The two finest midfielders of a generation meet for
one last time at the highest level on Saturday, but
which one of the two was the better player over the
course of their career?

Andrea Pirlo and Xavi are two of a dying breed.
Midfielders more about technique than physique,
their styles seem suited to a bygone era, yet they
have been able to dominate for a generation in the
maelstrom that is the modern game.
Soon they will both be gone. Xavi is off to Qatar at
the end of the current campaign, bidding farewell to
his beloved Barcelona after more than two decades
at the Catalan club. Pirlo, meanwhile, is considering
a summer exit and has said a Champions League
win would be a fitting finale to his career at this
level.
Xavi is now 35 and Pirlo 36 and both are slightly
past the peak of their powers, yet they remain vital
players for their respective clubs and brought
success to their national teams, too. Xavi helped
Spain to a World Cup win in 2010 and back-to-back
European Championship crowns in 2008 and 2012;
Pirlo also won the World Cup with Italy in 2006 and
was a losing finalist against Xavi and La Roja at
Euro 2012.
But which one was the better player? As the two
midfielders meet again for one last time at the
highest level in Saturday's Champions League final
in Berlin .