Andres Iniesta hands over the reigns at Barça to Frenkie de Jong

Andres Iniesta hands over the reigns at Barça to Frenkie de Jong

 El manchego habló en zona mixta tras el especial partido ante el conjunto azulgrana / | PERFORM

At the end of the match, the midfielders hugged each other in an image which represented the past and present of Barça

At the end of the match between Vissel Kobe and FC Barcelona, Andres Iniesta and Frenkie de Jong embraced on the pitch which for many represented the past and future of Barça. A passing of the touch.

Following Xavi Hernandez's departure from Barça four years ago, and then Iniesta last year, the supporters haven't forgotten the mark they left on the club's style. Now that De Jong has arrived at the Camp Nou, and he's shown glimpses of his class in preseason already, it appears the philosophy at Barça will continue through him.

The 22-year-old Dutch midfielder could be a future leader at Barça and there are similarities between his style and that of Iniesta's. Whenever he gets on the ball he makes everything simple. He never takes a touch more than he needs to, doesn't misplace a pass and maintains the team's high tempo. Despite his young age, he plays like an experienced veteran.

De Jong is also capable of making a difference in the defensive side of the game.

Iniesta might have moved on but his quality and class were still on show against his former club. In De Jong, Barça supporters will hope that they've found their heir to Iniesta's throne.