Johan Cruyff: Barcelona’s David Villa is more than just a goalscorer

Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has come to the defence of David Villa's poor club form, declaring 'El Guaje' as dangerous as ever despite the player struggling to find the back of the net in recent weeks.

"Villa is no less dangerous, despite going five games without scoring for Barca," Cruyff wrote in his weekly column El Periodico de Catalunya.

Cruyff is of the belief that the 29-year-old Spaniard possesses many qualities besides deadly finishing which justify his continued position in what is regarded as one of the deadliest attacking line-ups in world football.

"Just as Xavi is not in the field only to give assists, Villa is not only there to finish plays," the Dutch maestro added.

"Villa is synonymous with depth. It means always being ready to open passing lanes, to draw defenders and thus freeing space for other."

Criticisms of Villa's club form comes at an interesting time as he has just surpassed Spanish great Raul to become La Furia Roja's all-time leading goalscorer, thanks to his double strike against the Czech Republic.