Remember that age-old argument Cristiano Ronaldo fans use when debating the Portuguese star's dominance over Lionel Messi? “Ronaldo succeeded in the English Premier League, the toughest league IN THE WORLD!” Well, Xavi has now presented the Argentine's rebuttal.
According to the Spanish midfielder, his Barcelona team-mate and four-time Ballon d'Or winner would thrive in the English top flight.
Messi, once a target of Manchester City and Chelsea, has set La Liga alight ever since his Spanish Primera Division debut back in October 16, 2004. Despite claims the English Premier League's pace and physicality may prove to difficult for the 27-year-old, Xavi insists that the league's method of defending may work in the Albiceleste captain's favor.
"I think he'd be even better in the Premier League because it is not so defensive," Xavi 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."
Lionel Messi, who was once linked with a mega-money Man City switch, would succeed in the EPL, claims Xavi
The 34-year-old World Cup winner, who retired from La Furia Roja in August, opened up about Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal, the manager who handed Xavi his Blaugrana debut, praising the Dutch tacticians capabilities, whilst also advising the Red Devils to be patient with the former Netherlands coach in order to turn around the club's fortunes.
"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."
