Xavi Hernández Emerges as EURO's Top Man


Spain midfielder Xavi Hernández Creus has been named the best player at Euro 2008 after his stirring displays helped his country to the title.

The 28-year-old Barcelona player, the heartbeat of Spain's midfield during the tournament, was voted the Castrol player of the tournament by a nine-strong panel of UEFA's technical experts.

He appeared in five matches at the finals, scoring once in the semi-final against Russia, as Spain earned their first major international success since beating the Soviet Union to win the 1964 UEFA European Championship. His ability to dictate the pace of the game from midfield brought him to the attention of the UEFA Technical Team who decide upon the Castrol Player of the Tournament, taking into account votes from the public.

UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh said: "We chose him because we think he epitomises the Spanish style of play. He was extremely influential in the whole possession, passing, penetrating kind of game that Spain played."

The 1-0 final victory over Germany in Vienna marked Xavi's 63rd cap for Spain since his debut – made together with team-mate Carles Puyol – against the Netherlands on 15 November

2000. He had been an unused squad player with Spain at UEFA EURO 2004™ in Portugal but was

a first-team regular by the time of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, and showed

maturity and no small amount of brilliance in Austria and Switzerland.

There was no place for Cristiano Ronaldo in the 23-man squad of the tournament however. Andy Roxburgh explained Ronaldo's absence was due to the fact Portugal did not progress further in the tournament. Nine of the 23 players in the squad of the tournament were Spanish, but Roxburgh said Xavi stood out.

Xavier Hernández was born at January 25, 1980, in Terrassa, Catalonia, Spain. He is normally known as Xavi. He currently plays for FC Barcelona and has been capped 60 times for the Spanish national team. He played for his country at 2000 Summer Olympics, 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004, 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008.

Xavi won his first Spanish cap on November 15, 2000 against the Netherlands and has since been a regular fixture in the Spanish squad.

Source: eufa.com, sportinglife.com

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