Xavi was a world class player earlier too but his qualities became much more emphasized under Pep.
So before being coached by Pep how was Xavi regarded?
Nobody knew who Xavi was before 2008, and Pirlo had been world class for years.
Its Pirlo for sure, Xavi hasn’t really “impressed” people during 2008 yet. However after winning 2 euros, 1 wc & 2 ucl within 5 years, I’m pretty sure the debate would be over.
Context matters. Pirlo didnt have a Guardiola and a Messi. Still, look at his CV
I don’t think that helps much. Ancelotti, Kaka, Seedorf, Shevchenko, Nesta, Maldini, Cafu, Gattuso, Inzaghi.
Of course it does. It’s hard to stand out with that team because they’re not just goal oriented. Pep placed a high value on Xavi, and Messi scored a lot of goals. That’s the only difference.
Pirlo’s pass to Grosso against Germany was worth half a WC on its own.
I really don’t think Pirlo was particularly well regarded at the time. I feel like only towards the end of his career did he get the love he deserved.
I really don’t think Pirlo was particularly well regarded at the time.
Were you alive at the time?!
Pirlo was widely considered amongst the best midfielders/playmakers in the world in the 2000s and early 2010s.
Xavi made the goat club side tick.The brain and maestro of those great Barça teams frm 2006-15?
Before 2008, this wasn’t a discussion. People would think you’re crazy for comparing these two.
While Xavi always was a capable midfielder, it was Pep to truly play to his strengths. Before Pep, he had to play a more defensive, stationary role behind traditional number 10’s such as Ronaldinho and Deco. But Pep sent Ronaldinho and gave the Xavi-Iniesta duo the freedom to rule the midfield. Without needing to carry the load of a lazy number 10.
Pep knew what Xavi needed, because Pep himself was a very similar player. I mean Pep was more physical and a better holding midfielder, but he too would’ve shined if any manager gave him the role that he gave to Xavi.
All that being said, I’d actually consider Xavi and Pirlo equals. I think Xavi managed to catch up with Pirlo; but I wouldn’t say completely surpassed. Pirlo was just as good of a playmaker, a maestro in the midfield who led his teams to the top.
The only difference between Pirlo and Xavi is that Xavi played with Messi at club level, and with about 6 other world class midfielders at international level. Pirlo had quality teammates as well, but not to that level.
And even so, Pirlo still won everything and showed greater longevity and adaptability than Xavi.
If not Kaka, Shevshenko, Crespo, Gattuso, Seedorf, Nesta, Maldini, etc., who would you say where the best players in the world at the time?
That Milan team was as good as that Barca team
Nobody on that Milan team is on Messi’s level, and if you watched 2009, you would realize just how much playing with Messi inflated Xavi’s assist tally.
Pirlo played with Balon d’or winners on that Milan team
2023 brain is terminal
Explain how I’m wrong
Agreed, great take.
I have many vivid memories of watching pirlo play for both club and country. I really just remember Xavi as part of that barca squad.
Won 2 Euros and a World Cup. Maybe you wasn’t paying attention from 08 to 2012
Wrong question. Pirlo was better even after Pep coached Xavi.
But that doesn’t mean Pirlo would have been better in Barca or Spain. Their style fitted more Xavi’s skill.
As a United fan who was watching the CL a lot and see us linked to every player every year
Pirlo was talked about more before 2008 was very respected as the base of that AC diamond but was seen as not available
Xavi was someone fergie was very interested in from a few accounts -bwirh scholes having an eye problem for a difficult year he was one of a few up and coming players he thought could do the job.
By the way who is xavi without ini and busquets??? These fools need to wash their mouths out xavi had reached his level before those two started to kick on
Some people, even more so FCB fans, are not aware that Cesc left for Arsenal because he could see Iniesta was in front of him… And was not getting any playtime!
I guess it’s more forgivable than the Arsenal fans that conveniently don’t know that Cesc was considered and received awards as the best player in his age group when Wenger “discovered him”. Some discovery.
Pirlo without a doubt. He was at his peak in the years leading to ‘08 while Xavi hadn’t truly exploded yet
His prowess from set pieces also made him more determinant in the bigger picture, where Xavi was more about enabling those around him
Just watch world cup 2006 Italy V Germany pirlo s vision especially on grosso s goal… Also xavi at the time Was playing with iniesta, messi etc etc…
Pirlo I’m biased (🇮🇹 bloodline speaking) but seeing Pirlo play on TV or on a football pitch, it was like seeing a Master at work pure Art.
Although I think that Xavi was somehow like a catalyst because 2008 I would argue that Andres Iniesta was a better player than Xavi was. But is that related to the fact that Iniesta had a more "visible " role? I can’t answer.
But then again, for me nobody (except Zidane probably) surpassed Andrea Pirlo
Xavi became Xavi under Pep’s term. He was no doubt the key to Barcelona’s success in midfield but Pirlo had already proven himself with those Milan teams. Anyone who played CM01/02, 03/04 or PES in those days would tell you the same answer. Pirlo was a beast and he was portrayed as such.
Before 2008, Pirlo. He won a World Cup.
After 2008, also Pirlo.
Xavi wasnt in the top 10 before 2008. Lampard and schooles were absolutely killing it way before xavi.
pirlo
xavi was considered a great player for barcelona, but untill the EC 2008, pirlo was clear ahead
he had a platini route, great player that reached his peak in his mid to late 20s
pirlo, who is just a year older, was already considered great in his early 20s at milan was already considered a world class player
both of them are great imho