Barcelona midfielder Xavi will hit a landmark when he turns out for the Catalans in this evening’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.

 

When the 31-year-old steps onto the Bernabeu pitch, he will be clocking up his 600th official appearance for Barcelona – a real feat.

 

Indeed, Xavi will join a select group of players who have made 600 or more appearances with one side, entering the special hall of fame alongside Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) and Javier Zanetti (Inter).

 

Xavi made his Barcelona debut in 1998 and it is a sign of just how important his tempo-setting midfield play is to the Catalans that he is an ever-present whenever fit.

 

The pass-master still has many years ahead and could well reach another milestone – 700 games – which would be exceptional with the Camp Nou giants.

 

Xavi is also in the running for the 2011 Ballon d’Or, sitting on the shortlist with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

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