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 did not impress against Real Sociedad, about that, everyone is in agreement, but they did come away with the win. It was a game that brought much introspection for the Blaugrana and their fans, not least for their form of delivering tactical information.
With the introduction of Ferran Torres for Robert Lewandowski on the hour-mark, a note with instructions was passed to Inigo Martinez, which the Basque defender did not immediately seem to understand. The veteran needed several looks, and it took around 15 minutes before anything changed dramatically in the game.
The note, given to Torres by coach Sergio Alegre, was in fact just instructions for set pieces. As highlighted by the Movistar cameras, the instructions were not heeded, with Cancelo tracking Zubimendi at the following corner for Real Sociedad.
The note Xavi gave to Inigo Martinez 'for the set pieces':
Inigo to the second zone
Jules > Merino
Balde > Zubimendi
Cancelo > Braispic.twitter.com/g1XbV2Bv9H
— Football España (@footballespana_) November 6, 2023
Martinez spoke to the press after the match, revealing that ‘there were so many things written down, I had no idea what to say to the rest.’
Either way, La Real failed to score from a set piece in the final half hour, which has to be regarded as a success. At times, even in the elite of football, the most basic methods continue to be in use. Barcelona’s performance was not exactly the most competent, and there was an enjoyable aspect of Sunday league to the entire event.
Read on football-espana.net