Iniesta hails Barcelona squad
December 09, 2011 16:01:24 UK
Andres Iniesta believes the current crop of Barcelona players are the best he has played with, continuing the mind games ahead of Saturday's game with Real Madrid.
Andres Iniesta has been at the Nou Camp since 1996.The current Spanish and European champions head to the Bernabeu this weekend for the first Clasico of the season.
In recent years the results of theses games have proven to be vital in deciding where the Primera title has gone.
This year's clash will be just as important, with Real three points ahead and with a game in hand on their biggest rivals.
Barcelona have struggled to keep pace with Jose Mourinho's men this year but have lost just one of the last 11 meetings and will travel to the Spanish capital full of confidence.
Pep Guardiola has never tasted defeat at the Bernabeu since taking charge in 2008 but that record is under serious threat given Real's form this season.
Real are priced at 2.60 to win the game, with Barcelona 2.75 and the draw 3.30.
Despite a number of slips this season Iniesta has insisted the current Barca squad are the best he has worked with.
"I believe this is the best Barça team I've ever played in," Iniesta told FIFA.com. "That's down to the way our play evolves, with the teams getting stronger every year.
"The challenge facing us is to improve day after day, year after year, something we've done in every respect - tactically, physically and technically. That's the way it has to be in football. The team of 2006 were better than the class of 2001, and this year's team are the best yet."
A win for Real would put them on the path to a nine lead heading into the winter break, with Barcelona headed to the FIFA Club World Cup before then.
Real Madrid are currently 1.005 to win La Liga, with Barcelona 34.00.
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