Xavi Recommends Kimmich For Barcelona

By Max Wise

Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi Hernandez has lauded the qualities of Bayern Munich’s versatile German defender Joshua Kimmich, and says he would be a great fit for the Spanish champions.

Kimmich has emerged as a natural successor to Germany’s World Cup winning captain, Philipp Lahm, for both club and country, having been deployed in both defence and midfield in recent seasons.

Kimmich has been an ever-present for Bayern Munich this season, playing in all 17 Bundesliga games so far, whiles also featuring in every Champions League group stage game.

Pep Guardiola helped harness Kimmich’s talents when he was in charge of Bayern Munich and Xavi reveals how a conversation with his former Barcelona manager made him take note of the German defender.

"I spoke to Pep Guardiola, my ex-coach from Barcelona, about him," Xavi told Sport Bild at a media day in Doha.

“I knew right away that he could become a great player. He would be the perfect player for Barça, but Bayern is also at the same level and you can still achieve a lot.

“He is a defender but can play perfectly in midfield as a number six. He can be one of the best players in world football in several positions, maybe he already is.”

"In my career, I have always kept my eyes open to find players who would suit Barca. As Philipp Lahm could, Joshua Kimmich without problems [could] play at Barcelona, that would fit well."