The Josep Pedrerol column: Barcelona, Xavi and the real DNA

"The important thing is the how," is what Xavi Hernandez and Joan Laporta say when they have the chance, which is almost every week. It's fundamental to win, of course, but also to play well and to show everyone the non-negotiable DNA that Pep Guardiola implanted and Xavi's not trying to recover.

We heard it after the Supercopa win against Real Madrid when, full of pride for the convincing nature of the win and the football displayed (the best since he took over), Xavi said that he stayed with the how over the trophy. Since then, there has not been any reason to boast.

Barça have been winning by the minimum scoreline with coarse and boring football. Too much passing from side to side, not enough bodies in the box and yawns in the stands. I think we are confusing ourselves. It is a mistake to relate ball possession, in its purest statistical form, with playing well.

The ultimate objective of football is to create chances, score more goals than the opposition and, therefore, win. It's that simple. For that reason, you have to take the game to the opponent, played with pace, dribble, rhythm changes and score goals. Above all, score goals. That is what the fans are paying for. Touches for the sake of touches is, simply, the philosophy applied incorrectly. Xavi knows that better than anyone.

In modern-day football, there is a worrying reality. The freedom of skilled and different players is being restricted. Before, they were essential. Now, they are under suspicion. Defending, clean sheets, security, strong midfielders and hard-working forwards take precedence. The victims, of course, are the different players, those that lift you from your seat.

It is quite clear to me: more players like Dembélé, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Luiz Henrique or Joao Félix is what we need. And also brave coaches on the pitch, not just in press conferences. Or referees that allow Spanish football to recover its rhythm, without so many stoppages for the poorly-used VAR. It seems more like a game of chess than a dynamic and passionate sport at times.

We have to recover the show. Applaud the style of Real Sociedad and Real Betis and censure this coarse style that overlooks creativity. Let's not ruin this wonderful sport called football.

Jeers and applause

• Applause for Gattuso. For not giving up, for defending the club, for speaking clearly and for asking the players' opinions to try and improve. Bravo for giving everything for Valencia.
• Predictable Gil Marín. Complaining about referees after losing to Real Madrid and not being self-critical when Madrid have come back to beat you once again.
• Bravo, U.D. Las Palmas. A historic team of Spanish football, an example of how to take care of the academy and synonymous with attacking and effective play. The leaders of the second division are close to a return to the elite, which is great news.
• Colossal Djokovic. The Serbian matched Rafa Nadal's 22 Grand Slams with an exhibition at the Australian Open which would suggest more success will follow. But Rafa, struggling with injuries, will not give up the fight to be the greatest ever.