Is Xavi finished?

by Gil Wed Dec 04, 2013 7:34 am

I don't watch much of Barca these days but I caught the second half of the Bilbao game and it seems his powers are on the wane these days. He was getting overrun and bypassed by the likes of Susaeta and Ander that Tata was forced to bring him off for the inexperienced Sergi Roberto when they were in serious need of a goal, simply to put him out of his misery. It was like a replay of the Confed Cup Final where he was given the runaround by Oscar and co.

I'm sure Cules that are still alive to this day are regretting the sale of Thiago to Bayern each passing day while their ancestors must be turning in their graves at this very moment. It couldn't possibly come at a worse time. I can see Rosell making a move for Gundogan as early as January considering he's not cup tied in the CL.

It seems like out of the previous generation of midfielders including Xavi, Lampard, Gerrard, Deco, Ronaldinho etc that only Pirlo is worth a damn these days.

by Mamad Wed Dec 04, 2013 8:22 am

by Onyx Wed Dec 04, 2013 10:04 am

I think it's more of a tactical problem. Barca aren't what they were under Pep. They were way better with possession, pressing, movement etc. However obviously due to age Xavi does look less nifty, compared to a few years ago.

by futbol Wed Dec 04, 2013 10:39 am

He is finished but not as badly as the Athletic Bilbao game would suggest. He was just rushed back and playing with an injury again. Training individually with calf discomfort right now. He's actually better than last season. He just needs to stay fresh and not play twice a week. He's 33 but he has as many Champions League games in his legs as Giggs at 40. The most overplayed player in the last 5 years, despite chronic achilles injury.

by B-Mac Wed Dec 04, 2013 10:49 am

future United player Ander Herrera dominating Xavi Proud

by Hapless_Hans Wed Dec 04, 2013 11:19 am

B-Mac wrote:future United player Ander Herrera dominating Xavi

future Utd player lol. I've got 5 words for you: "imposters posing as United lawyers" rofl

by B-Mac Wed Dec 04, 2013 11:38 am

Hapless_Hans wrote:
B-Mac wrote:future United player Ander Herrera dominating Xavi
future Utd player lol. I've got 5 words for you: "imposters posing as United lawyers"

we will go back in properly for him in January it seems.....and have seen us linked with the "Next Xavi" in Atletico Madrid's Koke

by futbol Wed Dec 04, 2013 11:42 am

Where will Ander fit in at United alongside Thiago, Fabregas and Iniesta though? hmm

by B-Mac Wed Dec 04, 2013 11:44 am

futbol wrote:Where will Ander fit in at United alongside Thiago, Fabregas and Iniesta though?

Fellaini can be demoted to boot shiner

by Hapless_Hans Wed Dec 04, 2013 11:48 am

B-Mac wrote:
Hapless_Hans wrote:
B-Mac wrote:future United player Ander Herrera dominating Xavi
future Utd player lol. I've got 5 words for you: "imposters posing as United lawyers"
we will go back in properly for him in January it seems.....and have seen us linked with the "Next Xavi" in Atletico Madrid's Koke

tbh, I can rather see him joining Everton though. After all he will want to play CL Wink

by Helmer Wed Dec 04, 2013 11:56 am

Hapless_Hans wrote:
B-Mac wrote:
Hapless_Hans wrote:future Utd player lol. I've got 5 words for you: "imposters posing as United lawyers"
we will go back in properly for him in January it seems.....and have seen us linked with the "Next Xavi" in Atletico Madrid's Koke
tbh, I can rather see him joining Everton though. After all he will want to play CL

at least wait for today's match result :facepalm:

Ander build up pass for Bilbao's goal :bow:

by Valkyrja Wed Dec 04, 2013 12:04 pm

He's not what he used to be 2-3 years ago, but he is still a top3 CM.

by Arsenalfaithfull Wed Dec 04, 2013 12:09 pm

If Pirlo can revive his career, not sure why Xavi cant?

by Hapless_Hans Wed Dec 04, 2013 12:11 pm

Arsenalfaithfull wrote:If Pirlo can revive his career, not sure why Xavi cant?

Of course he can, just arguably there might be some change needed, as in Pirlo's case

by jibers Wed Dec 04, 2013 12:49 pm

he isn't finished. He's just not able to perform at his ridiculous levels, team changed it's style slightly and he is aged. Looks so immobile compared to 09/10 season.

by Lord Spencer Wed Dec 04, 2013 3:42 pm

Xavi have been overworked for 3+ years now. I think this is a similar case to what happened to Pirlo in has last years in Milan. Still a class CM even if not close to his usual elite standards.

However, "finished" is not the correct term. He offers a lot when in form. Also, the changes in styles from Pep to the roller coaster last season and finally with Tata is not helping.

Regardless, Xavi is a class player and can show up any time with a vintage performance.

by DuringTheWar Wed Dec 04, 2013 3:53 pm

He should move to serie a. Imagine schooling pirlo in his own yard

by Casciavit Wed Dec 04, 2013 4:05 pm

jibers wrote:he isn't finished. He's just not able to perform at his ridiculous levels, team changed it's style slightly and he is aged. Looks so immobile compared to 09/10 season.

by Lord Awesome Wed Dec 04, 2013 6:09 pm

Hell no, he ain't finished. I'd say it's the tactical changes that Tata has implemented in this Barca side. Barca tend to sit a lot deeper these days which, I would say it's a good thing, but Barca still don't have the Defense to withstand an organized Attack. Also, I've noticed that they make a lot more mistakes now when it's time to go out. Something I also attribute to Tata's tactics of making Barca sit deeper. Barca have players that are way better in the opponent's field than in their own. They also don't pressure as much when they lose the ball, either which has allowed more opportunities for their opponents to attack on Barca's turf.

by Donuts Wed Dec 04, 2013 7:18 pm

finished? no
gotten older and slower? yes.

by Khaled Wed Dec 04, 2013 9:59 pm

He's getting older, he can't play 60 games a season on high level any more. He simply needs to rest and he still can be a vital player in big games (if rested)!