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.
Much has been said about Xavi Hernandez and his Barcelona players over the last few weeks, following a disappointing run of form. The Catalans have only one once in their last four matches, and that came on Wednesday, courtesy of a very unconvincing 3-2 victory over bottom side Almeria.
Pressure has been building on Xavi, but at this stage, he retains the full support of the Barcelona hierarchy. His players also continue to back him too, and speaking to MD, Fermin Lopez – who Xavi has promoted to the first team this season – gave his assessment of the 43-year-old head coach.
“He’s always very positive. He makes us self-critical, above all, but always with positivity, to look forward, correct and continue on our path. He kicks in when he has to, when he’s playing.”
Fermin has been feeling the effects of the increased scrutiny on the team in recent weeks, and he identified this as the worst aspect of being a Barcelona player.
“There is really more pressure than at the other clubs, both internally and externally but well, you have to know how to handle those things and be focused on your football and work.”
Barcelona, Fermin included, will hope to break out of their poor run when football returns after the winter break, starting with their trip to Gran Canaria to take on Las Palmas on the 4th of January.
Image via LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images
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