Iniesta: Barcelona still the world's best

The midfielder says a lack of recent silverware does not mean the club don't still possess some of the best footballers in the world

Andres Iniesta is adamant that Barcelona are still the best team in the world despite failing to win a trophy in 18 months.

After winning only the Supercopa last season, Luis Enrique replaced Gerardo Martino in the dugout and bolstered his squad with the signings of Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Claudio Bravo, Jeremy Mathieu, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Thomas Vermaelen.

Barca's performances in the first half of 2014-15 were overshadowed by Real Madrid's incredible winning streak, but now the Catalans are on fire themselves having triumphed in 10 consecutive matches.

Iniesta does not believe any perceived change in style - their famous tiki taka style has been diluted somewhat this season - has impacted detrimentally on Barca, who are now just one point off the top of La Liga.

"I don't know how people see Barcelona from outside," he told Perform. "When we are on the pitch, we just play football.

"There may be some changes on the style but at the end of the day it's still football. You train, you prepare yourself to give your best on the field and that's what I do and I have always tried to do.

"In my opinion my team-mates are the best in the world. I have no doubts about it. Having said that, we need to focus on giving our best and help them to keep up the great level they are showing on the pitch.

"We need to carry on improving and making our team-mates look better as at the end of the day this is a team sport and we all have the same aims."

Still at the forefront of Barca's attack is Lionel Messi. The Argentina star has had a hand in 38 of the side's league goals alone this term and Iniesta mused at how his superstar colleague continues to baffle even those who know him best.

"It's very easy to play alongside Messi," Iniesta added. "He still amazes me because only he does what he does on a football pitch and he wants to keep growing and improving every day.

"He is instrumental for the team and that's something very little people, nearly nobody, is capable of."