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.
In the past few days, Barcelona’s interest in Real Valladolid youngster Ivan Fresneda appears to be growing. The 18-year-old right-back has emerged as a low-cost option to reinforce a key position in the Blaugrana squad.
The Catalans, via Deco, have held talks with Fresneda’s representatives over a potential transfer. And the teenager has a release clause worth €20 million embedded in his contract, although Valladolid would be open to negotiating a lower fee, which makes him an enticing prospect for Barça.
But, according to journalist Javi Miguel of AS, even if Barcelona sign Fresneda this summer, manager Xavi Hernandez will continue with Jules Kounde as his first-choice right-back, with the youngster being a backup.
The only way Xavi’s stance on continuing with Kounde as his preferred option at right-back would change is if the Catalans acquire the services of Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.
The Portuguese international is a target for the Blaugrana, but the club can only afford to sign him on loan, that too if he is willing to reduce his wages. Furthermore, City would prefer selling him outright than a loan agreement, making it complicated for Xavi & co. to sign him.
As such, Fresneda becomes the likeliest option to arrive at Barcelona this summer. But, as has been reported previously, Xavi is seeking more experience in the position.
As such, he will likely continue to bank on Kounde in the right-back position, with Fresneda operating as a backup.
Kounde played as a right-back for most of his debut season with Barcelona but is reportedly keen on returning to his natural habitat at the heart of the defence.
However, it has been suggested that the manager has spoken to the Frenchman and convinced him to continue as a
Read on onefootball.com