Xavi should stay at Barcelona for a few more years

Xavi is one of the finest midfielders of his generation

One of the best players to come out of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy is Xavi. The 33-year-old midfielder is one of the finest playmakers of his generation and will soon find himself on lists as one of the greatest midfielders ever in a few years. The legendary player has won a host of personal awards including 1 World Soccer Player of the Year award, 4 IFFHS World’s Best playmaker awards and 6 UEFA Team Of the Year awards. Unfortunately, age catches up to everyone, and there have been rumors of Xavi planning to quit the club, which he almost did in 2008 when Bayern Munich expressed their interest in him, but I feel the midfielder still has the ability to play on for more years much like Manchester United veterans Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. Various MLS clubs have been interested in the midfielder who is capable of playing in any club in the world.

Xavi, who recently made his 701th appearance for the Catlans against Levante UD, still has the ability to dictate play and influence the game. The Spain international still has pace left in him which is rare for players over 30 which is one of his biggest advantages. The stalwart showed he was still a very important member of the national team during Euro 2012 where he provided two brilliant assists in the finals against Italy just like he did in the previous tournament for Fernando Torres‘s goal and became the first player to assist in two finals of the competition in the process. It can be safely said that Barcelona owe the success of their famous Tiki Taka style of play to Xavi and his midfield partner Iniesta. Barcelona will use Xavi as a first team regular for a few more years before using him sparingly in favor of younger talent much like Manchester United did when they used Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs less in favor of Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick.

Whenever the question arises of who can replace Xavi when he decides to hang up his boots the answer is simple. Xavi is irreplaceable. Players like Xavi come just once in a lifetime but there are a few talented players out there who can fill the void left by the classic passmaster. One option is Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere. The Englishman has the passing skills of a Spanish player and has been incredible this season for the Gunners. The 21-year-old has it everything from accurate passing skills to an incredible finishing ability. Barcelona were reportedly interested in Wilshere and with good reason the midfielder is perfectly capable of playing in a team at Barcelona due to his incredible skills. Although the midfielder is unlikely to leave Arsenal anytime soon he can surely fill Xavi’s enormous shoes at the Camp Nou club.

Another potential replacement is Atletico Madrid’s Koke. The 22-year-old has been compared to Xavi due to their similar playing style but it remains to be seen if the youngster keeps up his performance through the years. Koke has a pass accuracy of 85% and has made more key passes and goal scoring chances than any other Barcelona player. If Barcelona want a Xaviesque player Koke is the man they should go to.

If Barcelona want a home grown replacement for their midfielder they should look at Javier Espinosa. The 21-year-old is currently a part of the B team scoring 11 goals in 83 appearances including 5 goals last season. It is doubtful if Espinosa will have the same impact as the “Puppet Master” but he certainly deserves a chance.

The MLS is and has been the home to many world class players who wanted a new challenge including David Beckham, Tim Cahill, Robbie Keane and Thierry Henry who have had successful careers in the United States. If Xavi decides to quit his boyhood club while he is still ahead then it can be guaranteed that he will be equally appreciated and loved in America.