Former Barcelona and Spain star Xavi Hernandez is the perfect example of the ultimate midfielder, Granit Xhaka believes.
The 37-year-old, who now plys his trade in Qatar with Al-Sadd Sports Club, is regarded as one of the finest playmakers of his generation after playing key roles in helping Barca as well as La Roja dominate club and international football respectively.
His influence on younger players is evident as he was used as a reference point by Xhaka in explaining the importance of central midfielders in the modern game.
“As a midfield player we have a very important role,” Xhaka said in an interview with Pro Direct.
“The first touch is extremely important. With it you can open up the game, you can exclude 2-3 players with that first touch by getting distance from them so you can continue with your game.
“A good example is Xavi. Though he is not the fastest his first touch is like no other player just like [Zinedine] Zidane. That’s why for us midfield players the first touch is extremely important.”
Xhaka certainly produced a performance that Xavi would have been proud of during Arsenal’s comfortable 3-0 victory over West Ham United last night as he dictated the tempo of the game from start to finish alongside Mohamed Elneny.
He completed 107 passes – the most of any player on the park – at an 89% success rate, created three chances – one fewer than Mesut Ozil – and also managed to avoid being shown a yellow card despite winning just four of 10 attempted tackles at the Emirates Stadium.
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