Xavi, who is described as the heartbeat of Barcelona and Spain, has today revealed that Paul Scholes is the player to look up to.

“Paul Scholes! A role model,” said Xavi. “For me – and I really mean this – he’s the best central midfielder I’ve seen in the last 15, 20 years. I’ve spoken to Xabi Alonso about him. He’s spectacular, he has it all: the last pass, goals, he’s strong, he doesn’t lose the ball, vision. If he’d been Spanish he might have been rated more highly. Players love him.”