Xavi was a world class player earlier too but his qualities became much more emphasized under Pep.
So before being coached by Pep how was Xavi regarded?
Xavi wasnt in the top 10 before 2008. Lampard and schooles were absolutely killing it way before xavi.
Tough one but I do know Pirlo is sexier.
You forgot walter samuel
Pirlo, but after Xavi
Why this strange question?
I think are a number of players who are not seen as great until their career is done or almost done. Xavi is probably more recognised because of the great Barca and Spanish teams of his era. Pirlo’s most successful period was in the 00’s, and as we all know, football fans have short memories.
For me, Pirlo was the better player. Just like Scholes, his reputation has grown when the players who played with and against have retired. Then you get the true answers.
This sub everyday:
who is the better/best/goat playerAs a United fan who was watching the CL a lot and see us linked to every player every year
Pirlo was talked about more before 2008 was very respected as the base of that AC diamond but was seen as not available
Xavi was someone fergie was very interested in from a few accounts -bwirh scholes having an eye problem for a difficult year he was one of a few up and coming players he thought could do the job.
By the way who is xavi without ini and busquets??? These fools need to wash their mouths out xavi had reached his level before those two started to kick on
Some people, even more so FCB fans, are not aware that Cesc left for Arsenal because he could see Iniesta was in front of him… And was not getting any playtime!
I guess it’s more forgivable than the Arsenal fans that conveniently don’t know that Cesc was considered and received awards as the best player in his age group when Wenger “discovered him”. Some discovery.
Pirlo was regarded higher, while Seedorf was more regarded than Pirlo back then. Barca were having ups and downs during that period, including 2007/08. The season Barca won the double (2005/06), Xavi got an injury and missed out from the quarterfinals onwards, while Milan were flying in Europe that period.
Pirlo never got to the heights Xavi reached though.
Pirlo was an incredible player and easier on the eye, but Xavi was a better all round player.
He was the player that dictated the two greatest teams of a generation. Most time on the ball, touches and passes every game for the most possession dominant team in history. His stats for passing, accuracy, through balls, goal contributions etc are still way out in front of any deep lying playmaker to this day. He did it in a better league and consistently at a higher level in the CL than Pirlo.
The fact this is even a question shows how truly underappreciated Xavi still is.
Wrong question. Pirlo was better even after Pep coached Xavi.
But that doesn’t mean Pirlo would have been better in Barca or Spain. Their style fitted more Xavi’s skill.
Before 08 I’d say Pirlo. He’d been to a few CL finals and obviously won the WC.
Post-08 it’s surely Xavi. Part of arguably the best team ever.
Strangely, both are regarded as amongst the best midfielders ever, but in their respective teams were probably 4th most important, with Pirlo at AC behind Sheva, Kaka and Maldini, and Xavi behind Messi, Iniesta, and Pique.
Xavi wasn’t behind pique and many Barca fans argue he wasn’t behind iniesta either
Iniesta>Pirlo>>Xavi
Its Pirlo for sure, Xavi hasn’t really “impressed” people during 2008 yet. However after winning 2 euros, 1 wc & 2 ucl within 5 years, I’m pretty sure the debate would be over.
Context matters. Pirlo didnt have a Guardiola and a Messi. Still, look at his CV
I don’t think that helps much. Ancelotti, Kaka, Seedorf, Shevchenko, Nesta, Maldini, Cafu, Gattuso, Inzaghi.
Of course it does. It’s hard to stand out with that team because they’re not just goal oriented. Pep placed a high value on Xavi, and Messi scored a lot of goals. That’s the only difference.
Pirlo’s pass to Grosso against Germany was worth half a WC on its own.
I really don’t think Pirlo was particularly well regarded at the time. I feel like only towards the end of his career did he get the love he deserved.
I really don’t think Pirlo was particularly well regarded at the time.
Were you alive at the time?!
Pirlo was widely considered amongst the best midfielders/playmakers in the world in the 2000s and early 2010s.
Xavi made the goat club side tick.The brain and maestro of those great Barça teams frm 2006-15?
I have many vivid memories of watching pirlo play for both club and country. I really just remember Xavi as part of that barca squad.
Won 2 Euros and a World Cup. Maybe you wasn’t paying attention from 08 to 2012