Ishmael Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Love how direct Navas is. Can't wait to see him in the Prem next season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Craig-NUFC Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Who in most peoples opinion ie the better player: Xavi or Pirlo? IMO its fairly clear that Pirlo is a much better player. He actually tries to create things instead of passing sideways all the time. He mightn't get 100% pass completion every game but when you get 100% pass completion is it not obvious that the player is just passing sideways. Difficult to compare the two. Pirlo hangs around the centre circle dinking long balls, whereas Xavi hangs a few yards off the play in whatever space he can find and looks for the through ball or pass to create space. I prefer Xavi because I admire his intelligent play, but the things Pirlo do stand out more because his passes and free kicks are more spectacular Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginola Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 We'd just be splitting hairs comparing Xavi and Pirlo. Two of the best midfielders of this generation. Iniesta. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishmael Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 "but the things Pirlo do stand out more because his passes and free kicks are more spectacular"... and very intelligent. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Village Idiot Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Xavi covers far more ground than Pirlo since he uses short passing instead of long range, and this has enabled Pirlo to age better hanging around the midfield line while Xavi has noticed more the decline of his athleticism. Pirlo is probably a bit better right now because of that, but I'd take Xavi in both their primes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishmael Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 I have a vivid memory of Pilro playing a ridiculous lofted ball onto an AC Milan striker years back in the CL. He had absolutely no right to attempt it as there was like 4-5 yards of space to aim for, but he somehow managed it and made it look like the sort of thing that should happen every week. Ever since then, I've loved the handsome bastard. Not picking the best out of him and Xavi though, neither deserve it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobody Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Who in most peoples opinion ie the better player: Xavi or Pirlo? IMO its fairly clear that Pirlo is a much better player. He actually tries to create things instead of passing sideways all the time. He mightn't get 100% pass completion every game but when you get 100% pass completion is it not obvious that the player is just passing sideways. Wow... Explain. Xavi is one of the best midfielders ever, to say that anyone is a much better player is ridiculous IMO. There are two midfielders better than him on the field right now. Iniesta is better right now, Xavi at his prime was better though. Pirlo definitely isn't nor has he ever been much better. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishmael Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 De Rossi is the best midfielder on this pitch. (just kidding, it's obviously Iniesta) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tooj Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 For me Iniesta's probably the best European player since Roberto Baggio. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
maybe_next_year Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Pirlo's ageing is an odd one for me, when you watch him play you can yes getting on and isn't physically all there anymore, but as VI says, the way he plays really helps him cope with that, I'd argue physically Xavi hasn't declined as much, but the way he plays that decline has had a much bigger impact. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishmael Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Iniesta can't shoot for shit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobody Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 For me Iniesta's probably the best European player since Roberto Baggio. Xavi was better imo, but Iniesta is such a joy to watch. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginola Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 For me Iniesta's probably the best European player since Roberto Baggio. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishmael Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Xavi should have turned towards goal instead of playing it sideways away from goal just Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Love Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Craig-NUFC Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Dat Shakira Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilson Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Pique man, you bastard. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishmael Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Brilliant last gasp defending by Pique. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
maybe_next_year Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Anyone using binoculars at a football match should be shot at dawn (by Shola, I'm not a monster) Shakira Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiresias Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 It's splitting hairs between them, iniesta is so great to watch. Xavi is the worst to watch of the trio, and has declined, at his best though could pass a ball through the eye of a needle 15 times in a row Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The College Dropout Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Some great and accurate things posted here. Don't get me wrong, I love Pirlo but I find people that really appreciate what Xavi does and Busquets too - understand the intricacies of the game more. With Pirlo it's often more obvious the great work he does. But Xavi - he's like Floyd Mayweather junior. It's a master class in movement, patience, finding the opportunity to strike etc. With Pirlo - it's probably easier to have him in your side. He just needs two very athletic midfielders beside him and he's ready to go. Xavi - he IS the system. The heartbeat of the Barca way. In another set-up without the cohorts it would be harder for him. Until the manager realises the rest of the players need to take their cue from Xavi. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishmael Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Italy fucked that break up. Had two chances to put men through and their players made the wrong choice of pass. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiresias Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Pirlo is also the coolest Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilson Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Pirlo is also the coolest Was just thinking that when he was stood there, one cool motherfucker. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishmael Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 Thought Buffon was going cost Italy again Pedro had a panic attack or something? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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