Editorial

The Goal.com 50: Xavi Hernández (5)

Goal.com's Top 50 players of 2008 continues with Barcelona and Spain playmaker Xavi Hernández, who has enjoyed a spectacular year at both club and international level.

Jan 12, 2009 12:10:40 PM

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Xavi - Barcelona (Firo)

Teams

5 - Xavi Hernández - FC Barcelona, Primera División - Score: 222

Barcelona had been more than happy that Xavi Hernández's talents had never seen him gain much publicity, and he was viewed as something of a polished gem that only they fully appreciated. But now all that has changed.

The 28-year-old playmaker's ability has always been appreciated outside of Camp Nou, of course - only not to the extent that he is now recognised, because previously he rarely made the limelight.

While the Blaugrana may have struggled in the first half of 2008 as Frank Rijkaard's reign as coach came to a subdued climax, many of the club's star names were about to make headlines of their own at an even higher level.

Many Catalans may not glow at the thought of Barça's players making themselves famous in the red of Spain, but only the staunchest supporter would begrudge the stars their moment in the international spotlight.

Fernando Torres and David Villa may have continued to be the names to excite pundits and fans alike at the summer tournament in Austria and Switzerland, but they would be the first to admit that they would not have enjoyed any success without the creative forces in Luis Aragonés' team.

Just over two years ago, Barça enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in their history as they lifted the domestic title and the Champions League, but Xavi missed most of that season through injury.

Key Performer

Many asked if Barça really were unable to do without his services due to the team's success in his absence, and there was even talk in the following months that the club could cash in and let him leave.

But Joan Laporta's unwillingness to let any homegrown stars leave has paid dividends, as 2008 has shown that Xavi is a vital member of both the Barcelona and Spain teams.

Even as Rijkaard struggled to earn results to prevent his last season at the helm from petering out too early, the Terrassa-born midfielder shone at times when his team-mates were unable to raise themselves.

In the Copa del Rey semi-final against Valencia he netted an equaliser in the last minute of the first leg in Camp Nou and that goal looked to have given Barça the edge over a struggling Che outfit.

At international level he did the same, showing that his new-found willingness to push up and attack the area was giving him even more of an edge as the goal that beat the United States in a Euro 2008 warm-up game proved.

That form did not desert Xavi when the tournament itself began and he came into his own by displaying his full range of passing and creative play that has won him so many plaudits at club level.

Individual Award

While his goal against Russia in the semi final will be remembered, it was his build-up play and command of the midfield that made the Blaugrana star stand out and win him not only a team trophy but also the ultimate individual award.

Named UEFA's Player of the Tournament, Xavi was inevitably selected in the competition's best XI, and followed that up by being one of the five finalists in the FIFA World Player of the Year.

For a player who does not like the limelight, his talent alone has come to the fore without the hype that can often surround those widely regarded as among the best in the world.

After a brief holiday, Xavi was back at Camp Nou and ready for a new era under Pep Guardiola, the coach alongside whom he played for Barcelona in his early years in the first team.

The new trainer's understanding of a player in the same mould as himself has led to Xavi raising his game to yet another level, and without Ronaldinho and Deco to compete with, he has also shown his ability at set-pieces and corners.

Barça are top of the league and the favourites for the Champions League trophy, and if they do succeed in winning their first major silverware since 2006, then a lot of credit will be due to Xavier Hernández Creus.

Team Prizes:

2008 UEFA European Championships

Individual Accolades:

2008 UEFA European Championships
Named as the UEFA Player of the Tournament
Named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament

Lucas Brown, Goal.com