Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernández has voiced out the priorities for the LaLiga winners in the summer transfer window while complimenting the club’s top players on the back of a good season.
The club has been linked with a move for possible players while departures of some important players has also intensified the need to add players in vital positions of the pitch.
Long serving players in Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have said their farewells to the club, while some deadwoods are expected to be taken off the books between now and September.
Speaking in an interview, Xavi said: “I need two signings in midfield. I lack an interior and with Busquets’ departure, we also need a pivot. This has to be the priority.”
Players like Martin Zubimendi, Ruben Neves and even Sofyan Amrabat have been linked with Barcelona to take up the role departed by Busquets but the club is yet to confirm a major Breakthrough in any of these deals.
Xavi also talked about the main stars in the team, from Robert Lewandowski, who won the pichichi in his first season with the club.
“Lewandowski has been the great leader this season. He’s very happy here. We are talking about a world class player. Robert has given us instant leadership. He’s an absolute winner.”
On the potential of Ronald Araújo becoming a captain at the club, the former Al Sadd manager said; “Sooner or later he’s going to be captain of Barcelona. He’s a natural leader.”
“Gavi puts passion into everything. He even has a point of unconsciousness. When I see him run on the pitch, I get goosebumps, because of how he competes. He’s wonderful, he’s good with both feet and he has a brutal personality.”
“Dembele is our most chaotic player within the order. He has some impressive virtues. He’s a huge player. We have found the ideal position for him. He only needs the final pass, to dare more.”
“He can be a 10 or a 2. And the goal is for him to be more and more a 10 than a 2. He knows more about football than anyone. His potential is enormous. When a full-back faces Ousmane, he sees a guy with a gun,” Xavi added
On Pedri, he said; “He does everything right. I see him even more similar to Iniesta than to me. I didn’t have the speed that he has. I want him to participate more. He now has an average of 70 or 80 passes, and I want 100 or 110 from him. When Pedri has the ball, my heart rate drops.”
Xavi, in his first full season as Barcelona manager won the League title and even though the performance in Europe has been nothing short of shambles, the Barcelona hierarchy beliefs he has what it takes to restore glory days.
And to be fair, looks like it’s starting to happen for Barcelona again.
Author : Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
