In football, the result is an impostor. You can do things really, really well but not win. There's something greater than the result, more lasting - a legacy.
XaviRead
In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen — the most complete — is Scholes. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything. He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn’t give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Xavi admires Scholes as a complete central midfielder, highlighting his skills and contributions to the game.
In this quote, Xavi expresses a deep respect for Paul Scholes, noting his exceptional ability as a central midfielder. He underscores Scholes' all-rounded capabilities, including playmaking, scoring, and strength, while also hinting at potential biases in player valuation based on nationality.
Themes
ScholesMidfielderFootballSkillsTalent
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a football discussion to highlight the importance of versatile players.
More from Xavi
All quotes →In futsal, you see whether a player is really talented. You notice the small details in quality, class and tactical understanding.
XaviRead
In England, footballers are respected more, the game is more noble, there's less cheating. Every Spaniard who goes loves it - and comes back a better player. If I had ever left, it would have been to England.
XaviRead
I spend the entire 90 minutes looking for space on the pitch. I'm always between the opposition's two holding midfielders and thinking, 'The defence is here, so I get the ball and I go there to where the space is.'
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