DONETSK: France coach Laurent Blanc has expressed his admiration for Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta, ahead of the Euro 2012 quarter-final between the two countries in Donetsk on Saturday.

A stand-out performer for Spain in the group phase, Iniesta will be a key figure at Donbass Arena and Blanc knows his side cannot afford to give the Barcelona midfielder the slightest bit of encouragement.

“He's one of their key players,” said Blanc at Friday's pre-game press conference.

“He has a fantastic ability with the ball and his movement is really intelligent. He's one of their major players, just as he is for Barcelona.

“They can turn to four or five players from Barcelona and Real Madrid, so it's a well-oiled machine. There's no comparison between the two sides, but we have to take our chance.”

Spain have received some criticism in their national media after laboured performances in their 1-1 draw with Italy and the 1-0 defeat of Croatia, which book-ended a 4-0 demolition of Ireland in Group C.

Blanc, however, says he cannot see any reason to split hairs over the football produced by Vicente del Bosque's side.

“I won't criticise Spain's play,” said Blanc, who spent one season (1996/97) at Barcelona as a player.

“When I watch them, as a spectator, I really enjoy it. It's what I like.

Watching Spain is a pleasure, a joy.

“That's why they've dominated world football for the last few years. They have great players at great clubs, but they've had always that. They've not always been as dominant as they are now.

“But the people who criticise Spain's football are very demanding.”