Who is the World's Best? Candidate 5

Xavi Hernandez: Xavi is the ultimate complete midfielder. Xavi, a Barca product, has really erupted in popularity over the last two years or so. Xavi is best known for his ability to keep the ball in the tightest spaces and create for his teammates while under pressure. He is the gel that keeps Barcelona together. An excellent player with the ball at his feet, Xavi uses both feet and his fantastic turning ability to take him away from trouble and often pass remarkable through-balls or shoot from distance. Xavi, like his teammate Andrés Iniesta, relies more on his technique than most players, but that is why he is so unique. The Euro 2008 Player of the Tournament defends and aids Barcelona in producing the flowing football it has football fans accustomed to watching whenever Barça steps on the pitch. He's been performing so well of late that Marcos Senna, Spain teammate and Villareal player, has stated that Xavi is the best player in the history of football.

The complete player, Xavi Hernandez received some recognition this summer for his classy play. Easily one of the best players in the world, Xavi is still not given all the credit he deserves. Although he is a player with no glaring weaknesses, at times he struggles against athletic teams and players because he does not possess the physical attributes like speed or strength to be the most dominant player in the world. When he does take on teams that mark him closely and play him physically, he drifts in and out of games.