Spain head coach Julen Lopetegui is looking forward to the opportunity of watching Andres Iniesta at the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia. The midfielder is due to celebrate his 34th birthday next month but he has shown no signs of slowing down with another top notch performance against Sevilla in the Copa del Rey final last weekend.

Iniesta scored a stellar goal in the thumping 5-0 win over the Andalusian outfit and shortly after, he received a standing ovation from both set of supporters as he was substituted from the pitch. Speaking after the game, Lopetegui was impressed by the midfielder’s showing and he is hoping that the veteran can keep up the good work in the lead-up to the summer World Cup.

He said: “He has won over fans at every single stadium he’s played at. Andres has had a very good season, like he did the one before, and he has always played at the highest level with us. “We are delighted that he keeps playing this well and are excited about him keeping it up at the World Cup. We’re going to enjoy having him with us.”

Spain will be participating in their 11 straight World Cup this summer and their record is the fourth best and only behind Argentina, Germany and Brazil. La Roja have certainly impressed in recent friendlies against Argentina and Germany and they are likely to go into the World Cup with plenty of optimism with their midfield regarded as one of the most celebrated across the globe.

The 2010 World Cup winners begin their World Cup campaign with a game against Euro 2016 holders Portugal and thereafter, they face Iran and Morocco. Lopetegui has already given a hint about his 23-man squad in recent call-ups but it will be interesting to see whether experienced faces in the form of Juan Mata, Cesc Fabregas and Pedro make the cut for the global tournament.