Andres Iniesta goes into his final World Cup recognised as one of the greatest players of his generation. It is time to go even further in our appreciation.

Iniesta is the finest Spanish footballer ever. He should be regarded as highly as any of those footballing gods, past and present, whose pantheons we worship.

As an attacking midfielder, Iniesta belongs on the same pedestal as Zinedine Zidane. If he can inspire Spain to another victory – just as he did in 2010 – or even enjoy another stellar tournament, in my eyes he will surpass Zidane.

It has been a prolonged farewell from Spanish and European football for Iniesta since the end of last season, each moment of adulation deserved. Strangely, for all the tributes coming his way, I believe he is underrated.

For some time I have been asking myself who in football history, specifically playing Iniesta’s attacking midfield role, has had such a profound influence on our game, or in the biggest matches of his era? Zidane is the obvious answer, yet whenever I have made a comparison between the two players in conversation there is a polite nod and then shrug – a response which tells me most people agree Iniesta is a special talent, but privately do not share my view he is already at Zidane’s level.