Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has insisted that the Catalan giants are still the best team in the world, despite their lack of silverware in recent seasons.

The former Spanish champions have not won a trophy in the past 18 months, with their last success coming under Gerardo Martino in the Supercopa.

They have been overshadowed by the Madrid clubs between then and now, but Iniesta believes that Barca are still the same great team from recent seasons.

"I don't know how people see Barcelona from outside. When we are on the pitch, we just play football. There may be some changes on the style but, at the end of the day, it's still football," the 30-year-old said, according to Goal.com.

"You train, you prepare yourself to give your best on the field and that's what I do and I have always tried to do. In my opinion my teammates are the best in the world. I have no doubts about it.

"Having said that, we need to focus on giving our best and help them to keep up the great level they are showing on the pitch. We need to carry on improving and making our teammates look better as at the end of the day this is a team sport and we all have the same aims."

Barcelona are currently in good form, having won their last 10 matches in a row in all competitions.

Luis Enrique's side sit second in La Liga, a point behind Real Madrid.