FCBARCELONA.CAT

10.08.2007 10:54

Iniesta impressed by Touré

David Saura

Andrés Iniesta, who has started every pre-season game so far, is more than satisfied with what he has seen of Touré Yaya, a player who brings balance to the side’s midfield.

In an interview with Barça TV, he has said he has a great understanding with Touré Yaya, saying that he “is very good physically, and positions himself well. He helps at the back and also joins in up front. His ball control is especially good, and that’s important in a position like his.” Iniesta’s comments echo remarks made by Xavi a few days ago.

Security in the middle

There can be no doubting that the Ivorian has been one of the biggest success stories of the season so far, and Iniesta particularly welcomes him, because he is the kind of player who eases the workload for the players in the middle of the park, saying “we can play a freer and more confident role.”

Higher ground

With Deco away while his fourth child is born, Xavi, Touré and Iniesta have been able to consolidate their roles in midfield. Touré, at 191 centimetres, is just the kind of player to counter the criticism that last season’s midfield was too short. In fact, he is the tallest player in the whole squad, although that does not impede him from having tremendous ball control.

Good signings

Iniesta is convinced that the other signings (Milito, Henry and Abidal) were good ones too: “They bring quality. They have done well in their previous teams and are all internationals. They have won the lot between them and I hope they can help us to win things too.”