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 Manager Xavi Hernandez cut a contented figure after their 5-0 thumping of Royal Antwerp during their Champions League debut on Tuesday night. Several players starred, but perhaps one of the less flashy performances caught his eye.
Xavi declared it was as good as the performances have ever been during his time as coach of Barcelona, between the Antwerp victory and their win over Real Betis over the same scoreline.
As the most recent arrivals, Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix were courting most of the attention, but Xavi also had special praise for another of his new additions, Ilkay Gundogan.
“Cancelo and Gundogan come from training with a coach who plays like us. Watching them play is wonderful. Also Joao Felix, who understands his role perfectly and is enjoying it.”
Xavi was delighted with Barcelona's performance.
"We attack better than last season. I think that's where the difference is, we're understanding each other."
"It's not all going to be goal-fests, I hope to win many matches 1-0 ." #Barca #Xavi #UCL pic.twitter.com/CGigDBLRGn
— Football España (@footballespana_) September 20, 2023
On Gundogan in particular, Xavi told Marca that he was a gift from the Gods.
“He is the same as Gavi, he can play on the right, left, at the base [of midfield]… When he has the ball everything improves. He has fallen to us from heaven. He is a superlative footballer. It is wonderful to see him play.”
The former Manchester City captain did not start over the weekend against Betis, but did leave his mark on this match, freuqently involved in swift exchanges of the ball on the edge of the box that cut Antwerp open. There were perhaps hints of what he could bring in just his second match in that regard, sliding Pedri into space from a
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