How Comparable is Pedri and Gavi to Iniesta and Xavi?

In this analysis I'm going to be interpreting data such as the amount of games, minutes, starts, goals, assists, and assist per 90 these Iniesta, Xavi, Pedri, and Gavi had during their respective seasons. I would also dig in the heat maps they established during specific games.
Data and Graphs from: fbref.com and fifa.com
Please let me know if you like this format and who to analyze next!

[@phoenix7756]

2009: Xavi, Iniesta, Busquests 2023: Gavi, Pedri, Busquests

[@usedtobejosh_dinkshotst_t575]

lmao busquests longetivity

[@shaggy1425]

2037: Gavi, Pedri, Busquets Jr.

[@abrahamronquillo3515]

2025: Gavi, Pedri, De Jong

[@runamasishunku3467]

2040: pedri jr, Gavi jr, busquets

[@robcurios740]

@@runamasishunku3467 lmao 😂

[@ramymedhattobia]

talking stats is different from talking about playstyle, while pedri is similar to xavi and iniesta gavi isn't similar to any of them

[@benniz8]

that is true. was just curious how similar were their stats during those first years of their careers. Pedri is basically a combo of Xavi and Iniesta, while Gavi sometimes shows glimpses of them, he is a different player due to his aggression.

[@bigdz8535]

Exactly gavi is a great dribbler and a good creator they both remind me of iniesta

[@thegoat8447]

gavi is a spanish vidal

[@ankurrathore1528]

Agree with you gavi not similar to anyone.. He is aggressive

[@emh691]

@@bigdz8535 fax

[@25slyfox]

Neither one reminds me of XAVI and Iniesta. Yes they're special but Xavi and Iniesta were something else, they had that wow factor every time they played. However if we are speaking as a formidable duo in midfield then probably as they both compliment each other well in midfield.

[@matyigyori9757]

Pedri is better than both of them were at his age. Gavi is similar

[@25slyfox]

@@matyigyori9757 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@christopher152]

Mate, you're comparing Iniesta and Xavi's 15 years careers to two kids that just got started. As Matyi pointed out, Pedri and Gavi are already at a more advanced level if you compare them to a 20 or 18 year old Xavi and Iniesta. That's facts you can look up yourself. Also something both Xavi and Iniesta has said themselves. There's still a looong way to go for Pedri and Gavi to reach the careers of Xavi and Iniesta but they're still very young and are probably going to be playing for another 12-14 years on the highest level.

[@25slyfox]

@@christopher152 😂😂🤣

[@jga7887]

@@25slyfox Man your just proving your braindead. Xavi and Iniesta are greats of the game. But come on, you need to agree that pedri and gavi are putting up better stats than xavi and iniesta at their age. They both are legends of the game but you can't count out perdi and gavi.

[@linusxv181]

Both are actually more comparable to Iniesta, nobody has a playstyle closer to Xavi. If there's someone on the team who is closer to be compared to Xavi, I think it could be De Jong.

[@lt7601]

Barcelona doesn't have player like Xavi who can control the tempo, Maybe De Jong is close enough. People didn't noticed and always talked about Iniesta and his flashy skills but Xavi used to dictate the game.

[@tristanleyp4190]

Finally there are some people who really understand football 👏👏👏

[@jug1415]

Well it is not wonder why in Europe they have struggle since Xavi left Barça after the treble… they tried to find someone with that tempo and cable to Marie the changes and a freaking glow in the boot to put those passes that broke the defensive line. Arthur had those skills and potential but as most Brazilians he preferred to party and football after or even last before he was an established player

[@rayenharchay821]

Stats used to compare: minutes played, nbr of games, goals and assists and most importantly heat maps. What a great analysis! Truly remarkable

[@benniz8]

and you still watched the video :)

[@rayenharchay821]

@@benniz8 and hit the dislike button ✅

[@kieran9882]

I haven’t watched Gavi enough to fully judge but is he more like Ngolo Kante, a box to box ball winning midfielder?

[@sanusoora3626]

Nah he can also play as a false winger and also has a ball wining trait so can't say kante tbh

[@somnathghoshal103]

You should watch him more then because he came as a 16 year old Pokemon that has since evolved a lot, he can play the wings preferably left interior, all of midfield while pressing the entire time Barça lose possession. And what according to me he lacked a bit of last season was his creative passes and forward runs into space (mostly he was playing a different position) which he has massively improved since, the best part is he can do it all so effortlessly and the amount of fouls he used to commit has also gone down significantly. It's such a joy to witness talents like Gavi, to see their game evolve before our very eyes is a treat.

