You have the story of Xavi the player, told by himself with the Masterclass series available on youtube. He details his transitioning from basically a defensive midfielder like Guardiola or Busquets to a more offensive role during Rijkaard term. I saw him playing then and I simply hated his style because the only thing it seemed to do was to pass back at the goalkeeper or central defender. If I remember correctly neither the media was kind to him. But slowly playing in the middle his vision and ability to pass started to give more fluency to Barca game connecting Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Thiery Henry etc with the full backs. It was not at all spectacular but who had an eye for the science of the game like Rijkaard, Guardiola or Inaki Saez and Louis Aragones knew exactly that this position was the best for Xavi. Ironically as himself said, he did not actually believein this transition but he adapted
A player I think all the above players loved playing with, brave on the ball, never afraid to hide. Kept the team ticking over and an essential part of the great teams he played in. Many thanks for watching and commenting.
Was Xavi a unique player? And do you think he will return as a coach? Leave your comments below.
You have the story of Xavi the player, told by himself with the Masterclass series available on youtube. He details his transitioning from basically a defensive midfielder like Guardiola or Busquets to a more offensive role during Rijkaard term. I saw him playing then and I simply hated his style because the only thing it seemed to do was to pass back at the goalkeeper or central defender. If I remember correctly neither the media was kind to him. But slowly playing in the middle his vision and ability to pass started to give more fluency to Barca game connecting Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Thiery Henry etc with the full backs. It was not at all spectacular but who had an eye for the science of the game like Rijkaard, Guardiola or Inaki Saez and Louis Aragones knew exactly that this position was the best for Xavi. Ironically as himself said, he did not actually believein this transition but he adapted
Assist in ucl final 2009, 2011 and euro final 2008 and 2012, World Cup semi final 2010
A player I think all the above players loved playing with, brave on the ball, never afraid to hide. Kept the team ticking over and an essential part of the great teams he played in. Many thanks for watching and commenting.
Some great stats!
Best ever player for Spain!
I agree!
He was not more important than messi dont forget the term used to describe how messi is important "Messidependecia"
In Guardiola time 08/09,09/10 Xavi was better. From 10 March I think Messi had upper hand but was close
Not better than Messi, but in my opinion was a better central midfielder than iniesta and the 2nd greatest mf ever after zidane or level with zidane
Can't argue with this at all. Thanks for watching!