Xavi was raised practically from birth in 1980 to be soccer ’ s version of a quarterback – or , as they call it in Barcelona , a “ number four ”. Josep Guardiola filled the role in the Nou Camp stadium before Xavi , and Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas followed soon afterwards . Iniesta outdoes Xavi for pace , and Fabregas in his nose for goal , but Xavi is the ultimate master of the pass . This must be why Fabregas once said , with Xavian modesty , “ Xavi is several classes better than me .” Xavi hits passes , left to right , up and down , usually short , like someone filling in a crossword puzzle at top speed . It ’ s hard to recall him misplacing one . Just as the infamous Chelsea defender Ron “ Chopper ” Harris incarnated the foul , Xavi incarnates the pass .
A passer cannot do it by himself , the way a Messi or a Maradona can . Xavi needs an organized team to win . When Barcelona and Spain finally got themselves organized around him , trophies followed in a variety unprecedented in soccer ’ s history . Since 2005 , Xavi has won five Spanish titles and two Champions Leagues with Barcelona ; and a European Championship and World Cup with