Barcelona Impressed by Real Madrid's signings

He may have departed Catalonia a couple of years ago, but Xavi Hernandez has closely followed the progress of his former team Barcelona and has stated that abandoning the exceptional academy work is the club's major mistake.

A product of La Masia himself, Xavi placed emphasis on the Blaugrana's football style, which he feels needs to be taught across all youth categories of a club.

"In general, Barcelona have been sleeping," he told The Tactical Room.

"They have to strengthen the youth academy and their model of play.

"Young players have to learn this form of play so that when they get into the first team they already have the concepts properly learned."

The former Spain international went on to praise Real Madrid's transfer policy and the spirit inside the dressing room under Zinedine Zidane.

"[Real Madrid] made very good signings," he said.

"Nowadays they dominate all the aspects [of the game]: the counterattack, the positional attack, holding the ball and retreating.

"They have a very good mix [of players], who are fast and strong and believe in Zidane."

Following the general approval of Ernesto Valverde's introduction as the new coach of Los Cules by his current players, Xavi gave his own compliments to the former Athletic Club tactician.

"I like the bet on Valverde," he noted.

"He's a prepared person, he has experience, he knows the club and he has lived through the style, so will do well.

"His arrival signifies a return to the orthodox style."

Valverde and his charges are currently preparing for their tour of the United States, where he'll oversee his first matches in charge.