Who can carry forward Xavi's legacy at Barcelona?

Barcelona are on the look out for a successor to Xavi

With passes that stretch the defense open in no time, and through balls that are normally impossible to execute for any midfielder, FC Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandez is arguably the best complete midfielder in this current generation.

His partnership with Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi forms the a marvellous triangle for Barcelona, as their mutual understanding and awareness has been tormenting defenses for a long while now. Xavi has reached the age of 33, and has hardly shown any signs of tiring, incompetence or medical ailing which players at his age normally suffer.

However, it’s about time that Barcelona begins scouting around for a potential and deserving successor, and the following is the list of 5 candidates who can carry forward the legacy of Xavi.

1. Ilkay Gundogan

This Borussia Dortmund playmaker has already been christened as the ‘next Xavi’ by the press, and that’s because of his passing skills, composure, vision and movement, all which are very similar to the Catalan midfielder. His young age, and mature behaviour off and on the pitch have contributed to him being one of the frontrunners to be brought in to the Camp Nou. Although he is yet to get some experience on the International level, he is arguably one of the best upcoming talents in global football. His performances in last season’s Champions League made him stand out, and it wouldn’t be long before major clubs fight for his signature.

2. Jack Wilshere

The Arsenal midfielder is one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League with his passing, first touch, movements and vision making him stand out among the others. He has brought in a lot of confidence to the Arsenal squad and has already raised eyebrows among the European giants, particularly Barca. Although, Barca will have to shell out a huge amount of money to land this signing, it will be unlikely that Arsenal would sell him, unless they have a financial crisis.

3. Sergi Roberto

This La Masia graduate is one of the finest young talents that the Barca academy has produced in the past few years, as he has made a mark for himself in his club’s first team with his pace, passing and crosses. He has thus enabled himself to play either at midfield or the flanks. His age and composure has added to his perks, as many at La Masia still consider himself as a potential Xavi successor, with him having the backing of the academy’s management. Xavi has publicly backed this player to be his successor, and with the player being the legend’s personal choice, one can’t help but imagine him to be regularly playing in the Starting XI within the next two seasons.

4. Ander Herrera

The Athletic Bilbao midfielder made his professional debut in the 2009-09 season with the second division and was made a part of the first team in 2009, after which he has made 52 appearances. Ander Herrera may not be a very eminent personage in the football arena, but those who really know him have prophesized him to be the next Xavi Hernandez. The 21-year-old footballer is blessed with an exceptional vision and passing skills. Having ruled out a move to Manchester United this past summer transfer window, it’s for everyone to see where this versatile midfielder decides to move, if he feels he deserves a bigger challenge.

5. Marco Veratti

The 21-year-old plays as a midfielder for French club Paris Saint-Germain, and has shown some inspiring performances for his club, having brought him into the spotlight and attracting attention from major European giants. His dribbling, technique and passing enable him to play as a midfielder or in a role higher up the pitch. Although his agent has ruled out a transfer for him in the near future, it all depends on the player and his playing time. The player has publicly stated that he wants more playing time, in order to play for the Italian national team in the World Cup next year. Although PSG has not yet commented on his statement, it wouldn’t be long before the player would seek a move out in the January transfer window, thus bringing him under the radar of the Catalan giants.

Although the players mentioned above have sent the rumor mills churning many a times, it ultimately depends on which rumor is more likely to be the stronger, or rather, which player’s jersey deserves to be in the Camp Nou dressing room the most. Whom would you choose?