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 will have aspirations of at least reaching the final of this season’s Champions League, having been placed on the “easier side” of the draw. They take on Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals, and should they progress, would face Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the semis.
PSG will be a very strong test for Xavi Hernandez’s side, although there will be confidence that they can see off Luis Enrique, Kylian Mbappe and co. Having Frenkie de Jong and Pedri back from injury would certainly help their chances, and this could well be the case for the first leg in Paris.
As per MD, Barcelona are confident that de Jong and Pedri will be available in the French capital. The Dutchman is further ahead in his recovery, so he should have options to start, whereas Pedri – who only returned to training on Thursday – is more likely to be among the substitutes.
Having de Jong and Pedri back would be a major boost for Barcelona. Although their form has continued to be impressive in their absence, there’s no doubt that the Catalan giants are a better side with their better players playing.
Read on football-espana.net