Xavi: The Diminutive Spanish Star
Whenever a casual fan watches the Spanish national football team, the players that normally stand out are strikers David Villa and Fernando Torres, offensive-minded right back Sergio Ramos, captain Iker Casillas between the goalposts, and attacking midfielder Andres Iniesta. Rarely do football fans, except for those who truly know the game, appreciate the effect of Spain’s midfield maestro Xavi Hernandez.
Xavi does not stand out like some of the other midfielders in the world because he rarely shows flair and style. He does not often resort to step-overs and flashy dribbles to leave his marker behind. He is not a scoring dynamo – in fact, in his 94 caps, he has scored only 8 times. Rarely does he make a play that would ‘wow’ the crowd. He is not even a strong tackler and ball-winner. However, in the game of football (especially among his peers and coaches), Xavi is considered one of the best midfielders in the world.
He possesses exceptional control of the ball. He almost never loses possession of the football to the opponent, whether be it from a tackle or a wayward pass. He almost always makes the right play at the right time, whether it’s a defense-splitting through ball, a back pass to relieve pressure, playing a triangle with Iniesta, or simply holding on to the ball and waiting for teammates to make runs, then picking them out.
For Spain, it is usually David Villa or Fernando Torres who scores goals. But Xavi is the one who creates goals and chances.
For the Spanish team (and even his club team Barcelona), he usually is the one who takes corners and set pieces. Teammates listen to him, as he instructs them what to do – whether it is a short corner, a shot on goal, a cross, or a trick play. It was his precise corner and Barcelona teammate Puyol precise run and header that contributed to the lone goal against Germany for Spain to reach its first finals.
In the final game against Netherlands, it was Xavi who the Dutch set out to contain, knowing that it is his playmaking that makes Spain so dangerous. Contain him they did (albeit in a rough manner), but Xavi was still instrumental in keeping possession and being patient, despite the defensive pressure put on him, even if passing lanes were constantly blocked.
The Spanish team knows that Xavi is their midfield machine – the one who pulls the strings and directs play. They trust him and his decision-making and ability. He has been influential in leading the Spanish attack ever since he was called up to the national team. Now, the trophies have come – Euro 2008 and most recently, the World Cup – the first in Spanish history.
In club football, he plays the same way and same position for Barcelona. Needless to say, success has come their way too, with his side winning the Champions League, La Liga, and Spanish Cup all in one year. Xavi was assisting and creating goals throughout those competitions.
Spain have been criticized this World Cup for its string of 1-0 wins. What has happened is that opponents have sought to contain Xavi and give him less freedom with the ball. He himself was quick to defend their manner of winning.
“Teams aren't stupid; we're European champions. They all pressure us like wolves. There isn't a single meter, not a second on the pitch,” he said before the title match against Netherlands.
However, results are what matter. Spain are World Champions. And their diminutive star was at the center of it all.
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