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 take on Mallorca in the La Liga matchday 28 fixture on Friday and Spanish coach Xavi Hernandez has called up 21 players to try to win all three points.
Mikayil Faye, who plays for Barca Atletic, has been called up by the Spaniard to help his side retain the Spanish competition trophy. The Senegalese defender arrived last summer from Kustosija. So far this season he has made 22 appearances, all of them starts.
In view of the absentees, Xavi has opted to include Faye in the first team squad for the first time in his career. Out of the squad are Gavi, Alejandro Balde, Marcos Alonso, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, all of whom are injured. The coach will also be without Ronald Araujo, who is suspended.
Not even the coach will be able to give orders from the bench, because like the Uruguayan, he is serving a suspension for receiving five yellow cards and will not be in the meeting.
Goalkeepers: Ter Stegen, Inaki Pena and Diego Kochen
Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Mikayil Faye, Hector Fort and Pau Cubarsi
Midfielders: Fermin Lopez, Oriol Romeu, Sergi Roberto, Marc Casado, Unai Hernandez and Ilkay Gundogan
Forwards: Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Joao Felix, Vitor Roque, Lamine Yamal and Marc Guiu
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