Steven Gerrard praises Bracelona's decision to appoint Xavi as the club's manager

Steven Gerrard thinks Barcelona pulled off a 'masterstroke' by appointing Xavi as the club's manager.

Xavi enjoyed a glittering career as a player at the Spanish side, winning the Champions League on four occasions before departing in 2015.

He returned in November to replace Ronald Koeman in the dugout, and Gerrard thinks his previous experience at the Nou Camp has helped him settled into the role.

'With the appointment of Xavi, I think it was a masterstroke by Barcelona to appoint him,' Gerrard said in the aftermath of playing against the Catalan giants in a charity match at Anfield on Saturday.

'He obviously knows the style - what all the Barcelona people want to see - and after some challenging times it looks as if they're getting back to where they need to be.

'It was obviously a huge result against Real Madrid. As a fan of Barcelona, from afar, it's really good to see them back firing well.'

Xavi made an inauspicious start as his side were eliminated from the Champions League in the group stages, while Barcelona were also beaten by Real Madrid in the Super Cup and Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey in January.

However, they appear to have turned a corner in recent weeks to move into the top four in LaLiga.

Prior to the international break, Barcelona won five straight matches, which included thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 at the Bernabeu.

They are now up to third, and just three points behind Sevilla with a game in hand.

Winning the title appears to be beyond them, though, as they are 12 points adrift of leaders Real Madrid.