If you are saying that please go and see the Villareal game in which Xavi was subbed on he changed the whole game in Barca's favor and single handed dismantled their midfield. He can't play 3 games a week and no one expects him to do so but when rested properly he is still one of the best holding midfielders in the world
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If you are saying that please go and see the Villareal game in which Xavi was subbed on he changed the whole game in Barca's favor and single handed dismantled their midfield. He can't play 3 games a week and no one expects him to do so but when rested properly he is still one of the best holding midfielders in the world
BerkeleyBernie
Senior Member
+1
People are really blind to what Xavi does. Just because the team dynamics have changed so that Xavi plays a less flashy role doesn't mean he is "passed it" or "fading." He is still the best "glue" player on the pitch by a long shot. His job is to always be where you need an extra player and to distribute to find the best angle to attack. You don't want three Cescs on the field always attempting the final pass. My bet is that if you look at Barça goals, you'll find Xavi involved 1-3 passes back. His assist record is irrelevant; it's simply not his primary function in this team.
People also forget his job is not only offense. Xavi's positioning/vision/precision is the keystone of Barça's defense (Barça defense = defending the ball, not space). Without him on the field, Barça players are far more prone to find themselves isolated, under pressure, and turning the ball over to the opposition.
The Observer
New member
I think most of the criticism here is due to him soon turning 34, not because of what is happening on the pitch. He is playing a very good season. I didn't count it, some stats freak should do it maybe (I'm looking at you Khaled 
), but he must have assisted the assist at least 30+ times this season. Example last game again: the diagonal that opened up the pitch for Alba to cross for Alexis' goal. His throughball number is the second highest in the squad and he is averaging more key passes than a fit Messi did last season. Yet people talk about him being "finished". Seriously?
At the moment he is struggling with some discomfort since around Christmas time which is why he isn't included for the Getafe game again and that's it. Cesc-Iniesta will not happen on a consistent basis. Cesc is not that kind of player.
), but he must have assisted the assist at least 30+ times this season. Example last game again: the diagonal that opened up the pitch for Alba to cross for Alexis' goal. His throughball number is the second highest in the squad and he is averaging more key passes than a fit Messi did last season. Yet people talk about him being "finished". Seriously?At the moment he is struggling with some discomfort since around Christmas time which is why he isn't included for the Getafe game again and that's it. Cesc-Iniesta will not happen on a consistent basis. Cesc is not that kind of player.
Semi-Neutral
Sir Alupp Heynrguson
In La Liga and CL, Xavi has 1.7 key passes per game (look under the passing category) as opposed to Cesc's 1.6 and Iniesta's 1.3.
F
Flavia
Guest
Xavi: “I don't know if I'll finish my career at Barça. I would like to, but I don't know if it will happen. It's difficult.” [panenka]
Xavi: “I consider myself to be the standard-bearer for our style, and I'm proud of it.”
Xavi: “Mourinho is a manager that gets results. He's helped me a lot at Barça and I have great memories of him.”
Xavi: “Mourinho? Who remembers Inter Milan being European champions? No one. He hasn't left a legacy.”
Some more bits here. He acknowledges he played too much these past years, and that he has to play less now.
Xavi: “I consider myself to be the standard-bearer for our style, and I'm proud of it.”
Xavi: “Mourinho is a manager that gets results. He's helped me a lot at Barça and I have great memories of him.”
Xavi: “Mourinho? Who remembers Inter Milan being European champions? No one. He hasn't left a legacy.”
Some more bits here. He acknowledges he played too much these past years, and that he has to play less now.
Luftstalag14
Culé de Celestial Empire
What did he mean by difficult? He doesn't think we will keep him? We are not going to keep Xavi?
Come on.
Come on.
F
Flavia
Guest
It's difficult because of the level required. Maybe he feels that if he can't keep that level, he should go elsewhere.
But I think he will retire at Barça.
The Observer
New member
Hope David Moyes didn't read that.
Galning
Moderator
Exactly. I remember an old interview with him where he said that he would only leave Barcelona if one of the following happened:
1. They throw him on the street
2. He feels like he holds the team back instead of helping it
XaviMessiGirl
New member
That's what I thought too, or that he's not sure what his role will be in the eyes of the current management. He certainly wouldn't leave by choice.
Stric
New member
That's 11/12 and 12/13 you're talking about. No such problems this seasons. It's working, finally.
Darko
New member
true
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