Cape Town - Barcelona legend Xavi believes that Everton midfielder Ross Barkley and Liverpool midfielder Raheem Sterling have what it takes to shine at the La Liga club.
The pair have been linked with moves to some of Europe's biggest clubs, and while many English stars have found the going tough on the continent, Xavi feels that Barkley and Sterling are so technically proficient that they would be able to succeed.
"Yes, why not? I think that they could," Football411 website quotes him as saying.
"They have incredible physical capabilities and they are good technically. In Spain, we prioritise players who are technically gifted but both things are very important in football."
Sterling, who is currently contracted to Liverpool until 2017, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid on a number of occasions, while Barkley is believed to have attracted the attention of Manchester City and Chelsea. The midfielder recently penned a new five-year deal with Everton.
The pair have been linked with moves to some of Europe's biggest clubs, and while many English stars have found the going tough on the continent, Xavi feels that Barkley and Sterling are so technically proficient that they would be able to succeed.
"Yes, why not? I think that they could," Football411 website quotes him as saying.
"They have incredible physical capabilities and they are good technically. In Spain, we prioritise players who are technically gifted but both things are very important in football."
Sterling, who is currently contracted to Liverpool until 2017, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid on a number of occasions, while Barkley is believed to have attracted the attention of Manchester City and Chelsea. The midfielder recently penned a new five-year deal with Everton.