Barcelona and Spain legend Andres Iniesta has been impressed by Real Madrid youngster Marco Asensio, who has starred for his club in recent displays.

Ahead of Spain’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Italy on Saturday, Iniesta was full of praise for his compatriot, saying his selection in the Spain squad was no surprise.

“It is good news for Spanish football and I hope they (Real Madrid) help him so we can enjoy him for many years in the national team,” Iniesta said.

Spain and Iniesta are no doubt hoping Asensio will be at the forefront of a young brigade that can lead the national team back to glory next year in Russia after their debacle at the last World Cup, when they were knocked out in the group stages despite being defending champions.

Iniesta also singled out Italian midfielder Marco Verrati, who has been tabbed as the Spaniard’s potential replacement at Barcelona, as a threat to Spain’s chances on Saturday.

“Verrati is a great player to watch because he moves the ball and controls the game for them,” Iniesta said of his counterpart.