Xavi didn’t hesitate when naming the three England internationals who would’ve “fitted” into Pep Guardiola’s iconic Barcelona team, which featured Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta.
Xavi, 45, played for arguably the greatest club side in Barcelona and the greatest national team ever with Spain between 2008 and 2012.
The former centre-midfielder was known for his technical ability and is widely considered to be one of the best Spanish midfielders of all time.
The 45-year-old was part of Spain’s dominant side, which won Euro 2008 and 2012, either side of the 2010 World Cup triumph.
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He played alongside Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso during his career, but never shared a dressing with England's best players - although he did face Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney in two Champions League finals (2009 and 2011).
Still, back in 2015, Xavi put together his dream British XI, which included Fraser Forster as goalkeeper.
Speaking to Shortlist, the former Barca man explained: "Barcelona have met Celtic four times in recent seasons, and every time Forster put in an incredible performance. In the games we’ve played, he’s made some of the best saves I have ever seen.”
In defence, he selected Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell and John Terry before he opted for Ryan Giggs, Scholes, Paul Gascoigne, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in midfield.
On Gerrard and Lampard, Xavi said: "John Barnes was one of the first midfield players I remember watching and appreciating his technical skill. Gerrard is just as good and, like Frank [Lampard], he has every attribute you need to be a Barcelona player.”
Theo Walcott was named as right-winger.
Speaking about Walcott, Xavi added: "We were playing Arsenal in London [in 2010], and we were winning 2-0, in total control. There was no way we should have done anything but win the game. Then they introduced Theo Walcott. He changed the game for them and it finished 2-2. We didn’t know how to deal with his pace.”
Finally, Xavi went for Rooney as his striker and waxed lyrical about the former Man United man.
“Wayne was very complimentary about the way Barcelona play," Xavi exclaimed. "He would have fitted into our style of play no problem, but Manchester United would never have wanted to let one of the best players in the world leave. He’s still the player who makes things happen for them."
Topics: Xavi, Barcelona, Pep Guardiola, England, Football, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Premier League
Luke Davies