Why Andres Iniesta was once compared to Soviet ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev

Shortly after Andres Iniesta became the fundamental player under Pep Guardiola, Spanish outlet El Pais defined the midfielder with one word: 'Nureyev'.

The comparison was not at all an exaggeration. Rudolf Nureyev is one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time, who left an unbelievable legacy and inspired lots of artists worldwide.

Same with Iniesta: the Spaniard is not only a Barcelona legend but one of the best players in the history of the game, who revolutionised the role of a midfielder.

"Iniesta is easily Spain's most complete player. He has everything," Xavi said about him (h/t Guardian), and he was dead right.

"Everything, every­thing he does makes his team-mates better players," echoed Pep Guardiola back in 2009.

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