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.
Following Gavi’s season-ending knee injury last weekend, Barcelona have been left one man light in midfield. With Pedri and Frenkie de Jong having only just returned from their own injuries, Xavi Hernandez may be forced into using the pair more than he would like because of his lack of options.
Until the winter transfer window at least, Barcelona will use their academy to fill the void left by Gavi. Unai Hernandez, Aleix Garrido and Marc Casado are among the options available to Xavi, although as Sport have reported, he won’t be able to call upon the latter for this weekend’s trip to Rayo Vallecano.
Casado accumulated a one-match ban before the international break after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season for Barca Atletic, and he cannot play for the first team until he serves this suspension.
It means that Casado is not to be part of the Barcelona squad for the match against Rayo, although he will be allowed to play going forward, starting with the Champions League clash with Porto on Tuesday.
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