• Euro 2012

Silva: Iniesta's better than Ronaldo & Messi

ESPN staff
June 27, 2012
Andres Iniesta's skills have made him one of the world's finest talents © PA Photos
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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are duelling for the title of world's best player, but David Silva feels they are both in the shadow of his Spain team-mate Andres Iniesta.

The pace and power of Ronaldo and skill and grace of Messi have made them the talk of global football. It is likely that they will be vying for the World Footballer of the Year award at the end of the year, with Ronaldo having almost single handedly guided Portugal to the semi-finals of Euro 2012, but Silva is convinced they have a rival.

Iniesta is a key figure for Barcelona and it is a similar story for Spain, as he has been handed an advanced role for his country. Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is spoilt for choice in the midfield department, but Silva feels Iniesta is head and shoulders above the rest of the pack.

"The press often ask me about Messi and Ronaldo and who is the best but one thing for me is very clear," Silva said. "For me, the No. 1 is Andres Iniesta, because he is my team-mate for Spain and I can see that he is able to do even more difficult things on the pitch.

"Andres is magic with the ball and a great person, a big player for the team.

"I don't know privately Ronaldo or Messi but Andres is such a big player and character. So important."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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