26.10.2007 14:19
Xavi: "We have to use Henry more"
Jaume Marcet
Xavi Hernández has not doubts that Thierry Henry will rediscover his best form with FC Barcelona and stated that he has been impressed with the way the midfield has operated in the absence of the injured players.
The Catalan playmaker explained that he was a fan of Henry when he played for Arsenal and still
sees him as one of the best forwards in world football. "Henry is a great player, an extraordinary
talent," he said. "It is normal that while he is adapting that he is not at the level he showed for
Arsenal yet. But it is only a matter of time."
A fan of Henry
The arrival of Henry has added great depth to the squad and given coach Frank Rijkaard more
options, according to Xavi. "He is very quick and has a fifth or a sixth gear," he continued.
"Maybe we should make more use of that, which is one of his strengths. He is player that can do
anything and it is important that we help him. The team is working towards playing more directly at
certain stages in games. We have to improve those things tactically and are working on thm in
training."
Messi, Gudjohnsen and Touré
Reflecting on the possibility that Lionel Messi may miss Sunday's game against Almería, as he
continues to work on a specific fitness programme, Xavi believes that all the forwards are
important, although he had special praise for the Argentinian. "He is a complete player, one of
those that has everything and it is not longer potential, it is reality," he explained.
On Eidur Gudjohnsen's return to the team, Xavi stated: "He is a player that operate in
midfield and has great technique." With Touré Yaya set to return, Xavi stated: "He allows us to do
other things, to dedicate ourselves to more creative tasks."
Almería outlook
Looking ahead to the game against Almería, Xavi believes that the visitors to Camp Nou will
not play in the same manner as Rangers did in midweek. "I do not think that they will have the same
approach," he said. "They are a daring team, who like to pass the ball and in the Bernabéu they
played very well. They go out to play attacking football and that could be good for us."