Xavi has hailed Kevin De Bruyne for being "on another level" compared to other midfielders and named Pep Guardiola as the best manager in the world.
De Bruyne, 29, exhibited his brilliance in full force last season as he scored 16 times and registered an impressive 23 assists across all competitions.
Manchester City failed to retain the Premier League title, but De Bruyne still scooped the Player of the Year award as his side finished second and captured the League Cup.
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However, De Bruyne's impressive form has earned him the highest of praises from Xavi, who is widely revered as one of the best midfielders of all time.
The 40-year-old Barcelona legend told Qatar Airways: "Kevin de Bruyne, from Manchester City, seems to me on another level, brutal, he is able to make a difference. He is the best midfielder in the world and relatively young."
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Xavi, who was previously linked with a return to Barcelona as manager, has been the head coach of Qatari side Al Sadd since 2019.
The Spanish World Cup winner played under Guardiola during the City boss' incredible managerial spell at the Camp Nou from 2008 to 2012.
And Xavi still believes that the 49-year-old Spaniard is the best manager in world football at the moment ahead of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
The former Barcelona star explained: "Pep is the best manager in the world. He has given a twist to our sport.
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"He is very good for what he transmits and his leadership ability. In addition, the way he convinced us, he is very good."
Xavi went on to praise Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk as the best defender in football at the moment.
"I would choose Van Dijk due to his leadership, physical strength and good technical ability," he said.
Featured Image Credit: PA/Qatar AirwaysTopics: Xavi, Manchester City, Liverpool, Football News, Football, Pep Guardiola, REds, Premier League, Virgil Van Dijk, Kevin de Bruyne