Xavi and Pirlo: The two greatest proponents of two different styles

Pirlo

Pirlo is gifted with an incredible vision and is the first to see the pass that others cannot see

To put it as simply as possible, Andrea Pirlo is poetry in motion. The Italian maestro is a viewer’s delight. Everything is stylish about Pirlo, right from his neatly combed hair and perfectly groomed beard, to every touch taken off the ball and every pass made.

Quite evidently, not everyone can be a Pirlo. At 36, he remains to be the heartbeat of his team, both at the club and national level. In fact, since the turn of the 21st century, Pirlo has always been the heartbeat of Italian football.

What makes him so special is the way he has embodied the ‘deep-lying playmaker’ position, known to Italians as the ‘regista’. Italians have always primed their focus on tactical soundness and aim to win half the battle on the drawing board.

One common feature in Italian tactics, especially in the modern game has been on the importance stressed on the role of the regista. As mentioned earlier, the Italian style of play prioritizes defending the goal over everything else.

The logic is not to concede and score at least one goal in order to ensure victory. It is a pragmatic style of play and is highly effective, if executed properly. As shown by Juventus this season under the leadership of Massimiliano Allegri, the players defend deep into their own half and launch attacks on the counter in a matter of a few passes.

It is when launching incisive attacks that Pirlo becomes extremely essential. He is the link through which the team shifts from defence to attack. Pirlo, much like his professional counterpart Xavi, is gifted with an incredible vision and is the first to see the pass that others cannot see.

Also, due to his high technical ability, he can release the ball as fast as possible when under pressure and complete passes with near-perfect accuracy. Unlike Xavi, most of Pirlo’s passes are always direct and forward.

Since, the transition from defence to offence is supposed to be lightening quick, building play from the back and linking up with multiple players is not an option. Pirlo makes decisions and executes them within seconds.

He is equally adept at making ground as well as aerial passes. Although, his ability to deliver inch perfect, vertical long balls that dip just at the right time and make it as easy for the receiver to control the ball as possible is something that has defined him as a player.

In a defensive sense, Pirlo’s role is also unconventional. A general idea of effective defending is winning hard tackles and physically competing with the attacking player. Pirlo is not a physically daunting player and requires the support of an effective defensive midfielder to support him.

His partnership with Gennaro Gattuso at AC Milan and the Italian national team was devastating to say the least. This does not mean that Pirlo does not carry out his defensive duties. He is excellent at closing out the spaces and reducing the passing options for the opposition.

Due to his excellent understanding of the game, he can read passes, intercept them and retain possession. This makes it that much easier for the defenders as they get sufficient breathing space.

Understanding Pirlo’s role is rather simple- close out the spaces, collect the ball, see the direct pass and make the pass. Quite obviously, this is easier said than done. Although, for the soft-spoken genius that is Andrea Pirlo, it seems like it is easier done than said.

Both, Xavi and Pirlo contribute differently to their respective teams. However, one common feature that both possess is the remarkable level of composure. They are always calm throughout the game, whether it is a friendly, or a cup final, be it the first minute or the last.

When the going gets tough, they are the ones the players look towards to find the motivation to overcome the situation. The ‘Xavi vs Pirlo’ angle may have become popular, but true admirers of the beautiful game must view it as a ‘Xavi and Pirlo’ spectacle where they might get to watch both magicians perform together, albeit on opposing sides, on the same pitch, one final time.