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.
Having been knocked out of the Copa del Rey in midweek, Barcelona are aiming to bounce back on Saturday evening when they host a struggling Villarreal side at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
The Catalans are in good form in La Liga, having won their last three matches in the competition. They will hope to make it four, as they begin their task of closing the gap to Girona and Real Madrid at the top of the table.
Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez will be forced into changes for the match. Alejandro Balde is expected to miss the next few months with a hamstring injury, so Hector Fort – who deputised so impressively after coming on against Athletic – is set to continue, as per Sport.
Another change in defence would see Joao Cancelo make his first appearance since picking up a knee injury against Las Palmas at the start of the month. He is set to start at right-back, with Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde in central defence.
Having played 99 minutes on Wednesday, Pedri is expected to be rested against Villarreal, with Oriol Romeu earning a rare start. The final predicted change would see Ferran Torres dropping out despite his impressive recent form, with Joao Felix given that chance to impress from the start.
For Villarreal, they are undoubtedly underdogs coming into this one. Their defence, which hasn’t kept a clean sheet in La Liga since September, will be tested, although they do have quality in attack. Gerard Moreno will be their leader in this regard, while Goncalo Guedes is primed to start for the first time since arriving on loan from Benfica.
Don’t be surprised if there is plenty of goals in this one. Both teams’ defences have been under par for some time now, so it’s likely to be a case of who scores more. Barcelona
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