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

Steven Gerrard has hailed Barcelona's managerial appointment of Xavi as a 'masterstroke' in glowing praise.

Gerrard returned to Anfield on Saturday as he led a Liverpool legends side against Barcelona legends in a charity match.

Image: PA

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.

Image: PA

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.

Image: PA

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."

Topics: Xavi, Liverpool, Football, Barcelona, Steven Gerrard