Many are of the opinion that Barcelona midfielder Xavi is coming to the end of his glittering career. The 34-year-old does not appear to have many years left in him, but Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla does not think so. According to him, Xavi is one of the best footballers on the planet. He is also extremely good at taking care of himself, which is the reason why he has been performing at the top level even at 34. He has praised the energy levels of Xavi by saying that he would be more than delighted have the same freshness at that age.

Xavi is a name synonymous with the passing style of football that has become so crucial to Barcelona. For all the praise that the likes of Messi and Iniesta get for scoring goals, it is the work done by Xavi that is crucial to their success. Cazorla has recognised this and has said that he would be happy to reach the level of Xavi by the time he retires. The former Malaga midfielder has been an instant hit at Arsenal since his £ 12 million move to the Premier league. Even though he will get competition from the likes of Mesut Ozil and the much improving Aaron Ramsey, Cazorla is expected to play a key role in Arsenal’s season nonetheless.

“I would love to reach his age and be as fresh as he is. He is one of the best players around, he’s a specialist in his position and no-one comes close to him. I can’t stand it when people say things like that,” said Arsenal midfielder, who has played with the 34-year-old at international level. During his stellar career Xavi has made an incredible 688 appearances for Barcelona. He has found the back of the net on 82 occasions being primarily known for his passing ability.

Xavi Hernandez, simply known as Xavi, is a Spanish professional football player who plays for FC Barcelona in the Spanish league and is also a regular in the Spanish national team, having led his country to three major titles including two European Championships in 2008 and 2012 as well as the FIFA World Cup in 2010. Having spent his entire career at Barcelona, the midfielder is considered as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation and is seen already as a legend at his club.

Born in the Catalan region of Spain, the playmaker joined the famed La Masia youth academy of Barcelona when he was just 11 years old progressed through the ranks before being handed his first team debut for the club. He spent three years cutting his teeth with the second team of the club in the lower divisions before he nailed down a first team spot for himself, replacing the legendary Luis Figo who had departed the club for arch rivals Real Madrid.

Born and brought up as a Catalan, the sentiment of playing for Barcelona is something that Xavi has talked about many times and although he has had several offers to play for various other clubs in the world, including AC Milan and Manchester United, he never abandoned his beloved Barcelona, sticking with the club through their lean periods before ushering in the greatest era in the club’s history that saw them win three UEFA Champions League titles in six years.

Xavi is also one of the most decorated footballers of his generation and is one of the greatest midfielders to have donned the red jersey of Spain and is seen by many as the country’s answer to several former legends in the Brazilian and Argentine playmaking role where he has created his own brand.