MX23RW : Wednesday, March 19 13:01:36| >> :60:2259:2259:

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
1Barcelona27193575274860
2Real Madrid28186459273260
3Atletico MadridAtletico28168446222456
4Athletic Bilbao281410446242252
5Villarreal27128749381144
6Real BetisBetis2812883835344
7Mallorca28117102834-640
8Celta Vigo28116114141039
9Rayo Vallecano2891093131037
10Getafe2899102523236
11Sevilla2899103237-536
12Real Sociedad28105132530-535
13GironaGirona2897123641-534
14Osasuna2771283339-633
15Espanyol2777132639-1328
16Valencia28610123146-1528
17AlavesAlaves2869133242-1027
18Leganes2869132643-1727
19Las PalmasLas Palmas2867153247-1525
20Real ValladolidValladolid2844201863-4516


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!