Xavi: "We have to use Henry more"

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Xavi Hernández has not doubts that Thierry Henry will rediscover his best form with FC Barcelona and stated that he has been impressed with the way the midfield has operated in the absence of the injured players.

The Catalan playmaker explained that he was a fan of Henry when he played for Arsenal and still sees him as one of the best forwards in world football. "Henry is a great player, an extraordinary talent," he said. "It is normal that while he is adapting that he is not at the level he showed for Arsenal yet. But it is only a matter of time."

A fan of Henry

The arrival of Henry has added great depth to the squad and given coach Frank Rijkaard more options, according to Xavi. "He is very quick and has a fifth or a sixth gear," he continued. "Maybe we should make more use of that, which is one of his strengths. He is player that can do anything and it is important that we help him. The team is working towards playing more directly at certain stages in games. We have to improve those things tactically and are working on thm in training."

Messi, Gudjohnsen and Touré

Reflecting on the possibility that Lionel Messi may miss Sunday's game against Almería, as he continues to work on a specific fitness programme, Xavi believes that all the forwards are important, although he had special praise for the Argentinian. "He is a complete player, one of those that has everything and it is not longer potential, it is reality," he explained.

On Eidur Gudjohnsen's return to the team, Xavi stated: "He is a player that operate in midfield and has great technique." With Touré Yaya set to return, Xavi stated: "He allows us to do other things, to dedicate ourselves to more creative tasks."

Almería outlook

Looking ahead to the game against Almería, Xavi believes that the visitors to Camp Nou will not play in the same manner as Rangers did in midweek. "I do not think that they will have the same approach," he said. "They are a daring team, who like to pass the ball and in the Bernabéu they played very well. They go out to play attacking football and that could be good for us."