A scouting report card on a 14-year-old Xavi has emerged and it highlights how he already excelled in key areas that would define his playing style.
The Barcelona legend arrived at the club’s famous La Masia academy at the age of 11 and spent the majority of his playing career at the Camp Nou.
Xavi lifted eight La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, three Copa del Reys and six Spanish Super Cups during his 17 years with Barcelona’s senior team.
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The Spaniard went on to play for Al Sadd before announcing his retirement in 2019, with Xavi now managing the Qatari side.
Xavi is now linked with a stunning return to the Camp Nou after Ronald Koeman was sacked as Barcelona manager.
Ahead of his appointment as Barcelona boss, a fascinating scouting report on the Al Sadd head coach has appeared in Cristian Martin’s ‘La Masia: Developing People Beyond Sport.’
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The Barcelona report spotlighted 14-year-old Xavi’s impressive control, passing, running and positioning, all of which would help him thrive in his formidable midfield partnership with Andres Iniesta.
Posted below is the scouting report on Xavi, which Marca has translated from Spanish to English.
“Running: He runs on his heels, his movements are slow and he has trouble picking up speed.”
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“Balance: Average.”
“Coordination: Good. His movements are correct, but lack speed.”
“Flexibility: Average. He needs a lot of work in this regard.”
“Skill: Good, without it being his forte. He has the resources in his game to take advantage of any situation.”
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“Fitness: Good. He has everything a good midfielder should.”
“Muscle endurance: Good.”
“Speed: Average. He has to improve his agility and speed of movement.”
“Starting Speed: Average.”
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“Rapid strength: Average.”
“Control: Excellent. He offsets his lack of speed in movement with exceptional ball control.”
“Passing: Very good. He should improve with his left foot, but this is his great strength on the pitch.”
“Crossing: Good. He is almost never forced into this action.”
“Shooting: Acceptable. He should improve this for when he gets forward in attack, like [Pep] Guardiola.”
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“Running: Very good. He has a good sense of protecting the ball, he almost never loses it.”
“Dribbling: Good. Without being his best asset, his technical level is impressive.”
“Positioning: Excellent. It is undoubtedly his best quality. He is always where he should be and always offers support and an option for teammates.”
“Aggression: Average. His eminently technical style sometimes makes this aspect difficult to judge.”
Koeman was axed as Barcelona manager after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Vallecas on Wednesday.
“The president of the club, Joan Laporta, informed him [Koeman] of the decision after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano,” reads Barcelona’s statement.
“Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad on Thursday.”
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Xavi, Barcelona, La Liga, Spain, Football