Xavi was a world class player earlier too but his qualities became much more emphasized under Pep.
So before being coached by Pep how was Xavi regarded?
Iniesta>Pirlo>>Xavi
Pirlo was regarded higher, while Seedorf was more regarded than Pirlo back then. Barca were having ups and downs during that period, including 2007/08. The season Barca won the double (2005/06), Xavi got an injury and missed out from the quarterfinals onwards, while Milan were flying in Europe that period.
Pirlo never got to the heights Xavi reached though.
Its Pirlo for sure, Xavi hasn’t really “impressed” people during 2008 yet. However after winning 2 euros, 1 wc & 2 ucl within 5 years, I’m pretty sure the debate would be over.
Before 08 I’d say Pirlo. He’d been to a few CL finals and obviously won the WC.
Post-08 it’s surely Xavi. Part of arguably the best team ever.
Strangely, both are regarded as amongst the best midfielders ever, but in their respective teams were probably 4th most important, with Pirlo at AC behind Sheva, Kaka and Maldini, and Xavi behind Messi, Iniesta, and Pique.