Rafinha looking to improve under pass-master Xavi

Rafinha looking to improve under pass-master Xavi

Barcelona player Rafinha Alcantara believes he can progress at Barcelona.

He told La Graderia: "Barcelona is a side that is very easy to adapt to, the players welcome you with open arms."

Rafinha is also happy that Xavi Hernandez is staying for another season.

"Xavi is essential in this side. As a player he is a 10, as a person an 11. Having him on the team is going to help everyone." 

The Barcelona midfielder likes the continuity, but also welcomes the new players.

"Competition between players will make us better. I'm trying to learn from them and it's a luxury to play with them every day," he said, about playing with Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and Rakitic

"Xavi and Iniesta are players we all look up to. Xavi is the one who guides us and when he speaks the rest listen and shut up." 

He praised Sergio Busquets, who now takes the No 5 shirt from Carles Puyol.

"Busquets comes from the youth academy and has years of experience in the first team. He is perfect to be one of our captains."

As for the coach, whom Rafinha knows from Barca B, he believes the club are on to a good thing.

"Luis Enrique is very clear, that is good for the players. We strive to do things the way he wants." 

He also reassured supporters the side will be playing in the same fashion.

"The Barca style of play is going to be the same as in recent years, the same quality of football but with ideas of Luis Enrique."