We saw the best of the Dutch playmaker in our 2-2 draw against Brighton on Saturday.
Always looking to get on the ball and make things happen, Xavi provided the cross for Pedro Porro to open the scoring, hit the post moments later and then pinged home one of the goals of the season from 20 yards for a 2-1 lead, sparking scenes of jubilation in the stands. Unfortunately, maximum points were snatched away as Brighton levelled in the 95th minute.
Roberto had spells AC Milan and Napoli and won titles with CFR Cluj in Romania in his time as a professional before taking the first steps of his coaching career at Darfo Boario in Italy in 2013 and was delighted to see Xavi have such an influence in another vital game.
Speaking to SPURSPLAY afterwards, Roberto told us: “He’s lucky to work with me - not because I'm good, because I was number 10.
“What he thinks now, I thought 20 years ago. So, we have a special connection. I have a special connection with all number 10s I work with. I love a number 10. A number 10 has to understand that he has to score and he has to make assists, not just play to be nice to the people – goals and assists.”
Asked about Xavi’s performance in his post-match press conference, Roberto said: “He played very well, a great game. I think he can play better and better, because a player like this, he needs to feel confidence from the manager, and I stay here to transfer all the confidence he needs, because I was a player, I was number 10, and I think I know what he thinks, because I thought the same when I was a player. I think I'm lucky to have this player on my team, but also he's lucky because with number 10, I can understand better than other coaches."