Spain midfielder Xavi has been named by UEFA as the Castrol Player of the Tournament for Euro 2008.
He was judged to be at the heartbeat of Spain's midfield during the tournament to help his side ending a 44 year title drought with a 1-0 victory over Germany in the final.
The Barcelona player was voted by nine coaches in UEFA's panel of technical experts.
The selection also took account fans voting online on the Castrol Performance Index website.
Xavi was key for La Furia Roja thanks to his superb short passing game and ability to break down opposition attacks.
His ability to dictate the pace of the game from midfield was extremely influential.
The 28-year-old started in five matches and scored once, against Russia in the semi-final.
He also created the goal for Fernando Torres in the final.
UEFA Technical Director Andy Roxburgh said in the UEFA's official website: "We chose him because we think he epitomises the Spanish style of play.
He was extremely influential in the whole possession, passing, penetrating kind of game that Spain played. It was him who gave the team its tempo."
He was judged to be at the heartbeat of Spain's midfield during the tournament to help his side ending a 44 year title drought with a 1-0 victory over Germany in the final.
The Barcelona player was voted by nine coaches in UEFA's panel of technical experts.
The selection also took account fans voting online on the Castrol Performance Index website.
Xavi was key for La Furia Roja thanks to his superb short passing game and ability to break down opposition attacks.
His ability to dictate the pace of the game from midfield was extremely influential.
The 28-year-old started in five matches and scored once, against Russia in the semi-final.
He also created the goal for Fernando Torres in the final.
UEFA Technical Director Andy Roxburgh said in the UEFA's official website: "We chose him because we think he epitomises the Spanish style of play.
He was extremely influential in the whole possession, passing, penetrating kind of game that Spain played. It was him who gave the team its tempo."
| Games Played | Games Started | Minutes Played |  |  |  |
| 5 | 5 | 365 | 1 |
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