MX23RW : Monday, January 13 20:12:16| >> :60:322:322:

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:
Written by
Matt Law
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
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico19135134122244
2Real Madrid19134243192443
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona197472725225
9Rayo Vallecano196762222025
10Real BetisBetis196752123-225
11Osasuna196762328-525
12Celta Vigo197392830-224
13Sevilla196582128-723
14Las PalmasLas Palmas196492429-522
15Getafe194781316-319
16Leganes194781829-1119
17AlavesAlaves194592131-1017
18Espanyol1944111731-1416
19Valencia1927101829-1113
20Real ValladolidValladolid1933121337-2412


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!