Fair argument.
And here I am not exactly disagreeing, but rather than putting some sort of brainstorm in it.
But do you think "both" can work together? this is the main issue here.
We are always a bit too lethargic with them both, always teased with a potential that never comes.
And beside that, I would argue that Gundogan is showing us (or reminding us) what a world class CM means.
Something always feels off when both are there tbh.
And then, I love the word you used with Pedri "an asset" which is a bit of an issue here, both are indeed assets, that we are trying to preserve, without asking the question of whether both can grow or maintain their asset status together.
Because we might be wasting those "assets" by looking at each one individually rather than looking at them collectively.
That's a good point. And to be honest I don't really know. Prior to EuroCopa 2008 many believed Iniesta and Xavi couldn't co-exist. Then Aragones played a midfield quartet and won the Euros (even if Xavi/Iniesta were not AS good as mythically suggested with both typically subbed out around 60/70), Pep arrived and the rest is history.
So it is possible that a new manager with new ideas can make the tandem function better.
I actually liked the Gavi-Frenkie partnership more in the brief games when they were both functioning, and before Gavi got a bit lost in his "pseudo hard man" schtick. But also, I don't think we have ever really seen Pedri and Frenkie have a run of form together. And when they did we were sidetracked with squad injuries and Pedri injuries.
Take Pedri for example, his best run (and arguably Xavi's best run was Nov22-Feb23 where we basically won every game with a hard pressing midfield quartet. Frenkie-Busi-Pedri worked great together, with Gavi closing from false AML. So we have evidence there that the duo worked together.
And since February 23, so over a year now, Frenkie and Pedri have had no consistency together. I think this season alone Pedri has completed 90 minutes in LaLiga just twice and basically been stop start with medium term injuries.
This season we have lost Busquets, switched to a forward trio, and Xavi seemingly been instructed to play more attacking. Lost Dembele, had Raphinha injured and lack attacking rights until Lamine advanced sooner than anticipated. All the while not having a smooth transition to this and our level dropping.
So in the end can Xavi-Frenkie play together? Perhaps looking over all details there is evidence that they have already when fully fit and when the team is functioning.
