Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has revealed his thoughts on a number of players, including Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Andrea Pirlo.
Xavi appeared on Espacio Reservado, a Spanish television programme, and was interviewed on a range of subjects.
When the topic of Messi was raised, the playmaker held little back in his praise of his long-time teammate.
“Leo is already the best ever. It’s taken eight years to be the best in the world. I don’t know if there’s a similar case, maybe Pele,” Xavi suggested.
“When Luis Figo joined Real Madrid it was a shock. He was the best and he went to our rivals. It’d be like Messi now going to Madrid.”
Talk turned to two midfielders greatly admired by Xavi, his colleague for club and country Iniesta and Pirlo, who Xavi has watched from afar.
“Iniesta is the most talented Spanish player in history,” Xavi insisted.
“I notice how Spain have so many different midfielders – Iniesta, David Silva, at Arsenal there’s Santi Cazorla, now there’s Denis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic.
“But when I see Pirlo I think he’s wonderful. I watch Juventus just to see him.
“Then there are midfielders not so valued in Spain, like Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets.”
