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?
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?
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.
Agreed, great take.
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.
Pirlo played with Balon d’or winners on that Milan team
2023 brain is terminal
Explain how I’m wrong
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.