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.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez is trying to turn the page after his side's 2-3 defeat against Antwerp in the Champions League and is focused on his next La Liga encounter against Valencia.
The Catalan giants announced their squad list for the trip to the Mestalla stadium on Friday. Frenkie de Jong, who was not called up for the last European match due to rest, is available again to help his team retain the Spanish top-flight title.
Marcos Alonso, Ter Stegen, Gavi and Inigo Martinez are still out of action due to injury. Xavi has called up several academy players such as Casado, Kochen, Fermin Lopez, Cubarsi, Marc Guiu and Hector Fort to complete the squad list.
Goalkeepers: Inaki Pena, Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen
Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Alejandro Balde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Sergi Roberto, Hector Fort, Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi
Midfielders: Pedri, Oriol Romeu, Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gundogan, Marc Casado and Fermin Lopez
Forwards: Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Joao Felix, Marc Guiu and Lamine Yamal
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