“Stay with me, Xavi” cries FC Barcelona

"Xavi still has important role to play." Not my words. Those are of Luis Enrique's at the start of the season. And even at this vital juncture of the season his words have not changed rather Enrique wants him to stay even after the end of the current season. Xavi, after coming on as substitute most of the times, is changing the whole complexion of the match. He has more than 750 appearances for Barcelona, a club record, with a dream career for both club and country having won all the silverware there is to be won. With reports about him leaving his boyhood club at the end of this season to join Qatar just because he feels he can’t help the team anymore and wants to play more in the twilight years of his glorious career without even a remote possibility of facing Barcelona. Also Qatar reportedly offered him a coaching job as well which he wishes do to once he hangs up his boots. Many considered he was done after Barcelona's trophy less last season and Spain's World Cup debacle. Well here is why this is only our delusion that he is past it. Reality is Xavi is still of equal importance to Barcelona as he was few years back but in different ways.

The Catalan midfielder is already 35 and may be past his best but his displays after coming on as a substitute in El Clasico which not only defended Barcelona's one goal lead but also created chances to extend the lead by 2-3 goals only to be squandered by Barcelona forwards. Again came in as a substitute in the midweek game against Celta Vigo with score line being 0-0. Stopped the chaos in Barcelona's Midfield as Celta did not allow Barcelona time on the ball to string 3 passes together by their excellent pressing. Eventually the goal came from his corner kick with Mathieu heading the ball in the back of the net as Barcelona had to struggle to pick up all 3 points. Xavi started the match against Almeria, providing assist to Marc Bartra's goal from corner kick and marshalled the midfield for a comfortable 4-0 victory. He was again subbed in after his fellow partner in crime, Iniesta, was stretchered off the field which made him the player with most games ever in European competitions(169) surpassing Paolo Maldini(168). Despite playing for only 38 minutes, Xavi successfully completed 53 passes, more than any PSG player. Xavi's influence for closing the games is still remarkable. One of the best closers in the game. Well rested Xavi is still better than most of the current midfielders. For 30 minutes he is managing to play at his 2008-2010 best. I would have him playing 30 minutes for closing tight games and one odd start during cramped schedule.  This would not only keep him at the club he loves the most, his boyhood club, but also help Barcelona see off tricky games, not to mention the tactical inputs that he will provide during training and also mentoring youth La Masia starlets like Rafinha, Samper,  Roberto etc.

Here are some stats too. Xavi gave 4 assists in the last 328 minutes played for Barcelona, averaging an assist every 82 minutes. Xavi has given 8 assists so far in 30 games with half of the games coming off the bench as opposed to 6 last season in 47 games being a regular starter. Not a bad stat for a 35 year old substitute who is beyond stats actually. He brings composure, calmness in total chaos, control, creates space, and dictates the tempo of the game to suit him which in turn suits Barcelona even now while rarely relinquishing possession. His intelligence and physical ability to play between the lines knowing ‘where’ to pass, ‘whom’ to pass, ‘how much’ to pass and also very important ‘why’ to pass is still intact if rested properly. He is living proof that there is no age limit to be awesome in football. This video is the proof.

And his love for Barcelona

Xavi reaction to Busquets scoring a 93rd minute winner earlier this season vs Valencia

So for his, FC Barcelona’s, its player’s and all cules’ sake Xavi should stay at Barcelona and continue playing the Giggsesque role coming off the bench to kill the game and helping the youth and transferred players. "I hope he stays, for all he brings on and off the field. He represents everything it is to be a Barca player and how you should behave. An example for those of us coming up from below", said Mascherano recently which summaries this entire piece.