Messi Would Be Even More Better in the Premier League – Xavi

The Argentine superstar has tormented La Liga and Champions League defenders for the last 10 years, and his team-mate believes he would find more space in England

Lionel Messi would be even better in the Premier League because he would find more space, according to Barcelona team-mate Xavi. Over the past 10 years Messi has established himself as one of the greatest footballers ever, winning three Champions League titles and four consecutive Ballon d’Or trophies from
2009 to 2012, and is on the verge of breaking Telmo Zarra’s record for La Liga goals at the age of 27.

Many in England have wondered how the Argentine superstar would fare if he ever left Barcelona for the Premier League, and Xavi insists his team-mate would torment defenders even more severely than he has managed in Spain.

“I think he’d be even better in the Premier League because it is not so defensive,” the 34- year-old told BBC Sport. “When defending against Barcelona, they [English clubs] play on a 1 v 1 basis, defending with passion, a lot of energy. But Leo would find more spaces than in La Liga.”

Xavi also had words of praise for Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal, the man who gave him the chance to make his Barcelona breakthrough and succeed Pep Guardiola at the heart of midfield in 1998.

“I think that Louis van Gaal is an extraordinary coach,” he added. “He works very well in the tactical and technical side of the game. He is very capable of succeeding with a great challenge.

“I think Manchester United should be patient with him so he can achieve the goal with his system and be able to transmit his coaching values.”