Game Intelligence
Below is the original copy of a technical report on FC Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez during his third season signed for the club. Xavi signed for Barcelona at age 11, and by the time of this report aged 14 it was clear what attributes would help to forge an outstanding career at the highest level. The full report reads as follows:
Running: He runs on his heels, his movements are slow and he has trouble picking up speed.
Balance: Average
Coordination: Good. His movements are correct, but lack speed.
Flexibility: Average. He needs a lot of work in this regard.
Skill: Good, without it being his forte. He has the resources in his game to take advantage of any situation.
Fitness: Good. He has everything a good midfielder should.
Muscle endurance: Good.
Speed: Average. He has to improve his agility and speed of movement.
Starting Speed: Average
Rapid strength: Average
Control: Excellent. He offsets his lack of speed in movement with exceptional ball control.
Passing: Very good. He should improve with his left foot, but this is his great strength on the pitch.
Crossing: Good. He is almost never forced into this action.
Shooting: Acceptable. He should improve this for when he gets forward in attack, like Guardiola.
Running: Very good. He has a good sense of protecting the ball, he almost never loses it.
Dribbling: Good. Without being his best asset, his technical level is impressive.
Positioning: Excellent. It is undoubtedly his best quality. He is always where he should be and always offers support and an option for teammates.
Aggression: Average. His eminently technical style sometimes makes this aspect difficult to judge.
