Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez sees that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's sheer speed coupled with his work rate can be a crucial addition to the club at this point in the campaign.

Aubameyang completed his multiyear free transfer move to Barca this past week. This came after he officially parted ways with Arsenal following a contract termination agreement. The veteran striker finished with 92 goals scored in all competitions and two trophies won over his run with Arsenal.

In speaking during a press conference ahead of Barca’s La Liga home fixture against Atletico Madrid, Xavi was asked about his comments regarding Aubameyang in 2020, when he noted that a player like the former Borussia Dortmund talent can “kill you in open space.” The Spanish manager opened up on just what he meant by this and also went in-depth on what the striker will bring to the club.

“No, I didn’t say he wasn’t useful for Barca,” Xavi said. “I said he was missing aspects, that there were other players, like Luis Suarez.

“He can help us. He can give us speed, he's fast, he has a goal, he helps in high pressure. We have to take advantage of him.”

Xavi will have a number of options on just how to utilize Aubameyang, but for the longtime striker, he is simply aiming to contribute to the club. He recently noted that Xavi sees him as a striker, although he is also open to playing out wide as a winger.

Aubameyang could end up making his Barca debut in the upcoming clash with Atletico Madrid. He has featured in individual training as of late and was included in the squad list for the match.

A win for Barcelona over Atletico Madrid would see the Catalan side move into the fourth spot in the La Liga standings.