Gerrard labels Barca's signing of Xavi a "masterstroke"

Xavi Hernandez's arrival to the sideline at Barcelona has resulted in an almost unrecogniseable team compared to the one that was faltering at the start of the season. Since Ronald Koeman left, the Catalan club have unlocked their potential and shown a much better version of themselves.

This change has been recognised across the footballing world. Most recently, Steven Gerrard has been the one to praise Barca's manager. Gerrard spoke to the press after playing in a Liverpool legends v Barcelona legends match against Xavi.

"I think the choice of Xavi was a stroke of genius by Barcelona. He is someone who has Barcelona in his DNA and who was a world-class player for so many years. He knows the style that everyone around Barcelona wants to see. And after a difficult few years they seem to be getting back to where they need to be."

He finished his interview with a comment about the 'Clasico': "It was a huge result against Real Madrid. As a Barca fan from a distance I like seeing them doing well".