Xavi (footballer, born 1980)

The pass to Jordi Alba in the Euro 2012 final is the answer to anyone who thinks Xavi only circulated possession. Alba accelerated from deep, and Xavi found the angle and weight to meet that run without making him slow down. Spain's patient passing had created the conditions for a sudden direct attack. Alba's ambition and finish were essential; Xavi recognised when the safe-looking midfield possession could become something much more dangerous.