[@debdeepchattoraj8684]

Bro at 5'8 he is in the top 10 midfielders in La Liga for aerial duels won at 24! That stat alone is fucken incredible to me.

[@lin5772]

Not really, Gavi is very good between the line, very technical although not technical as Pedri and that kid got unlimited stamina

[@Anonymous-nv5ji]

Nah not at all. He has too much of output in attacking/creation areas. A vital clog in the attacking/creation sequence, very technical on the ball, creative too, has a underrated marvelous ball (crosses) in him + his off the ball work is off the charts. Sheer passion & ball of energy. No comparison whatsoeve' with Xavi & Iniesta but neither of them had such game at this age. So yes Gavi & Pedri are special but a long long way to go..

[@Parent4544]

Great video man, keep up the good work!

[@thato596]

Good analysis

[@marcsugi]

I see Pedri as combo of Xavi and Iniesta. His tempo and positioning is Xavi, but the way he moves with the ball and his calmness is so Iniesta, which is a higher compliment because no one to this day I saw has the composure of Don Andres. Pedri is pure eleganism, while Gavi is pure chaotic in a good way that has no resemblance to both legends. Gavi IMO is simply Gennaro Gattuso put further upfield. Like the Rhino, his intensity alone will disrupt the opponent, and he is quite tricky on the ball too.

[@ericjones7300]

LOL. I was watching an old AC Milan game the other day and Gattuso was wreaking havoc. I thought of Gavi. And, yes, Pedri is skill + smarts. A combo of Xavi and Iniesta. Very composed. Extremely clever at times. Great passer of the ball. Huge difference when he's out there, which is why (unfortunately) coaches rarely give him any rest.

[@milktea2422]

There’s a lot to unpack on this topic. The fact that they aren’t exactly the same in play style is one. I also feel like because the whole squad isn’t like that of 2010 or before, pedri and Gavi must take on different roles. In the past Barcelona was about complete domination of possession, nowadays with an aging Busquets it’s very hard to play that way, so often Gavi and most of Barcelona’s midfield are pressing- and they are pretty damn good at it. They’ve also had the trust of coaches for a long time-pedri at 18 playing like 72 games and every minute at the euros shows you how much players and coaches rate him unlike netizens. The difference is that one actual knows what they know, and one talks online. I think they may not become like Iniesta and Xavi, since Barcelona are not dominant in all positions like they once were, but they will most definitely thrive if kept healthy the majority of their career. Since this is a transitional phase for Barcelona you probably cannot expect them to have been as dominant as Barcelona once was with their team filled with top 75 players of all time. So you must look through a lens with context. They also are playing with the reminisce of Spain golden generation. Basically they may never win or be as successful as Xavi and Iniesta but that won’t take away form the potential and how good of players they might be, you gotta remember team sports are about a team, you may have a star player who’s always in the headlines but that because they players behind him were able to stay on equal footing as other teams so the factor that changed the game was him since they were equal.

[@midfielderlounge2592]

Xavi was way more agressive than gavi in his early days

[@marcorocchettimellit3498]

Great analizing and video! Keep doing this things please! You think you could do a playstyle comparing of Bellingham-Musiala and Pedri-Gavi? New sub!

[@sidbeyonder9613]

Really well explained video bro, keep it up. Pedri and Gavi will be key to Barca!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@benniz8]

thank you man!

[@sidbeyonder9613]

@@benniz8 :)

[@ardennt1658]

I love this video!

[@Magic0YT]

both are totally different duos with so much positive characteristics 🎉

[@RedDevils-pv1km]

Really insightful video, these two youngsters have quite a future ahead for them. Also if im being completely honest you could use a much better mic, the sound quality could make a big difference in any video. Great vid regardless and keep it up 👍

[@benniz8]

Noted!

[@Hache_m1]

Amazing Guy In Explaining.

[@benniz8]

appreciate it!

[@diegosanabria1495]

great analysis you handsome devil.

[@sebamedina5052]

Amazing video

[@benniz8]

Thanks!

