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 face an unexpectedly tough task on Sunday evening when they host Girona in La Liga, who are four points ahead and second in the table.
Girona have been the surprise package in Spain this season with their wonderful start seeing them sit above Real Madrid for many weeks. They are still level on points with the league leaders and could be top again by the time the weekend's action has concluded.
Barca manager Xavi Hernandez will have been thrilled to have beaten Atletico Madrid last time out, but he knows it will mean little if they cannot win to move within a point of Girona here.
This is the starting XI Xavi may pick when Barca host Girona on Sunday night.
GK: Inaki Pena -With Marc-Andre ter Stegen out until February or even March 2024, Pena will get a prolonged chance to prove himself as Barca's starting goalkeeper. So far, he is doing a good job.
RB: Jules Kounde -Despite having players in the squad who can form a more conventional back four, Xavi has favoured Kounde at right-back. Given that's where he played against Atletico, the Frenchman is likely to start there again against another good team.
CB: Ronald Araujo -The Uruguayan is expected to wear a mask for this game as he has a jaw injury which will later need surgery. That is unlikely to stop Araujo from impressing in the Barca backline.
CB: Andreas Christensen — There has been plenty of rotation in this role for Barca but with Inigo Martinez out and Kounde placed at right-back, Christensen should start again.
LB: Joao Cancelo -Known by most as a right-back, Cancelo has excelled on the left for Barca and is keeping Alejandro Balde out of the team at the moment.
CM: Frenkie de Jong — His return from injury has been and will continue to be very important for
Read on 90min.com