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.
Oriol Romeu reportedly does not have the confidence of Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez.
Romeu is Barca's latest signing this summer and has returned to Spotify Camp Nou after Girona agreed to sanction a move for €5 million in transfer fees. But he wasn't their first choice in defensive midfield.
According to El Nacional, Xavi's first preference was getting Sergio Busquets to renew his contract. But he left the club as a free agent to join Inter Miami and reunite with Lionel Messi.
The Spanish tactician then targeted a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but the 24-year-old did not want to leave the club. The focus then shifted to wantaway Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich.
However, the Catalan giants weren't able to meet the Bavarian club's demands to sell the Germany international. A move for Marcelo Brozovic was considered as well, but the Croatian star ended up joining Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
Romeu was reportedly the club's last option in that position. He isn't alien to the club's philosophy, having spent seven years in their academy until joining Chelsea in 2011.
However, Xavi will apparently prefer Frenkie de Jong in the No. 6 role with Ilkay Gundogan, Gavi and Pedri vying for the other slots in midfield. Romeu (31) could, hence, be restricted to the bench.
The former Chelsea midfielder has penned a three-year deal with Barca and is the fourth transfer they have agreed upon this summer. They have already signed Gundogan and Inigo Martinez on free transfers, while Vitor Roque will join the club in January.
Girona signed Oriol Romeu just last summer from Southampton for €5.5 million.
The Spaniard went on to have an impressive season, registering two goals in 34 games across competitions for
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