Xavi Hernandez - a legend of world football, a Spanish player who became one of the most influential and technically gifted players of his generation. He was born on January 25, 1980, in Terrassa, Spain, and displayed his football talent from a young age. Xavi became renowned for his outstanding passing skills and ball control. He possessed a unique ability to control the game on the field, distribute passes, and create attacks for his team.
He began his professional career in 1998, joining the youth team of Barcelona. Over time, he became an integral part of Barcelona's main squad and a product of the legendary La Masia academy. He spent 17 years at FC Barcelona, eventually becoming its captain and one of the main inspirations behind the "tiki-taka" style of play.
Xavi helped Barcelona win numerous domestic and international trophies, including 8 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. He became the heart and soul of the team, and his on-field leadership was invaluable to Barcelona's success during that period. Xavi is also a key figure for the Spanish national team. With the national squad, he won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
His intellectual approach to the game and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates made him an irreplaceable player for the national team. After leaving Barcelona in 2015, Xavi moved to Qatari club Al-Sadd, where he continued to showcase his skills and leadership. He helped the team win several national titles and became a symbol of football development in Qatar.
In addition to his playing career, Xavi has shown an interest in coaching. He has completed coaching courses and expressed a desire to one day manage his former team, Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez is not only a player of exceptional class but also a symbol of virtuosity, game reading ability, and leadership on the field. His style and contribution to world football will be remembered by generations of fans.
The game against Arsenal reflected some of Xavi Hernández's intentions for the new season. One of them focused on Ferran Torres. The Barcelona coach is keen to harness the player's strengths and, seeing the great physical condition he is showing this pre-season, he has an idea of how to get the best out of him.
Against Arsenal, he played him as a centre-forward. He replaced Robert Lewandowski in the second half. Ferran Torres was familiar with this position under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and also played occasionally as a No.9 under Luis Enrique in the national team.
The result was a goal in the only chance he had during the match. He won the ball back himself, combined with Ousmane Dembélé and scored with a perfect cross-shot.
His natural position is that of right winger, but Xavi prefers Dembélé and Raphinha for the wing, two players who are difficult to fit anywhere else but on the flank.
On the other hand, Ferran is a very versatile player, whose physical conditions and understanding of the game allow him to adapt to other positions. This season, in principle, he will tend to play more centrally.
He has already left positive impressions when playing in the position of a false left midfielder in some games last season. For example, it is from there against Atlético Madrid that he scored the winning goal that sealed more than half of LaLiga.
Therefore, Ferran is a player that Xavi contemplates to start from the left, to be an advanced player if he plays in the box or even as a centre forward if Lewandowski is not there.
In the three games the Pole missed due to suspension last season, Ansu Fati was the No.9 and did not look comfortable. Ansu, as was also evident against Arsenal, is more dangerous when he can surprise
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