[@Pant10]

Nice analysis

[@benniz8]

🙌🏼

[@HughesE79]

Good video

[@BloopSuperJuice]

gavi and pedri in 5+ years will be UNPLAYABLE

[@shimzamani2955]

The video made me smile

[@Kushagra.j]

Subbed!

[@benniz8]

thank you!

[@ionlytalkboxing3648]

Just to let you know. Stats don't tell everything. Nowadays people anly look at stats and not the players themselves.

[@anshumansahu1087]

Sometimes I imagine what will happen if we ever get to see a midfield of Foden, Pedri and Gavi.

[@benniz8]

would be great

[@ankaramesi3824]

Unbalanced af

[@wisher9823]

All 3 of them can't tackle lol, you don't need 3 fancy playmakers, it won't work.

[@r3load403]

@@wisher9823 what? xD Gavi is literally the most agressive player on the planet :D this guy can tackle and also win duels against centre-backs.

[@Dark-lf6su]

bro we don't need foden,frenkie can control the tempo soon he will master that

[@havetrustissue8975]

Only Pedri have the potential to match Xavi or Iniesta level, Gavi is hard working player but not elegant enough to match those legend but he could still be as successful as Xavi and Iniesta with his warrior mentality.

[@gabbrielpa]

this felt like a presentation for like english finals or something

[@benniz8]

why you gotta do me like that💀

[@callmeprice]

Gavi is nowhere near xavi or iniesta,he has a more aggressive play style

[@sarahdavilio2575]

Today against Real you could see how much they missed de Jong

[@ericjones7300]

Yes, de Jong. And Pedri. Barca's record over the past 2 years when Pedri is injured isn't very good. They're a completely different team when he's on the field.

[@youngking9024]

Should compare their play style that's the comparison

[@alexschwallz1954]

I don't see similarities between Pedri and Gavi with Xavi or Iniesta. Pedri reminds me more of Riquelme and Gavi is more like a superior technical version of Gattuso.

[@marvinschneider9309]

Gavi and Xavi are 100% different. This comparison doesn’t make any sense

[@benniz8]

its comparing more their contribution, not their playstyle

[@aaronalmanza9939]

Gavi is definitely a mixture of Vidal and Iniesta

[@lone_walker611]

I think it's surprising how similar Xavi and Gavi's stats are since they are actually two completely different kinds of players. Xavi was perhaps the greatest passer of the ball in history and had the ability to regulate flow in a manner which is unprecedented. Gavi is more similar to how Deco played except that he's more prone to drifting out wide. Still hope that they carve a legacy just as lasting as Xavi and Iniesta.

[@Prasko131]

There is a high possibility Pedri will become the GOAT midfielder if he wins a lot of trophies but the skills are definitely there. Like Xavi he has great vision and passing and also can control the game. Like Iniesta he has amazing dribbling and technique. His shooting isn't on a Gerrard or Lampard level but it's still pretty good and he has time to make it better. He really has to work on his stamina as he can barely even walk in some games after 80 minutes even at this age.

[@edwardelric715]

Internationally I dont see Spain performing that well in the next couple of Euros/World Cups

[@abuwaleed5020]

Hater

[@lucuamis4691]

Pedri y Gavi tiene una increíble calidad quizás la suficiente para superarlos ( a Iniesta y Xavi) pero en títulos no creo que se acerquen bueno a menos que en españita todos entren en su prime y ganen el mundial y al menos una Eurocopa en champions quizás una o dos

[@faridjasmi8227]

You cannot compared to xavi and iniesta..xavi and iniesta are special..that's why they are creating victory by winning a lot of trophy..they have passion and vision

[@samueltharu]

Do not compare ! They are Pedri and Gavi ! Every one is unique !

[@emh691]

pedri=xavi gavi-iniesta

[@lt7601]

Pedri = Xavi hahhaha

[@emh691]

@@lt7601 ????????

[@jasonajasona2025]

new xaxi and inesta if messi came back he dont need to run he passes a killer pass always.i hope messi come n play with pedri n gavi.. if he play for Barcelona again he can play upto 40

[@azizbader9087]

The comperable between tiki-taka and TikTok

[@benniz8]

goated comment

[@Luis-tz6zi]

Lo de iniesta es demasiado

[@primosjcjm]

I think both pedri and gavi are currently closer to iniesta than to xavi

[@ankaramesi3824]

Both of them more like iniesta very less similarity with xavi

[@B2leave]

An analysis (if you can call it that) based on these kinds of stats is completely redundant. I appreciate that the more advanced stats weren't available back then, but unfortunately that means you're left with the choice between not doing this video at all and finding a more create as well as time consuming way of comparing the players.

