities in him that set him apart even among such elite company.
Iniesta, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, became a cornerstone of the club’s dominant period under Pep Guardiola, where Barcelona claimed multiple La Liga and Champions League titles.
Known for his silky dribbling, sharp passing, and calm demeanor, Iniesta’s ability to deliver in crucial moments—such as his extra-time goal in the 2010 World Cup final for Spain—further cemented his legendary status.
Toure’s admiration for Iniesta stems from the midfielder’s consistency and quiet brilliance. While Messi dazzled with his goalscoring prowess and Xavi orchestrated play from deep, Iniesta was often the link that made Barcelona’s midfield tick.
His combination of technical skill, intelligence, and humility made him a player who could change the course of a match without ever seeking the spotlight.
Toure, who also enjoyed a successful career in the Premier League with Manchester City after leaving Barcelona, is no stranger to playing alongside world-class talent.
His career at City saw him win multiple league titles and solidify his status as one of the best midfielders of his generation. Yet, despite all the talent he encountered, it is Iniesta who remains his standout teammate.
Toure’s selection of Iniesta over Messi and Xavi is a testament to the Spaniard’s often understated impact on the game.
While Messi’s brilliance is regularly lauded and Xavi’s contributions are well-documented, Iniesta’s unique qualities—his grace under pressure, ability to unlock defences, and unerring consistency—seem to have left a lasting impression on his former teammate.
As Toure reflects on his time at one of the most successful football clubs in history, his praise for Iniesta adds another layer to the Spaniard’s already glowing legacy.
For Toure, it wasn’t just about goals or assists, but the elegance and intelligence that Iniesta brought to every game.
