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 are aiming to secure a positive result in Paris on Wednesday evening, as they begin their Champions League quarter-final match-up with Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. Xavi Hernandez’s team selection will be key, and the 44-year-old has received good news, with Frenkie de Jong cleared to start.
As per Sport, the Dutch midfielder – who has been out for five weeks with an ankle injury – will be in the line-up to face PSG in the French capital. He will line up alongside Ilkay Gundogan and, surprisingly, Sergio Roberto.
Andreas Christensen received medical clearance last weekend to play against PSG, so it was taken for granted that he would start at the base of Barcelona’s midfield. However, it will be Roberto instead, with the Dane occupying to bench alongside Pedri, who is also back from a hamstring injury.
The defence and attack will remain as expected, with Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Joao Cancelo, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski all starting.
Roberto has become a big-game player over the years for Barcelona, and that could have come into Xavi’s mind in selecting him over Christensen. It remains to be seen whether it’s a decision that pays dividends.
Read on football-espana.net