The midfield mastermind behind Spain’s consecutive European titles has backed his former teammates to go all the way at Euro 2016 in France. Qatar-based Xavi Hernandez also believes England will feel the burden of history as they head to France hoping to secure a first title since lifting the FIFA World Cup on home turf half a century ago.
Speaking exclusively to the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (www.sc.qa), the Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 winner said: “Spain is one of the candidates to lift the trophy. For me there are many favourites—France, Germany, Portugal, Italy, England—who are under historical pressure to win a title, but Spain has a team to compete well and go far.
“Then it goes down to small details, who plays against who in the quarters, semis, that will be the key. Spain has a difficult group, but will be one of the favourites. I will watch it closely from Barcelona, enjoying my holidays with my family.”
Looking ahead to Spain’s opening encounter in Group D against Czech Republic on Monday, the 2010 FIFA World Cup winner believes two of his former FC Barcelona midfield colleagues will be key for the defending champions.
“For me those who dictate the style of Spain at the moment are Iniesta and Busquets, they have to carry the weight of the team,” he continued.
“Both in terms of the human relations off the pitch as well as leading on the pitch, they will be very important. They have a lot of experience in important tournaments and a big role in Barcelona for many years, they will be decisive.”
Xavi, who made the last of his 133 appearances for Spain in 2014, now plays his club football for Qatar Stars League outfit Al Sadd. Looking at the current crop of talented players emerging from the Middle East, he also praised new Villarreal forward Akram Afif – who recently became the first Qatari player to sign for a team in Spain’s La Liga.
“One of the best news for Qatari football is that Akram Afif has signed for Villarreal,” he said. “It is a very good thing for Aspire, Al Sadd and the whole of Qatar’s population that there is a player in La Liga. It lets people in Spain and Europe know that Qatar is doing things well and preparing well.
“Akram is a football player of the present and the future, and he will be one of the leaders of the generation for 2022. It all depends on him—he has natural talent, and football qualities to show in Spain that he is a great football player.”
He continued: “Not only him, there are also other players from this generation of Under-23 players, and the new crop from the Under-19 side of coach Oscar Cano. I think Qatar is doing things well and Aspire is developing some fantastic players.”
The four-time UEFA Champions League winner concluded with a few words of wisdom for the Qatari youngster ahead of his first season in Spain: “I advise him to be professional, to be himself, not to hide, not to be afraid of this opportunity. He can really enjoy European football in Spain, and it is a great opportunity for him and all of Qatari football to show that they have great football players here.”