[@josephchavez9525]

All we need is Messi or the next best thing upcoming

[@kami4397]

If Messi could come back right now it would be a dream. He would have an actual midfield to pass him the ball and barca has a good defense aswell.

[@letsgo8814]

That goal against Chelsea was a disgrace.

[@mosemobuckland4287]

Lewandowski/Ferran Yamal/Cancelo/Ferran Felix Romeu Gavi Gundogan Fermin Balde/Cancelo Araujo Christensen Kounde/Cancelo

[@kwandangidi8489]

Gavi is like verratti

[@benniz8]

similar!

[@thegoat8447]

not at all, Veratti's dribbling and ball control is only similar to xavi(only ball control), Gavi is more like Arturo Vidal

[@kwandangidi8489]

@@thegoat8447 tf

[@lilsxmi7332]

@@thegoat8447 kante*

[@lt7601]

Only Verratti and Arthur playing style is similar to Xavi, Maybe only his name Gavi is similar to Xavi.

[@dominantintrovert8138]

Ain’t gone lie Musiala gives me Iniesta vibes

[@agustindiazrodriguez7863]

Pedri Potter magic y Alberto moleiro muy superiores

[@bigprince8886]

Not yet not yet...

[@youssefmohamedsoliman9464]

Pedri the only one similar to them but won’t reach their level Gavi isn’t similar at all

[@calmkiller2722]

pedri will be better than iniesta trust

[@Irene-Mudaki]

please stop comparing these two duos its imposible to take pg and ix IX clear

[@saitama3150]

Not in the same league. Watched gavi play for Spain vs Morroco. he is not their level

[@tarekerri5756]

hhhh xavi ineista legends no one can be like him

[@benniz8]

true!

[@Pant10]

Bullshit, they are goat midfielder but you can never say "never" we never know the future, people said no one would be maradona back in 80s and now there's messi that's better, there can always be someone better

[@sleshhsh]

@@Pant10 fr. doesn't mean they play in the early days make them an unbeatable player

[@ramengod5768]

i thought you were gonna talk play style. stats are irrelevant football changes

[@jsurf1]

Simple, Xavi and Iniesta can’t be compared.

[@agustindiazrodriguez7863]

Pedri top 5mundial

[@mohitdeshmukh3398]

Still Xavi and iniesta >>>>>>

[@moh_7dz994]

Pedri has potential but gavi is overrated

[@Zeratrash]

Let's be honest Pedri is similar to them but gavi isn't that good and doesn't deserve playing in the started XI , he acts like a 12 yo kid

[@felixslayer1583]

Yea let's immediately compare them to legends and then wonder how they failed miserably. I'm not saying they will fail, but calling a wonder kid " the new (insert another player's name)" will fail them eventually.

[@benniz8]

I completely agree, I'm just proving the background info to the comparisons commentators are doing

[@Geohana]

They are not! Period

[@thabomjiyako8894]

They're not even close

[@benniz8]

currently no, but in the future you never know!

[@robertrodriguez9610]

JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJA

[@fernatoxic]

Not even close

[@Luis-tz6zi]

Xavi y iniesta mejor

[@jadojado3011]

There are incomparable

[@danigonzalez4299]

No. No són ni similars.

[@Paul.scholes]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@hkar4385]

7-0

[@sayan1998pal]

0%

[@bucurilie-lo4jf]

Just for the sake of making videos. If Pedri is out there, poor Gavi is a bully running around with no discipline. Now what kind of question is that? What's gone be next video? Give it some though.

[@fabriziobianchi6940]

Iniesta ans xavi were champions league winner not europa league losers

[@tlovehater]

LOL seriously?

[@benniz8]

👀

[@2PAC-96]

overrated players gavi and pedri cant even compete in champions league lmao . dont compare them to legends world cup winners and champions league winners

[@tsekeleke104]

You can't legends and these boys it's wrong stop it

[@joshuavictory8859]

They are still too weak to compare to the legends

[@realmadrid3783]

Came from a reddit post clowning on this 💀💀💀

[@benniz8]

thanks ig

[@oneshot2229]

Bro thats nonsense, you need to compare the playstyle