“He’s the best player I have ever coached” – Barcelona boss Xavi heaps praises on former Arsenal midfielder
Xavi Hernandez, the current Barcelona boss, has described former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla as the finest player he has ever trained.
Cazorla gained recognition in Spain while playing for Malaga and Villarreal, but it was during his six-year tenure in England that he became widely known in the football world.
In his time at Arsenal, he amassed an impressive record of 29 goals and 45 assists in 180 games. After returning to Villarreal in the summer of 2018, he later moved to Al-Sadd, where Xavi served as the manager.
Cazorla thrived under his fellow countryman, scoring 23 goals and contributing 17 assists in 44 matches across various competitions. Although Xavi took charge of Barcelona in November 2021, Cazorla remains with the Qatari club.
When asked recently about the best player he has ever coached, Xavi named Santi Cazorla.
Snubbing the likes of Sergio Busquets and Robert Lewandowski, Xavi replied, via @BarcaUniversal: “Player I like? I can’t sign him because of his age, but Santi Cazorla. He is the best player I have ever coached.”
Cazorla’s tenure at Arsenal was marred by a severe ankle injury that necessitated eight surgeries to address gangrene, a condition that posed a threat of amputation to his right foot. Although he departed from the Gunners in July 2018, he had been sidelined since October 2016 as a result of this issue.
Having won the FA Cup twice during his time at Arsenal, Cazorla also had the opportunity to play alongside Xavi on 39 occasions for the Spanish national team. At present, Cazorla is 38 years old and his contract with Al-Sadd is set to expire next month.
“He’s the best player I have ever coached” – Barcelona boss Xavi heaps praises on former Arsenal midfielder