Steven Gerrard Gives Brilliant Analysis Of Barcelona's Appointment Of Xavi, He's Spot On

He scored in his team's 2-1 defeat to Barca and speaking after the match, the Aston Villa manager applauded the La Liga giants' decision to hire Xavi.

After a stint in Qatar, the Barca icon returned home to take over from Ronald Koeman and appears to have got the club back to their best.

He masterminded a stunning 4-0 El Clasico win before the international break, with Gerrard stating the 42-year-old has Barca in his DNA.

"I think that the choice of Xavi was a genius move from Barcelona. He has Barcelona in his DNA," the Villa manager said.

"He knows the style that all the people at Barcelona want to see and after a few complicated years it seems that they are returning."

Gerrard took Philippe Coutinho from Barca on loan this season and the ex-Liverpool man has starred since arriving in January.

The Brazilian international has weighed in with goals and assists, and looks to be enjoying his football at Villa Park.

Xavi is well aware of the talent the 29-year-old possesses as he pinpointed the player's mentality.

Speaking in November, the Barca boss explained: "Coutinho is someone who can play in various positions and he can be important for the team.

"He needs to re-find himself and recover his confidence. If he does, he will help us a lot. He has an innate talent.

"It's more psychological than anything because he has talent."