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?
pirlo
xavi was considered a great player for barcelona, but untill the EC 2008, pirlo was clear ahead
he had a platini route, great player that reached his peak in his mid to late 20s
pirlo, who is just a year older, was already considered great in his early 20s at milan was already considered a world class player
both of them are great imho
Pirlo I’m biased (🇮🇹 bloodline speaking) but seeing Pirlo play on TV or on a football pitch, it was like seeing a Master at work pure Art.
Although I think that Xavi was somehow like a catalyst because 2008 I would argue that Andres Iniesta was a better player than Xavi was. But is that related to the fact that Iniesta had a more "visible " role? I can’t answer.
But then again, for me nobody (except Zidane probably) surpassed Andrea Pirlo
Before 2008, this wasn’t a discussion. People would think you’re crazy for comparing these two.
While Xavi always was a capable midfielder, it was Pep to truly play to his strengths. Before Pep, he had to play a more defensive, stationary role behind traditional number 10’s such as Ronaldinho and Deco. But Pep sent Ronaldinho and gave the Xavi-Iniesta duo the freedom to rule the midfield. Without needing to carry the load of a lazy number 10.
Pep knew what Xavi needed, because Pep himself was a very similar player. I mean Pep was more physical and a better holding midfielder, but he too would’ve shined if any manager gave him the role that he gave to Xavi.
All that being said, I’d actually consider Xavi and Pirlo equals. I think Xavi managed to catch up with Pirlo; but I wouldn’t say completely surpassed. Pirlo was just as good of a playmaker, a maestro in the midfield who led his teams to the top.
Agreed, great take.
The only difference between Pirlo and Xavi is that Xavi played with Messi at club level, and with about 6 other world class midfielders at international level. Pirlo had quality teammates as well, but not to that level.
And even so, Pirlo still won everything and showed greater longevity and adaptability than Xavi.
2023 brain is terminal
Explain how I’m wrong
Pirlo played with Balon d’or winners on that Milan team
If not Kaka, Shevshenko, Crespo, Gattuso, Seedorf, Nesta, Maldini, etc., who would you say where the best players in the world at the time?
That Milan team was as good as that Barca team
Nobody on that Milan team is on Messi’s level, and if you watched 2009, you would realize just how much playing with Messi inflated Xavi’s assist tally.
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.
Tough one but I do know Pirlo is sexier.
You forgot walter samuel
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.
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.
For me it’s always been Pirlo although I won’t be surprised if Xavi is concluded the better player
Pirlo, but after Xavi
Why this strange question?
This sub everyday:
who is the better/best/goat playerPirlo 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.
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.
As 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.
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
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.