Xavi: Messi would have done better in the Premier League

Barcelona midfielder Xavi

Barcelona veteran playmaker Xavi believes that his team-mate Lionel Messi would have done better in the Premier League because of the less defensive mentality of the oppositions.

The 34-year-old thinks that the Argentine would have thrived more in England because of the freedom we would have on the pitch compared to the less space he is offered in the La Liga. Messi, who has established himself as one of the greats of the modern game, has been a consistent force in the last five or six years.

Premier League isn’t so defensive

The 27-year-old has won four consecutive Ballon d’Ors from 2009 to 2012 and is also a three-time winner of the Champions League. Although he has been considerably successful against English opponents in Europe, especially against Manchester United, many have questioned how the little magician would have fared if he ever played in the Premier League.

Although, it is widely considered as the most competitive league in the world, Xavi stressed that Messi’s achievements would have been better in the Premier League.

Talking to BBC Sport, the former Spain midfielder said, "I think he'd be even better in the Premier League because it is not so defensive."

"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."

Louis Van Gaal is an extraordinary coach

Xavi also praised Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal, the man who was responsible behind his Barcelona debut. Although United have had an average start under Van Gaal’s reign, the Catalan playmaker thinks that he is a great visionary and the Old Trafford faithful should be patient with him.

"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."