The last El Clasico at Bernabeu is a good example of how we would manage without Xavi, although maybe in the future Thiago will be able to replace him.
And we managed to win without Iniesta at Bernabeu in 2009-10. Such examples are not a measure of the player's level of importance. As games are decided by plethora of factors, and isn't just specific to a team's composition.
1)Well, he's surely up there with Messi and is arguably even more influential.
If Iniesta improved his end-product, he'd surely be up there. But what he lacks in goals, he makes up for it with his superior decision making. While messi sometimes tends to overdo things under pressure, Iniesta is calm and delivers under all situations. And that makes him a better bet in the high-octane matches. Our chances of winning such matches double with Iniesta in the side.
But if i had to choose any 2 of our 3 magicians. I'd pick our #6 and #10. If Barca and Spain midfield is the best in the world, its thanks to the X-man. His ability to run and dictate a midfield with li'l to no support is totally unmatched in world football. A reason y he's overplayed the past few years. While we've managed without Iniesta for long spells, i can't fathom what would it be like if it was Xavi instead. He's at the base of the success we've so enjoyed the last decade. He'd be the first name on my team sheet.
My other choice being football's most creative forward and some more. His ability to create something out of nothing is unparalled. And while he can go missing when shrewdly marked, his presence alone lends time and space for his teammates as he's such an intimidating force for any opponent. Hence useful even when he underperforms.
xavi and iniesta because we could play Pedro-Villa-Sanchez up front. anything else would mean cesc in midfield
Not really.. Thiago in midfield.
