Andres Iniesta was never going to have a Zlatan Ibrahimovic-esque debut in the J1 League. The 34-year-old schemer is a much more subtle player and has never been one to stuff the stat line. Last Sunday, he made his debut for Vissel Kobe and played the final 31 minutes of his side’s 3-0 defeat.
After his break following a World Cup with Spain, the former Barcelona midfielder looked a little rusty — every pass just seemed a fraction too far for his teammates, perhaps an indication of the new level of play that he’ll need to adjust to.
Regardless, Iniesta started his first match for Vissel Kobe on Saturday, and his influence was much more positive this time around. Iniesta went 82 minutes in his side’s 1-0 win over Kashiwa Reysol.
He even provided his form of highlight in the sixth minute with this absurd piece of control in the defensive third. Vissel Kobe’s buildup play is a lot more interesting now.
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