Xavi Hernandez has discussed former Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta and Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon and Paulo Dybala.
Ex-Barca captain Xavi also weighed in with a comparison between Gonzalo Higuain and Luis Suarez prior to the Champions League Quarter-Final between La Blaugrana and the Old Lady.
“Suarez and Higuain are the best strikers in world football at the moment. For me, Suarez is the best No. 9 in the world. He has everything: physicality, good movement, he’s smart, he works for the team,” Xavi told Marca.
“Higuain is similar. He’s not at that level, although he’s a striker who makes a difference. He can run 30 or 40 metres and play in tight spaces.
“Iniesta? He’s got several more years at the highest level, he’s a spectacular player and he’s doing well. He’s had the misfortune of a few injuries and sometimes the recovery can cost you. He’ll continue to make the difference as in the last few years and he’s got football in his boots. I think he’ll sign a new contract but that depends on him. I see him able to keep going.
“Dybala would fit in perfectly with the players Barca have. He’s got a lot of talent. He can play for any big team. His talent is natural, at a high level. He’s young and ready to play for Barca. Making a difference in Italy and with a team like Juventus isn’t easy.
“Buffon is a key player. He’s the captain and this has been his alma mater for a long time. He’s an emblem of the team and a natural leader, an example for any player. It’s not a coincidence he’s played 1,000 games because he’s one of the best goalkeepers in history and he’s responsible for a lot of Juve’s success. It’s an honour to have shared a generation with him and I want to express my admiration.”
