Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has revealed the best player he has ever coached.

The former Spanish midfielder termed former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla as the best player he has ever coached.

Cazorla made his name in Spain with Malaga and Villarreal, but it was his six-year spell at Arsenal that made him a household name. 

The former Spain international scored 29 goals and made 45 assists in 180 games for the Gunners before rejoining the Yellow Submarine in the summer of 2018.

After two years at Villarreal, he moved to Al-Sadd, where Xavi was the manager. In the 28 months together, they won the Qatari League, Emir of Qatar Cup (2x), Qatari League Cup and the Qatari Stars Cup.

Xavi became Barcelona’s manager in November 2021, but Cazorla continues to be at Al-Sadd. 

Asked to name the best player he has ever coached, Xavi Snubbed the likes of Sergio Busquets and Robert Lewandowski and according to BarcaUniversal, said, “Player I like? 

“I can’t sign him because of his age, but Santi Cazorla. He is the best player I have ever coached.”