The departure of Pep Guardiola proved a hinderance rather than a help for Xavi, who initially failed to step into the role vacated in the Barcelona midfield.įour seasons passed without silverware before the arrival of Joan Laporta breathed new life into the club, with the appointment of Frank Rijkaard as manager resulting in an upturn in fortunes.
Van Gaal’s tenure came to an acrimonious end as financial issues and in-fighting led to a barren run for Barcelona, whilst Xavi struggled to find his role in the side and attracted criticism for the perceived lack of ambition in his passing range. That success was not a prelude to what was to come, however, not at least in the immediate. He scored his first goal in a Spanish Super Cup defeat to Mallorca in August, with his breakthrough season resulting in La Liga success for Louis van Gaal’s side as the youngster broke into a team featuring names such as Luis Figo, Patrick Kluivert and Rivaldo. The midfielder’s diligence in possession and close control caught the eye as he progressed through the ranks in Catalonia, before making his debut as a teenager against Lleida in March 1998. Xavi’s education of course came from Barcelona’s fabled La Masia academy system, though – whilst talented – his was not a rise always destined to scale the heights he reached. When the combination proved correct, the vault burst open, passes scything through defensive lines as the ball, kept so relentlessly, was lent briefly to the back of the net. Each pass represented a patient approach to cracking the code, sapping energy from legs and frustrating tired minds.
Xavi was in essence the epicentre of a footballing ideology that delivered unprecedented success for club and country, the midfield metronome and beating heart of a side who passed opposition teams into submission.īarcelona and Spain were the high priests of possession-based football and tiki-taka, their faith unbreakable.
Perhaps a sentiment also true on the international stage.įew players have ever been better exponents of the take the ball, pass the ball philosophy, the mantra behind Barcelona’s brilliance and Spain’s supremacy during an unforgettable footballing era. Xavier Hernández can claim to being the brain behind arguably the greatest side club football has ever witnessed.
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