The second youth of Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta
The midfielder is enjoying regular football under Valverde
He scored his first league goal in nearly two years on Saturday
Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta's contract for life has coincided with an excellent spell of form. The midfielder, who had a difficult season with injuries last time out, is experiencing a second youth under Ernesto Valverde, for who he has become a vital player.
On Saturday, against Malaga, Iniesta's work obtained a prize. For the first time in nearly two years, since Nov. 21 2005 at the Santiago Bernabeu (0-4), he scored in La Liga. More than just an anecdote, the goal is a reflection of his good form. You only had to see his face at the end of the game to understand how he's feeling.
With Valverde in charge, he's been a regular in La Liga and the Champions League, only missing the first game of the season against Real Betis due to a muscle problem. His fitness is one of the keys to his performances. At 33, he knows his body better and how to take care of himself -- and manage his minutes, if necessary. That's why, after three seasons of problems, he's managed the times he's got injuries this season well, such as against Las Palmas just before the international break.
Against Malaga, the captain was on the pitch for the whole game, shwoing that he feels comfortable and is a key part of Valverde's team, to the point that much more is being demanded of him on a regular basis than under Luis Enrique last season.
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