MX23RW : Friday, November 8 21:03:49| >> :120:11231:11231:

Gerard Pique praises Xavi

Spain defender Gerard Pique praises Barcelona and international teammate Xavi, who he believes will thrive at the World Cup.

Spain defender Gerard Pique has lavished praise on Barcelona and international teammate Xavi.

The experienced midfielder spent periods out of the Barcelona XI last season, but he remains a key player for his country, who are currently preparing for the World Cup.

"I think Xavi is arriving really good for the World Cup. Obviously for his style of play, he doesn't need to be really strong or really powerful," Pique told Sports Illustrated.

"All he needs is to be focused, concentrated and trying to be at his best in touching the ball quickly, thinking really fast. Xavi is one of the best midfielders in the last decade because he changed a little bit the how to play football.

"Before, everyone is running and running and running. Xavi never runs. The ball runs; he stays. So he changed a little bit how we play the game."

Xavi has been strongly linked with a move away from Barca this summer.

ID:159224: cacheID:159224:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1956:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona scores the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between FC Barcelona and Celtic FC at Camp Nou on December 11, 2013
Read Next:
Pique: 'Del Bosque is best ever'
>
Read more about Xavi Gerard Pique Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Bengals
34-35
Ravens
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!