Xavi Simons: The next big thing?

There have been many players in the past who have been titled 'the next big thing' but not everyone has lived up to the hype. Being good in the academy and excelling at the top level are very different things.

There are hundreds of next Ronaldos and Messis all over the world but only time will tell how many of them justify that hefty tag.

But Barcelona's Xavi Simons has all the makings to be a real star in the future.

What's all the hype about?

Named after the Barcelona Legend, great things are being expected of this 14-year old. For a midfielder who is only 14, he sure looks to be head and shoulders above other players in his age group. He currently plays for La Masia. A Dutch site called him “Barcelona’s golden curls”.

He started his career at Villareal but left as his father was unhappy that he was playing three years above his age group. After impressing Chelsea scouts, Simons' parents were offered a bumper cash deal by the Stamford Bridge outfit. But they rejected the offer and eventually, La Masia signed up the 14-year old.

Style of Play

Unlike the former Xavi, the wunderkind has more of an intense and aggressive mindset. He controls the play with masterly flair and that makes him a joy to watch. With pinpoint passing accuracy and enviable technique on the ball, this boy sure looks destined for greatness if he can keep it up.

Last season, Xavi Simons' team scored 164 goals and won all of the 25 games. They conceded just 14 goals, thereby cementing their stature as one of the most gifted teams in La Masia's history.

This season, they also competed in the prestigious MIC International Cup in Costa Brava and despite Xavi Simons giving his best they were defeated by none other than Real Madrid in the final. Simons was deservedly awarded the MVP award. After the match, Barca TV’s Jaume Marcet described 12-year-old Xavi as 'a spectacle'S

Simons himself said this after the final, “We played well and had many touches on the ball, but it didn’t want to go in. We were the best team and we played better than them. Bad luck. I was nervous before the game but when I got the ball, I wasn’t any more". If a 14-year-old with a mentality like that doesn't make it, then I don't know who else will.

Xavi Simons with his 4th youth Ballon d'Or in a row

Future Ballon d'Or winner?

The way he is currently developing, accumulating 4 youth Ballon d'Ors in a row, surely tells you a lot about his abilities. Just a reminder, he is only 14 and has the whole world at his feet at such a tender age. With a skill set like that, it will be no surprise if he breaks into Barcelona's first team in upcoming years.

After his impressive displays, he is currently being pursued by none other than super agent Mino Raiola who shaped the careers of players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba. Raiola is in talks with Xavi's father who is currently his agent to sign the teenage sensation.

Who is Xavi Simons' idol?

Well, there are no prizes for guessing who is the teenage sensation's idol. Xavi Simons is named after his idol, as his mom and dad are Barcelona fans. At the time Simons was born, the 23-year-old Barcelona midfielder was a household name in the world of football.

Xavi Simons met the Barcelona great while having his medical at La Masia and told a magazine, "I met him when I was having my medical, I told him my name is also Xavi, he laughed. It was funny. He’s my idol. I know it’s difficult but I will do everything to make it".

Xavi Simons' Skills

The future looks bright for Barcelona, especially with talents like Xavi Simons. Who knows, in 10 year time, Xavi Simon is the first name on the team sheet and coached by the man he was named after. He has all the ingredients that are required to succeed at the top level and make him a star in the future. There have surely been many wonder kids, but this one is worth keeping an eye on.