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 Real Mallorca on Tuesday evening at 21:30 CEST, knowing a win will keep them top of the table going into the weekend. Their hosts are desperately seeking a response, after being thumped 5-3 by Girona over the weekend.
Ahead of the match, Xavi Hernandez said that he would be looking to average two to three rotations per game in the coming weeks, and that some players who had played the vast majority of minutes could be in for a change.
Nevertheless, Real Mallorca can be a tough nut to crack, especially at home, and Javier Aguirre has mores resources at his disposal this season in Cyle Larin and Sergi Darder.
Barcelona are missing Frenkie de Jong following his injury during the Catalans’ 3-2 victory over Celta Vigo, who joins Pedri on the sidelines. Gavi and Ilkay Gundogan are expected to accompany Oriol Romeu in midfield, with Sergi Roberto and Fermin Lopez on the bench.
Marca expect Ronald Araujo to return to the starting line-up following his injury, and Lamine Yamal to return to their starting XI too. Inigo Martinez is predicted to be the big starting news, with a chance of making his first start.
MD predict a similar line-up, with Raphinha playing instead of Lamine Yamal, and Andreas Christensen ahead of Araujo.
Los Bermellones are without captain Toni Raillo and left-back Toni Lato, meaning Jaume Costa will play on the left flank. They expect Aguirre to be ambitious and go with two up front in Larin and Vedat Muriqi.
The Madrid daily also expect two forwards, but with something of a change of formation, seeing Abdon Prats up front with Muriqi, and Samu Costa playing ahead of Manu Morlanes.
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