Xavi Hernández

[Blaugrana Bull]

Where are the people that wanted to see him go because he is not good enough anymore and hinders the youth?

The Maestro showed up today. Cannot say it often enough. I am really glad he stays.

 

[Behrox]

Where are the people that wanted to see him go because he is not good enough anymore and hinders the youth?

The Maestro showed up today. Cannot say it often enough. I am really glad he stays.

The problem is not with Xavi staying its with him staying as a starter. He can't play every game and uptil now he was too stubborn to accept it

 

[BerkeleyBernie]

He can't play every game and uptil now he was too stubborn to accept it

Or...perhaps the coaches didn't feel they had any better alternative. Or perhaps that's what the club members wanted.

Just saying. Your claim "he was too stubborn" is pure speculation.

 

[linetty]

 

[barcanuck]

At least we know who will boss ALL the set pieces this season!

 

[Stric]

Xavi has the goods and he can deliver them consistently with if he's rested and motivated. He's far too good to even think about him leaving. If he's healthy and well managed, he can easily offer a lot for another 2-3 years, maybe even more. Many times we've seen games where he doesn't start, but as soon as he comes on he makes a huge difference. Imagine having such a luxury sub in difficult games, or all season long, for that matter. Xavi should stay as long as he can, and play reduced minutes. That's all.

 

[JamDav1982]

Xavi has the goods and he can deliver them consistently with if he's rested and motivated. He's far too good to even think about him leaving. If he's healthy and well managed, he can easily offer a lot for another 2-3 years, maybe even more. Many times we've seen games where he doesn't start, but as soon as he comes on he makes a huge difference. Imagine having such a luxury sub in difficult games, or all season long, for that matter. Xavi should stay as long as he can, and play reduced minutes. That's all.

Xavi was rested a lot last season and still looked past his best.

The problem with keeping him as a sub are that he most likely wont be happy with that when could play first team football elsewhere and also those are minutes that are used to take through the younger players. The like of Samper/Rafinha could suffer because of it.

 

[i_bleed_blaugrana]

I think people who think that Xavi is past it base it on games like Spain vs Netherlands. That game was a cool finish from Silva away from being a win for Spain which turns the tournament on its head. In the first half in particular, Xavi was Spain's best player on the pitch. He teed up quite a few chances for Costa that went begging.

We haven't seen this from him because of how poorly he's been managed in the past. If he comes in as a super sub like this, I fancy him to have a 15+ assist season ahead of him. He'll be fresher and more mobile, meaning he can contribute both offensively and defensively and keep things ticking in all areas of the pitch. And with quality like Rakitic, Rafinha and Samper to fill in when necessary, we'll be solid enough to not need him game in and game out throughout the season.

 

[dakt]

I wouldn't keep him on the bench, he's still very good. For now, better deal then Rakitic for whom I think should gradually be brought to the game.
So yes, we can keep holy triangle this season (Xavi, Iniesta, Messi) alive. Questionable are defense and still to come, Neymar-Messi-Souarez communication.

 

[instinct]

He has a calf muscle overburdening. Further tests will reveal the extent of the injury.

 

[DonAK]

Wth man.... Same problems all over again.

 

[te amo barca]

is that his chronic injury?

 

[Flavia]

is that his chronic injury?

I'm not sure, but could be. His chronic tendinitis is on his calves. That's why he can't be a starter, 25-30 games per season at most.

 

[BerkeleyBernie]

is that his chronic injury?

It's connected- Achilles tendonitis, calves. It's because of how he plays, to receive passes, like a tennis player waiting for a serve, bouncing on his toes. That prep to receive is one reason why he's so brilliant, but it does put more strain on that part of the muscle system.

 

[xavi_the_Boss]

It's connected- Achilles tendonitis, calves. It's because of how he plays, to receive passes, like a tennis player waiting for a serve, bouncing on his toes. That prep to receive is one reason why he's so brilliant, but it does put more strain on that part of the muscle system.

That sig