A truly complete midfielder is rarely seen with weaknesses in their game, and that description perfectly suited Barcelona legend Xavi. The Spaniard slotted effortlessly into the Catalan club’s famous tiki-taka system, a style that helped them dominate European football under Pep Guardiola during a period the club itself later described as “the best Barca”.
Xavi formed part of Barcelona’s legendary midfield trio, controlling matches alongside Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. The three orchestrators also shone together internationally, helping Spain win the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2010.
Although the celebrated Spaniard never played in England, he regularly demonstrated his brilliance in the UEFA Champions League. Few midfielders, past or present, can rival his elegance on the ball — yet he once suggested the England national team had a player who “had everything”.
Xavi: Three Lions Star Deserved To Shine Brighter
Xavi in action for Spain
Xavi’s appreciation for English football actually began during his youth, when he admired players such as Southampton favourite Matt Le Tissier and Liverpool great John Barnes. In an interview with FourFourTwo, he once explained that “England breathes football in a way Spain doesn’t. In England, a footballer is like a god.”
While there is truth in that claim, there’s little doubt that Xavi’s former teammate Lionel Messi received similar adoration during his years at Barcelona. The Argentine superstar was the crowning piece of Guardiola’s dominant side, thriving in tandem with Xavi.
Many consider that Barcelona team under Guardiola to be the greatest club side ever assembled, and breaking into their star-filled starting XI would have been extremely difficult. Yet there was one English player whom Xavi — and several of his teammates — deeply admired.
Speaking in 2011, Xavi had high praise for one of the Premier League’s most respected figures:
"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."
It’s far from rare to hear Spanish players speak glowingly about Paul Scholes. Guardiola once admitted the Manchester United legend was the one footballer he wished he had managed, while Ander Herrera revealed he studied Scholes closely after arriving at Old Trafford.
Xavi went even further when discussing Scholes’ qualities, making a striking claim about how England had failed to fully appreciate him:
"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."
Xavi famously called Scholes his “idol” and first faced him at the age of 18 when Barcelona visited Old Trafford in the Champions League in September 1998. That campaign would go on to be one of the finest of Scholes’ career as he flourished in United’s historic treble-winning side.
The English midfielder scored in a thrilling 3–3 draw with the Catalan club that evening, one of four goals he registered in 10 appearances in the competition. Operating at the heart of Sir Alex Ferguson’s midfield, he was the team’s creative hub — a superb playmaker capable of controlling the rhythm of matches.
Xabi Alonso on England's Use Of Scholes
Xabi Alonso in action for Bayern Munich.
Scholes went on to become one of Manchester United’s most decorated players. His experience with England, however, was less successful. He was part of a promising group of players that ultimately failed to fulfill expectations, and retired prematurely in 2004.
Part of the problem was trying to fit him into the same England midfield as players like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, which often resulted in Scholes being shifted out to the left-hand side.
Xabi Alonso, who spent several years playing alongside Gerrard at Liverpool, later discussed England’s attempt to squeeze all three players into the same lineup. Speaking in 2011, he said:
"The collective ideal hasn't always been there. Paul Scholes maybe hasn't had the international career he should have. Or Michael Carrick: he makes those around him better, regardless of the fact that he's not the one who scores the most goals, or a great tackler."
Scholes himself later admitted he didn’t object to operating on the left, having played there at times for Manchester United. However, he acknowledged that then-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believed Gerrard and Lampard were better suited to the central roles.
The Salford-born midfielder represented England for seven years before retiring from international football in June 2004. His decision ultimately benefited Manchester United, as he dedicated the remainder of his career to club football at Old Trafford and played for another eight years.