Xavi is flattered by teammate's comparison of him with French legend Zinedine Zidane ahead of his 100th game for Spain against Czech republic tonight
Xavi is flattered by teammate's comparison of him with French legend Zinedine Zidane ahead of his 100th game for Spain against Czech republic tonightSpain midfielder Xavi is flattered with his comparison with French legend Zinedine Zidane, he said yesterday on the eve of his 100th appearance for his country as reported by The Globe and Mail.
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| Xavi Hernandez. PIC/GETTY IMAGES |
"Those are strong words to compare me with Zidane but in any case for me it's an honour to hear that from a teammate," Xavi said, ahead of the world and European champions Euro 2012 qualifier against Czech Republic in Granada tonight.
Spain teammate Javi Martinez had earlier compared Xavi with the former playmaker Zidane. "Xavi is an example for all, he is authentically world class," he told Marca.
"For people like me, he is the example to follow.
"It will be hard to find another player like him in years to come. I didn't play alongside Zidane, but Xavi is very much like him.
u00a0Spain skipper Iker Casillas also lavished praise on Xavi: "I have spent a lot of time with him, I was lucky enough to grow up with him.
"As a person he is fun and people appreciate him and respect him. They always have good words for him. He is a great captain for Barcelona."
A win for Spain at Los Carmenes could go a long way towards the world champions qualifying for the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine next summer.
They also face Lithuania in Kaunas next Tuesday.
"There is no doubt these are six very important points, especially the three tomorrow," Del Bosque added. "If we win here (in Granada) we will be well on the way. And people should be aware of our need to win. We will have extraordinary support and that will be transported to the players."
Spain currently top Group I in the competition, with a 100 per cent record after winning three out of three group fixtures.
