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 defender Ronald Araujo is one of the big stories already this summer, with speculation about his future ongoing since Bayern Munich showed interest in January. The Uruguayan’s contract talks with Barcelona have stalled, and if no new deal is agreed, they may put him up for sale this summer.
The main factor is the club’s finances, and it is believed they need a minimum of one large sale will be necessary for the Blaugrana, with Araujo’s price set at somewhere between €80-100m. However Marca report that some of the Barcelona board also believe that his performances have declined, and he should no longer be afforded the same status as other ‘untouchables’. That is despite the fact he remains so for Xavi Hernandez, who continues to start him alongside Pau Cubarsi.
They feel that the 24-year-old has form this season has seen him look slower, intervene less and make more mistakes than in prior seasons. One of the figures highlighted as a sign of this is the fact that he has 8 yellow cards in 31 matches, compared to 7 in 43 last season. The most high profile mistakes obviously came against Paris Saint-Germain last week, and Valencia on Monday night, to which Xavi responded ‘Ronald has saved us on many occasions’.
Regardless of whether they think his performances have declined or not, it looks as if Barcelona’s hand could be forced on the matter, with Araujo one of the few stars who appears open to a move and attracting interest, despite public statements that he is happy in Barcelona. It should not be ruled out that such leaks are in part to soften the blow for the fans, and in turn deflect some of negative press that will come with selling Araujo.
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