The 30 best players in World Cup history
By James Dudko
17. Xavi, Spain
No player symbolized Spain’s dominance of the international scene from 2008-12 as well as Xavi. A slight diminutive midfielder, he should have been trodden underfoot by the game’s thundering herds.
Instead, Xavi remained wonderfully aloof. Finding space in the logjam of midfield proved second nature for the player who became the launching point for his country’s long-overdue emergence as a global power.
Spain built success on a seemingly endless production line of mini marvels who treated the ball with a deftness and care usually reserved for a once-in-a-lifetime love.
The graduation roll call reads like a who’s who of creative geniuses, with Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Cesc Fabregas all earning passing grades. Yet Xavi was the first, the senior figure among Spain’s master craftsmen.
His touch and control were flawless, while his efficiency was unparalleled. Those qualities helped Spain become the best side defending with the ball of all time.
They also gave La Roja an enviable cutting edge in attacking areas. Xavi provided such when he assisted Fernando Torres’ winner against Germany in the final of Euro 2008.
Yet it was in 2010 when Xavi was at his peak. He shuttled across South African pitches with the controlled precision of a surgeon. He was magnificent during the last 16 win over Portugal and against Germany in the last four.
Platini may have had more dynamism, but Xavi won the trophy and epitomized how his country rose to the summit of the game.