Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona player who currently plays for Qatari club, Al Sadd SC, has given his take on the upcoming Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Image shows Xavi Hernandez and Lionel Messi
Xavi, 38, said he believes Madrid will always rise up to the challenge by featuring their A-team for the Round of 16 knockout clashes. He also spoke about PSG stars Neymar and Marco Verratti, who football analysts think is a perfect resemblance of the Spain international footballer.
Notably, the central midfielder voted PSG as favorites to win their two-legged ties.
Speaking about the glamour tie at Radio Monte Carlo, he said: “In my opinion, PSG have a better advantage, looking at their form and that of Real Madrid.”
He continued, “But Real always have a winning DNA, especially in the Champions League, where they want to show their best side.”
Xavi gushed when asked about current PSG midfielder Marco Verratti.
In his humble compliment, he said Verratti is the player that most resembles him in today’s highly technical football.
“He is a perfect fit to my abilities,” Xavi said of the Italian footballer. “Technically he does everything right. He’s a utility player for PSG…I love his style of play and honestly, it’d be nice to see him play for Barcelona.”
At his age, the Spaniard is very close to the end of his fruitful football career. He talked about his future plans, away from football, and what he thinks would be a delight for every Barca fan.
He has been described as a player who has the Barcelona DNA – someone who has the taste for good football, someone who is humble and someone who has loyalty to this club.
“It is my dream, one of the many, to coach Barcelona,” the Terrassa-born star noted, adding that he understands the task needs lots of preparations and professionalism.
“I know everyone there, but first I have to be licensed,” he added.
Talking about former Barcelona ace, Neymar, the World Cup winner had nothing but praise for his Brazilian friend and former colleague.
“I am convinced that he will win the Ballon d’Or,” Xavi assured, “and he will definitely do it when Messi or Ronaldo’s form drops off…He’s born to be a winner.
“Everyone knows Neymar is a natural leader in the dressing room and on the pitch. He always wants the ball. He is always ready to give the supporters a show and do things well.
“I known him personally and he’s one of my best friends – a great person.”
Statistically speaking, Xavi is the most successful player in Spanish football history. He was dubbed the “puppet master” during his seventeen years at the heart of La Blaugranas.
