Guardiola identifies ‘woman Iniesta’ who could lead Spain to World Cup glory

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has extolled the qualities of Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, whom he believes is a reincarnation of legendary Blaugrana midfielder Andres Iniesta.

Guardiola coached Iniesta in Barcelona, and the pair were successful together, winning the UEFA Champions League twice in three years and the Spanish gaffer believes Bonmati is similar to the 2012 UEFA Player of the Year.

Bonmati has been in inspired form for Spain at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, scoring three goals and providing two assists as La Roja reached their first senior final and Guardiola has declared his love for the Barcelona star comparing her to one of his favourite ex-players.

He said, “Aitana Bonmati is a player I completely love for the way they play. I would say it’s like the woman Iniesta playing in Barcelona. Barcelona make an incredible impact in the women’s team in football.”

However, Barcelona refused to back either side when asked who he thought would win the competition, stating that he had friends on both sides.

“Of course I have some connections with a lot of Barcelona,” Guardiola said, continuing, “You know what it means for me, but at the same time in England, I know a few girls that play here in Manchester City who are in the final.”

Bonmati, who is expected to start for Spain in the final against England, will be hoping to emulate Iniesta by scoring in the World Cup final to win La Roja their first-ever title in the women’s game.