Some elite footballers take a while to show their class, but Barcelona legend Xavi clearly doesn’t fall into that category.
The World Cup winner and multiple Champions League victor was one of the best of his generation, and it turns out he had the goods long before he even turned pro.
Given his on-pitch intelligence and passion for football, absolutely no one has been surprised to see him in the Camp Nou dugout today – his managerial career has been signposted for literally decades.
As part of Cristian Martin’s book ‘La Masia: Developing people beyond sport’, a detailed scouting report on a 14-year-old Xavi was published in full. It’s probably a better write-up than a fair few senior players would ever get, and we’ve tried to break it down piece by piece.
Running
“He runs on his heels, his movements are slow and he has trouble picking up speed.”
An easy solution, here. Just make sure you’re always in the right space to begin with – that way running becomes less of a concern.
Balance
“Average.”
The Xavi of 2009-11 would never be described as “average” in any regard. Proof that there’s always some room for improvement.
Coordination
“Good. His movements are correct but lack speed.”
Is this the first time ‘the first yard is in his head’ has been applied to a teenager?
🗣️Leo Messi: “He is the best player in the history of Spanish football.”
🅰️ Assist in 2009 final 👌
🅰️ Assist in 2011 final 👏🎁🎂 Happy birthday, Xavi Hernández! 🎂🎁#UCL @FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/1pP1PWeI9Q
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 25, 2019
Flexibility
“Average. He needs a lot of work in this regard.”
*Neville Southall voice*: Well done, he’s 14.
Skill
“Good, without it being his forte. He has the resources in his game to take advantage of any situation.”
We’d love to know which players got top marks for skill around the same time, and what they’re doing now.
Fitness
“Good. He has everything a good midfielder should.”
We’re starting to think a good scouting department is pretty useful.
Muscle endurance
“Good.”
We’ll take your word for it.
Speed
“Average. He has to improve his agility and speed of movement.”
Has to. You hear that, Xavi. You’ll never get anywhere without improving that part of your game.
Starting Speed
“Average.”
He’s no Mario Rosas, is he?
READ: The mystery of Mario Rosas, the man Xavi called ‘a mix of Laudrup and Messi’
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