Former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder, Yaya Toure revealed Xavi Hernandez taught him how to be an elite player during his time at Barcelona.
Between 2007 and 2010, Toure made 118 appearances for Barcelona. Playing a significant part in the midfield for the Blaugrana alongside Xavi. The maestro is now shining in the dugout as the manager of the club after being named one of the greatest midfielders of all time.
Both individuals contributed significantly to Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League victory over Manchester United in 2009. Though Toure ultimately played center back that night behind Xavi due to an injury emergency.
What Did Yaya Toure Say About Xavi?
In reflecting on that Champions League victory, Toure revealed that Xavi had taken it upon himself to include the Ivorian in pre-game tactical meetings. And teach him about life at Camp Nou.
“Xavi was a big example for me, for [Sergio] Busquets, because he knows the culture,” said Toure, speaking on BT Sport podcast James Richardson’s Kings of Europe as reported by 90min “When I arrived, I remember when we at the table eating, he would come to me, he would bring [Andres] Iniesta to me and talk about how we had to play.”
“That’s how I try to educate my groups at Tottenham, the fact that these players were elite-level players,” Toure admitted. “It’s the final, you’ve scored two goals, but you’re still focused, still committed, concentrated. [Xavi] did not lose his concentration.”
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In the end, Toure would lose out to Xavi in the competition for playing time in Barcelona’s midfield. Which led to a move to Manchester City in 2010.
He would go on to win many laurels in the blue half of Manchester. And subsequently became one of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the English soil.
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