Fan lists 5 things Xavi 'never gets credit for' – includes getting the best out of €86m signing

Despite the domestic success of last season, Xavi often gets criticised by Barca fans.

One Cule, nicknamed Dray on Twitter, names at least five things the Blaugrana boss has 'never got credit for'.

Let us analyse them.

1. Signing Oriol Romeu and Jules Kounde

Well, it was not Xavi to sign them both – we should rather hail Mateu Alemany for this. However, it's a good thing that the Barca boss personally pushed for most signings, even maintaining contract with the players to convince them to join Blaugrana.

2. Developing the three-box-three formation

At some point last season, Xavi decided to field four midfielders that form a box in the middle area.

Even though this system is disliked by some, it really helped us in the glorious La Liga campaign last season.

3. Immediately making Alejandro Balde the first-choice left-back

That's a great point. Instead of relying on ageing Jordi Alba, Xavi bet on the team's rising star – and it paid off completely.

Actually, the way he worked with the club's veterans deserves some praise. Xavi showed that no player is irreplaceable, even after Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique hit their best form under the Barca boss.

4. Barca's defensive solidity

The B-A-C-K defence was truly iconic last season, even though it still conceded many chances and largely relied on Marc-Andre ter Stegen's great form.

Xavi's role here is still massive, though. Playing Kounde at right-back, putting Ronald Araujo on the right in Clasicos, trusting Andreas Christensen – these are some truly great decisions made by Barca's head coach.

5. Getting the best out of Frenkie de Jong

Even though the Dutchman was actually great under Ronald Koeman, now he really deserves the 'best midfielder in the world' status.

Following the arrival of a 'stop-gap' called Oriol Romeu, Frenkie finally gets the freedom he needs on the pitch.