There was a familiar aesthetic about Barcelona's midfield as they thumped fierce rivals Real Madrid 5-1 last weekend. The 4-3-3 system favoured during Pep Guardiola's halcyon era was in place, and within the central three there was a metronomic individual whose passing and movement reminded many of a former icon. In that match, Arthur, a Brazilian playmaker signed in the summer from Gremio, cemented his status as Xavi's stylistic successor.
Xavi was, and still is, such a unique footballer. While most great players are defined by a specific skill their passing range, dribbling ability, or precise finishing, say reverence for him is based predominantly around the machine-like consistency of his game. He made the complex appear simple, receiving the ball and finding a teammate, time after time, for the best part of his two decades with Barca. Others would have gotten distracted, bored or anxious performing this role, but Xavi didn't: he relished it, and he perfected it.
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