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.
Manchester United and Barcelona target Sofyan Amrabat has named Zinedine Zidane and Xavi Hernandez as the two midfielders he looked up to while growing up.
While categorically stating that he doesn't have an idol, he did acknowledge having looked up to both Zidane and Xavi while growing up. In an interview, as reported by Barca Universal, he said:
Both Zidane and Xavi are widely regarded as two of the most influential midfielders during their playing days. It will be interesting to see if Amrabat will be able to emulate the success both players had in their respective careers.
The 26-year-old Moroccan international has emerged as a top transfer target for both United and Barca over the last couple of months.
He had an impressive 2022-23 football campaign for both club and country. He made a combined total of 49 appearances for Fiorentina last season, helping them secure the 8th spot in the league.
The Moroccan midfielder was also a standout performer for his national team during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He played a total of seven games, en route to Morocco's fourth-placed finish at the tournament.
His name has now emerged as a top target for PL giants Manchester United, who have also identified Amrabat as a potential summer signing.
Reports in the Mirror suggest that the Red Devils are now looking to accelerate a transfer for Amrabat, after youngster Kobbie Mainoo picked up a knee injury in preseason.
Atlanta currently value Amrabat at £30 million and a potential move to Old Trafford could see him re-unite with former manager Erik Ten Hag. The duo worked together during their time at FC Utrecht.
Transfer expert David Ornstein has revealed that the Red Devils have reached an agreement to sign Denmark striker
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