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.
3rd plays 2nd at Montilivi on Saturday evening, with Girona hosting Barcelona in the second Catalan derby of the season. Michel Sanchez’s side secured a famous victory at the Estadi Olimpic earlier in the campaign, and they would leapfrog Los Blaugrana if they can repeat that result on this occasion – it would also officially confirm Real Madrid as La Liga champions.
Barcelona’s line-up is almost set in stone, with only one position likely to be decided upon – that being who will partner Andreas Christensen and Ilkay Gundogan in midfield. Sport believe that Fermin Lopez, who scored last time out against Valencia, will retain place, whereas MD expect Pedri to start.
The two publications also disagree on Girona’s line-up. Sport believe that Michel will name the same XI that defeated Las Palmas last Saturday, whereas MD predict Viktor Tsygankov to start in place of Ivan Martin, with Yan Couto pushed into a deeper role.
This could be a cracking occasion at Montilivi. Barcelona need to avoid defeat in order to retain second place, but Girona have an excellent record on their home turf, so it will be very tough task for Xavi Hernandez’s men to avoid defeat.
Read on football-espana.net