Speaking on Romario’s YouTube channel, Xavi reflected on his time in charge at Barcelona and discussed several major names linked to the club.
On Raphinha, Xavi said he had admired the Brazilian long before the winger arrived in Spain.
“I signed Raphinha. I asked the club to sign him,” he said.
“I trusted him completely. He is a winner, attacks space, beats players one-v-one and scores goals.”
Xavi also recalled helping the winger through a difficult spell early in his Barcelona career before his recent rise in form.
On Neymar, Xavi made an eye-catching comparison.
“What I saw from Neymar in his first week with us was the closest thing to Messi,” he said.
“I haven’t seen anyone as close as Neymar was when he arrived.”
Xavi also defended his own spell as Barcelona coach, pointing to silverware and the development of young stars.
“Very proud. The club was at its worst point in history and we won two titles,” he added.
“We also left a legacy of young players who are now the backbone of the club.”