The selection of the diminutive Catalan may shock a few football fans.

Although unquestionably skilled, Iniesta has suffered recently from a few injury-laden seasons at his hometown club Barcelona, and is sometimes easily pushed off the ball due to his small stature and fragile frame. 

Another hindrance for the Catalan is that while playing as an attacking midfielder and oftentimes a left-winger in Pep Guardiola's classic 4-3-3 formation prior to this season, he has only managed 41 goals in 408 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions.

Nevertheless, when he has scored they have been undeniably decisive.

It was Iniesta's stunning strike late in the 2009 Champions League semifinal away tie against Chelsea that saw Barcelona advance and eventually win the competition.

For the national team, he also managed to score the lone goal during extra time of the 2010 World Cup final to bring Spain their first ever World Championship.

Big performances on stages like the Champions League, World Cup, and European Championships have resulted in his selection in the top four of the Ballon d'Or/FIFA Ballon d'Or for three consecutive seasons and his being named UEFA Player of the Tournament in Euro 2012.

Only 28 years old, Iniesta surely has several more seasons in front of him to improve and continue to stake his claim as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world.

While it is unlikely that Iniesta will leave Barcelona in the near future, his worth—as illustrated by his decisive goalscoring, creative wide-play and majestic footwork in even the most difficult matches—should exceed that of the biggest transfer targets in 2012.

If anyone disagrees, simply ask Vicente Del Bosque and Pep Guardiola and see what they have to say about their miniature midfield magician.