for how long can Xavi maintain that level?

he is 31 now,
with his style of play (not explosive and all), hes the kind of players that can play for a very long time.

but for how many seasons do you think he can still be part of Barca starting XI with that level?

1 or 2 more seasons.

2 seasons in the starting XI?

Although, he was noticeably tired the last quarter of the season. But a lot of players were because of the WC... Anyway, he is a Scholes-like player, who kept his quality for very long time of course, and Xavi has the added benefit of playing for Barcelona: the system lets others run.

One thing though, although I've never read these statistics from Scholes, is that Xavi generally covers the most ground of all the Barcelona players each match -- I believe something like 10K. Even though he doesn't have to run that fast, that is still very high.

As a rotation player, saved for more important games, I can see him having another 4 years.

A few more seasons.

Till messi retire's

Guiltybystander wrote:2 seasons in the starting XI?

Although, he was noticeably tired the last quarter of the season. But a lot of players were because of the WC... Anyway, he is a Scholes-like player, who kept his quality for very long time of course, and Xavi has the added benefit of playing for Barcelona: the system lets others run.

One thing though, although I've never read these statistics from Scholes, is that Xavi generally covers the most ground of all the Barcelona players each match -- I believe something like 10K. Even though he doesn't have to run that fast, that is still very high.

As a rotation player, saved for more important games, I can see him having another 4 years.

Correct, He's involved in every attack and every defense. He also touches the ball and passes it the most .
Xavi covers the most distance also, followed by dani alves, puyol and sergio busqets <- lol.

2 to 3 seasons. Then Alcantara will take over

35

Barcelona are in quite good position if Xavi ever declines

They could sign Fabregas now and hit the ground running with a new pass master if Xavi dips in form
Or they could involve Thiago Alacantara more