Xavi's replacement?

[BerkeleyBernie]

Óliver Torres

Yeah, I like him, look forward to seeing how he develops. Samper, too; even though most people think of him as a Busquets DM, I think he can play more advanced as CM.

 

[Gooch]

Out of these, only a fit Thiago could be it. People forget that the key to Xavi at his best was not his passing, but his dribbling. He could not only hold possession against multiple defenders, but he could also dribble past them if necessary. Same with Iniesta. Until he aged, it was this dribbling threat that allowed Xavi to pass so wonderfully. In his prime, that's what separated Xavi from other Spain midfielders such as Silva and Cazorla. And that's what Spain is missing today - they have a lot of circulators but no one to really frighten defenders. As for Barca, Messi, though he doesn't quite have that number 10 magic yet, should easily fit the bill as Xavi's replacement for at least a few years.

 

[NeyMesSis]

Out of these, only a fit Thiago could be it. People forget that the key to Xavi at his best was not his passing, but his dribbling. He could not only hold possession against multiple defenders, but he could also dribble past them if necessary. Same with Iniesta. Until he aged, it was this dribbling threat that allowed Xavi to pass so wonderfully. In his prime, that's what separated Xavi from other Spain midfielders such as Silva and Cazorla. And that's what Spain is missing today - they have a lot of circulators but no one to really frighten defenders. As for Barca, Messi, though he doesn't quite have that number 10 magic yet, should easily fit the bill as Xavi's replacement for at least a few years.

loooooooooooooool

 

[James88]

Out of these, only a fit Thiago could be it. People forget that the key to Xavi at his best was not his passing, but his dribbling. He could not only hold possession against multiple defenders, but he could also dribble past them if necessary. Same with Iniesta. Until he aged, it was this dribbling threat that allowed Xavi to pass so wonderfully. In his prime, that's what separated Xavi from other Spain midfielders such as Silva and Cazorla. And that's what Spain is missing today - they have a lot of circulators but no one to really frighten defenders. As for Barca, Messi, though he doesn't quite have that number 10 magic yet, should easily fit the bill as Xavi's replacement for at least a few years.

Xavi never was a great dribbler, in his role is not needed the dribbling. The important thing is to control the game with the passing, Thiago holds the ball too much,

 

[linetty]

Out of these, only a fit Thiago could be it. People forget that the key to Xavi at his best was not his passing, but his dribbling. He could not only hold possession against multiple defenders, but he could also dribble past them if necessary. Same with Iniesta. Until he aged, it was this dribbling threat that allowed Xavi to pass so wonderfully. In his prime, that's what separated Xavi from other Spain midfielders such as Silva and Cazorla. And that's what Spain is missing today - they have a lot of circulators but no one to really frighten defenders. As for Barca, Messi, though he doesn't quite have that number 10 magic yet, should easily fit the bill as Xavi's replacement for at least a few years.

 

[Alarcón]

Really hard to determine a replacement for Xavi. Thiago is gone, Gündogan injured for a year, Óliver - who knows if he will ever come good with 231 loan spells, and everyone else is not good enough imo. In my opinion it will be Samper.

 

[Morten]

Fabregas, maybe?

 

[xavi_the_Boss]

Fabregas, maybe?

Hahaha no thanks.

 

[KingMessi]

Really hard to determine a replacement for Xavi. Thiago is gone, Gündogan injured for a year, Óliver - who knows if he will ever come good with 231 loan spells, and everyone else is not good enough imo. In my opinion it will be Samper.

Combine all that with our transfer ban, and Samper it is.

 

[Ataraxia]

Verrati is such a kickass player ...thiago is gone and I dont know if its feasible he comes back plus he's more attacking than Xavi. Verratti is a special player though and can hold and control the midfield perfectly. PSG got lucky really lucky to find him and snatch him at the right moment.

 

[ViscaBarca914]

Fully fit Gundogan please

 

[KAWSHIK123]

I think Verrati can replace Xavi

 

[Abeir Toril]

Samper would be a great replacement. He is too good for playing as a CDM. He is 'Iniestoxavibusquets'... or Pirlo. Give him a bodyguard and he will show more in the offense.

 

[raki]

Kroos would have been perfect
Rakitic needs to improve his offensive side. He has the technique, he showed it in Sevilla. Use it.

 

[Abeir Toril]

Kroos would have been perfect
Rakitic needs to improve his offensive side. He has the technique, he showed it in Sevilla. Use it.

Nope. They are quite similar players, typical b2b - good stamina, strength, shoot, cover... But they are not architect and never will be. The way Barcelona are playing, especially Xavi's position is extremely difficult. You need to make an option to pass the ball to you, holding on it and create all the time. Must be an artist.