Xavi: I think Spain are among the favorites because they just won the Euro, because they have a group that has been working together with Luis de la Fuente for years. They are doing things very well, and I think they have players in every position who make a difference. There is a lot of talent in every position, competitive players, with experience, some who have already won everything. The World Cup, obviously, is different, but I see them as very strong. I think Luis de la Fuente is doing an excellent job, and he has the confidence to make a difference. Decisive players up front, a very solid midfield, a defensive line that mixes experience and youth. It will be very difficult to beat Spain.
Xavi: No, I think Spain is very similar to Barça or other teams that want to have the ball, that want to be protagonists with the ball. Luis de la Fuente is not one to speculate. He wants to press high, keep the ball, play in the opposing half… He is an attacking coach. It is true that at certain moments, they know how to drop back well. When they are in the lead, they defend well and then, with Lamine and Nico, go on the counterattack. They are also strong in transition, they dominate all facets of the game, but I would say that Spain is a very attacking team, that wants to dominate and be protagonists in the game. Watching Spain play is a pleasure for the spectators.
Xavi: It's quite similar. Both want to have the ball, both want to be protagonists. Luis Enrique, for example, is a coach who doesn't conceive of retreating. He wants to press and press for 90 minutes. Hansi Flick, for example, plays with a very high defensive line, and each tactician has his own approach. But in the case of Spain, there is a great resemblance to what Barça and Paris Saint-Germain want.
Xavi: Ousmane is an exceptional player, we knew that from the moment he arrived at Barcelona . We saw his full potential, we worked hard to make him feel comfortable and happy. We saw a player with a great capacity for progression, a real desire to learn, and he progressed enormously with us. Then the offer from Paris Saint-Germain arrived, he went to Paris and there, he completely exploded. He is happy there, he feels like the star of the team, of the project. And on top of that, they won the Champions League, where he shone with many goals and assists. He made the difference. He is an exceptional player, and the Ballon d'Or is more than deserved.
Xavi: It's beautiful, isn't it? It represents the three host countries: Mexico, Canada, and the United States. It feels fine and pleasant to the touch. I have wonderful memories of the Jabulani. We won the World Cup with Spain, the first in the country's history, an extraordinary event. I think this new ball will be a hit because it symbolizes the entire organization surrounding this World Cup. So, let's enjoy this great World Cup.
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